The Ring & Rod
The Ring and Rod of Ancient Mesopotamia and Super Bowl Symbolism
The ring and rod of ancient Mesopotamia symbolized divine authority, cosmic order, and the connection between heaven and earth. Often depicted in the hands of gods or kings, the ring represented eternity and unity, while the rod symbolized leadership and power.
At last year’s Super Bowl halftime show, Usher’s circular stage and vertical rod-like structures echoed these ancient symbols. The design seemed to tap into deeper themes—portals, eclipses, and possibly even particle colliders—hinting at rituals that bridge the cosmic and the earthly.
The performance carried an air of intentional symbolism, connecting ancient archetypes to modern spectacles. Whether deliberate or not, the stage appeared to channel the timeless interplay of power, cycles, and the unseen forces that shape our reality.