Said to be the first shape invented by Man, the
square represents the created Universe as opposed to the spiritual
dimensions depicted by the circle.
The square represents the Earth and the four elements. Plato described
the square, like the circle, as being “absolutely beautiful in itself.”
Like the cross, the square is associated with the number 4. A square
has four corners; to speak of the “four corners of the Earth” is
something of an anomaly since the Earth is round, without corners. All
the symbolism of the number 4 is encompassed within the square, and it
is interesting to note that, just as the square represents the created
Universe, in the Hebrew faith the Holy Name of the Creator is comprised
of four letters.
The square gives man a safe, static reference point,
and a stable, unmoving shape as opposed to the continual motion of the
circle.
Temples and holy buildings are often built in the form
of a square, solidly designed to align with the four points of the
compass. The Ka’aba at Mecca is a fine example, as is the base of the
Buddhist Stupa. Altars, too, are square. Square shapes define limits and
create boundaries; to speak of someone as being “square” means that
they are fixed and unchangeable.