There is a small but growing number of Filipinos that believe that the symbols of the baybayin writing system have deeper meanings. It is not uncommon for letters, pictographs and symbols to have deep hidden meanings—even magical power, for cultures around the world have rich histories and stories connected to symbols, letters and written words. Other countries and cultures too have symbols and writing systems that were multi-dimensional, that is, their writing systems in application could not only be read as words and every day messages or chronicles, but also could convey that meanings that were profound, sacred or even used as divination. Norse, Druidic, Tibetan, Hindu and Hebrew many other samples will be shared at this website. For more examples go to Parallels.
The Hebrew Letter of Aleph
Here is an apocryphal story of Jesus that illustrates the Hebrew belief that the
Hebrew alphabet has sacred meanings:Jesus is now sent to school to a person named Zaccheus, who writes out the Hebrew alphabet for him, and bids him say the letters. Jesus, after he has pronounced Aleph, refuses to utter Beth till his teacher has explained the meaning of Aleph. The master threatens to whip him, whereupon the pupil begins to teach his master the meaning of both Aleph and Beth, together with the signification of the vowel-points, and all other things pertaining to Hebrew orthography. The teacher now, in amazement, exclaims, “I believe this boy was born before Noah,” and, turning to Joseph, he says, ” Thou hast brought a boy to me to be taught, who is more learned than any master.”
(Source: Page 310, The prophet of Nazareth, by Evan Powell Meredith, 1864).
Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and carries many deeper, spiritual meanings such as a call to study the Torah. Hebrew theologians also believe that it means God, divinity, Israel, and Adam, the noblest of God’s creations, and God’s Oneness and Master. (Source: The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet, Michael L. Munk, 1986)
For more examples go to Parallels.