Why can the same symbol give different meanings in different societies?

Because a symbol's meaning is shaped by cultural understanding and tradition

The governing concept is cultural context in the interpretation of symbols. A symbol is not understood only by its visible shape; its meaning develops through a society’s stories, religious ideas, historical experiences, customs, and shared associations. Consequently, the same colour, animal, gesture, or object can suggest honour in one society and mourning, danger, or protection in another. Option B is correct because cultural understanding and tradition give symbols their socially recognised meanings. Option A is factually and logically false, while C ignores learned associations. Option D is also false because the difficulty lies in interpretation, not in the viewer’s ability to see the symbol.

This is a Class 9 Art Education question. Chapter: Introduction to Art. Topic: Meaning of art.