Symbols

Symbols are a core part of the world of Journey. Every creature has a symbol, which is thought to represent their name, and/or to reflect their unique soul.

Symbols are generally made up of four "characters" arranged in a box.

Loose Symbols
There are 21 loose symbols scattered throughout Rythulia. Each one will add a little bit of length to your Scarf, thus extending how long you can fly. Collecting all 21 of them will unlock the option to wear the White Cloak. You do NOT need to collect all 21 symbols in a single playthrough.

These symbols are pretty easy to spot if they're on screen, as they rotate through a different sets of characters. They also glow, which can make them easy to see in the dark. That said, a number of symbols are hidden in tricky places, so having them onscreen in the first place is NOT a guarantee, especially on your first playthrough.

Symbols that you haven't collected before will have a string of lights that circles around them. Symbols that have been collected will lack those lights.

Primary Symbols
"Like a War Machine even needs horns!"

- Klowny

There's a specific set of symbols used for player characters. 21 of them are programmed into the game, though only 20 are known to occur naturally. The symbol that the game shows for you is picked randomly whenever you start a new game, and the odds of having the same symbol twice in a row are low. The game will also pick a random symbol (different from yours) for each player you meet - each player will usually see a different set of symbols for themselves and their companion.

Anything that makes a Wayfarer glow will also cause their symbol to glow on their chest. The symbol will also appear while Chirping and will even show on the chest before a Shout.

Aside from on Gravestones and the stones near the Wardrobe, these symbols don't occur anywhere else.

Videos
Symbol collecting guide https://youtu.be/HcT1JcL1dDM

Speculation
Loose symbols could be seen as a spark of life that hasn't taken a stable form.

The Wayfarers randomly receiving new symbols after rebirth could represent not just rebirth, but reincarnation; being reborn with a new name, a new personality, and with memories of past lives being lost.

In Fandom
Fans will often use custom symbols for their characters. Fan characters will usually keep their symbols - and memories - after rebirth.

Black Cloaks may lack a symbol, implying that they are "soulless." They may also be incapable of picking up loose symbols.

A fanmade, expanded list of symbols can be found here. Similarly, you can find a random symbol generator (complete with symbol names, based on the appearance) here and a font based on Journey symbols here.