The OA is a show that rewards close attention. Every frame, every sound, every movement carries weight. Its symbols are not just decorative; they are keys to understanding the story's deeper layers. This guide explores the most important symbols in The OA, from the crest to the movements, and what they reveal about the characters and their journey.
The Crest and Its Hidden Messages
The multicolored swirl - often called the crest - is the most recognizable symbol in The OA. It appears on Prairie's jacket, in the FBI agent's office, and even in the tattoos of some characters. At first glance, it looks like an abstract spiral, but its meaning goes much deeper. The crest represents the five senses, arranged in a specific order: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. But it also symbolizes something more profound: the idea that our perception of reality is limited and that there are dimensions beyond our physical senses.
In the show, the crest is associated with the movements and the ability to travel between dimensions. It appears whenever a character is on the verge of a revelation or a transition. The colors in the crest - red, blue, yellow, green, and purple - correspond to the chakras in Hindu tradition, but the show adds its own layer by linking each color to a specific movement. For example, the red part of the crest corresponds to the first movement, which opens the root chakra and anchors the body. This connection between the crest and the movements suggests that the crest is not just a logo but a map of interdimensional travel.
The Five Movements: Symbolism Through Dance
The five movements are a series of dance-like gestures that, when performed in sequence, open a portal to another dimension. Each movement has a specific purpose and emotional resonance. The first movement is about grounding and connection to the earth. It involves slow, deliberate steps and arm movements that mimic pushing away fear. The second movement is about opening the heart, with gestures that expand the chest and reach outward, symbolizing trust and vulnerability.
The third movement is the most intense - it represents letting go of control. The dancer spins, falls, and rises, mirroring the chaos of surrendering to the unknown. The fourth movement is about integration, where the dancer weaves together the energies of the previous movements with flowing, circular motions. The fifth and final movement is the release - a sudden, sharp gesture that cracks open the dimension. Together, these movements form a physical prayer, a way to transcend the limitations of the body.
The symbolism of the movements extends beyond the plot. They are a metaphor for the emotional journey of trauma survivors. Prairie's movements are born from her near-death experience and her years in captivity. Each movement represents a stage of healing: facing fear, opening to connection, releasing control, integrating experiences, and finally, finding freedom. This is why the movements resonate so deeply with audiences - they are not just magic; they are a map of human resilience.
The Haptic Glove and Technology Themes
The haptic glove is a device created by Hap to measure the electrical impulses in the brain during near-death experiences. On the surface, it is a piece of technology designed for scientific research. But symbolically, the glove represents the clash between mechanistic science and the ineffable mystery of consciousness. Hap believes he can capture and replicate the experience of the afterlife by recording brain data, but the glove never fully succeeds. It can measure, but it cannot create.
The gloves also have a tactile symbolism. They are worn by Hap and later by OA, and they allow the wearer to "feel" the electrical activity of another person's brain. This connects to the theme of empathy and the idea that true understanding requires more than observation - it requires connection. When OA puts on the glove, she is not just reading brain signals; she is feeling someone else's experience. This is a powerful metaphor for the show's message: that we can only understand each other by opening ourselves to shared experience.
Interdimensional Symbols: From the House to the School
The OA uses physical locations as symbols of different dimensions. The house where Prairie is held captive by Hap is a cold, sterile environment with no windows and harsh lighting. It represents the trap of the material world, where the characters are cut off from the natural rhythms of life. In contrast, the school where the boys practice the movements is warm, full of windows, and surrounded by trees. It symbolizes growth, hope, and the possibility of escape.
Other symbols include the trees themselves, which appear as portals or guides in the show. The tree in the backyard of the house is where OA has her visions, and the tree at the school is where the boys gather to practice. Trees are universal symbols of connection between earth and sky, and in The OA they represent the link between our world and other dimensions. The show also uses the symbol of water - particularly the drowning scene - as a threshold between life and death, consciousness and unconsciousness.
These locations and elements are not just set dressing; they are carefully chosen to reinforce the show's themes of imprisonment and liberation, science and spirit, isolation and community. By paying attention to these symbols, viewers can unlock deeper layers of meaning and appreciate the intricate design of Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij's vision.
The OA is a show that invites interpretation. Whether you see the crest as a map of consciousness or the movements as a dance of healing, the symbols are there to guide you through the story's emotional and philosophical landscape. And if you feel inspired to carry a piece of that symbolism with you, we have a selection of merchandise that celebrates the show's iconic imagery. Check out our collection to find items that honor the spirit of The OA.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our OA-inspired merch that captures the show's essence - from crest designs to movement motifs. Every item is a tribute to the journey of discovery.
