There are
three points to why I love triangles:
- Simplicity
- Universality
- Potential
A bit of a math geek, I adore simple geometric forms. There is something particularly satisfying about a triangle. t can be balanced perfectly in its equilateral form, or explore obtuse angles, or stretch into an elongated isosceles. Practically every
culture understands what a triangle is and perhaps it is a popular form throughout the ages due to its simplicity but lack of frequency in
nature. Some fractal patterns and crystals take triangular form. One could even look at a spider's web and find them in the corners. Shark's teeth are long and pointed, but never a "true" triangle. Cross sections of oranges, star fruit and leaves too. Trying to wrack my brain to find more examples, but the triangle is more elusive than it first appears.
It seems that mother nature rebukes the humble triangle, but humans have been fascinated with them (and other geometric forms) for millennial.
Form follows function. Perhaps
prehistoric triangles were just representations of arrow heads or other tools. The triangle adapts its form to context. Here we can see the
Mason's interlocking triangles:
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"The Double Triangle of Solomon", represented by the two ancients of the Cabbala the Macroprosopus and the Microprosopus, the god of light and the God of Reflections, from Eliphas Levi's Transcendental Magic, 1896
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Separate from mathematical considerations of the triangle (e.g. Pythagoras), people see something more to its shape, be it magical or otherwise. From two-dimensional to three-dimensional, the triangle leaps into a pyramid, which immediately brings to mind the ancient
Egyptians. Even here, the pyramid remains somewhat mysterious. It has been thought of as the shape of the primordial mound, the first bit of land (Benben), created by the first god or dropped into the endless sea by the phoenix. This latter story claims that the first bit of land was the egg of the phoenix (Bennu bird). Other tales claim that the Benben was a meteorite, like this one that the Egyptians carved to follow its natural pyramidal form:
The potential of the triangle is limitless. It can be applied to every surface, incorporated in every art form. It is simple to create and is recognisable worldwide. What isn't there to love about triangles!
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