Symbolism of shapes

[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?

[TalnSG]

I really wish you had gotten some response to the questions, Dakuten. While I have some depth in the symbology spirals, even in Japan, I seriously doubt any ancient interpretation of spirals would fit this use and I am curious about it too.

Surely its not a trend started by the Spiral anime.