Historians believe that cacao seeds were also used in marriage ceremonies as a sign of the union between a husband and wife.

VOA: special.2010.02.17

That means early signs of economic recovery, like the way plants begin to shoot up from the ground as a sign of spring.

VOA: special.2009.05.08

But the Republican victory in liberal Massachusetts was seen in large part as a sign of voter anger across the country about the economy.

VOA: special.2010.01.22

The public saw the elections as a sign of hope that reasonable people might find a way to settle the bitter dispute over slavery.

VOA: special.2009.06.18

Confederate General Robert E.Lee saw it as a sign of weakness in the northern war effort.

VOA: special.2009.11.05

They said it would be seen as a sign of weakness.

VOA: special.2009.12.10

Whitman writes about grass as a sign of everlasting life.

VOA: special.2009.04.12

Mr.Obama welcomed the Israeli announcement as a sign of progress, but the Palestinians say it is a publicity stunt.

VOA: standard.2009.08.21

Their caskets come through this village and hundreds line the street as a sign of respect.

VOA: standard.2009.11.11

Ambassador Beyrle points to the recent Strategic Arms Reduction Agreement as a sign of better relations.

VOA: standard.2010.05.07

No dear,Nature made you so perfectly that this small defect shocks me as being a sign of earthly imperfection."

VOA: special.2009.09.26

The ancient Egyptians used a drawing of the eye of Horus as a magic sign to protect themselves from disease,suffering and evil.

VOA: special.2009.03.22

"A sign of progress that I relish, not just as a father who wants limitless possibilities for my daughters, but as an American proud that our Supreme Court will be a little more inclusive, a little more representative, more reflective of us as a people than ever before."

VOA: special.2010.08.20

"As President,I will sign a Universal Health Care plan into law by the end of my first term in office."

VOA: standard.2010.03.25

Nevertheless,rising confidence is a welcome sign, as consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S.economic activity.

VOA: standard.2009.08.25

Prime Minister Meles sat down de-facto with three opposition politicians last week to sign what was hailed as a landmark electoral Code of Conduct.

VOA: standard.2009.11.01

"It's set to take over from North America in absolute terms of movement and I think that's a good sign as well that intra-Asia, the demand is definitely coming back."

VOA: standard.2010.02.04

"We're looking for concrete steps. And we take it as a positive sign that they've agreed in principle to take a couple of significant steps the opening of the Qom facility, and then working out a procedure for having their low-enriched uranium re-processed in another country.

VOA: standard.2009.10.24