[Dakuten]

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate sub-forum to post this in, but I'll ask it here anyway.

I know that certain colours have symbolism in Japan, such as black suggesting evil in certain settings or blue suggesting loyalty. Are there certain shapes/patterns that have special meaning in Japanese art or otherwise, also?

On a related note, I've heard that it's common for Japanese junior high students who doodle in textbooks to draw spirals (渦巻き) on people's faces. Do spirals have a special significance?