Answer:
they are symbols on a key board or they can be like little god statues like the buddha, go on Google type in buddha icon (click images first) go to the third page and click the very first pitchure you see. (in the center left hand corner ^<<) the one next to the pinkish flower. that is an idea of an icon. but that's what i believe.
I hope this helped if not go to wikipedia.com and type in icon in the search box.
Hope i helped a bit :D!!!! ^-^ byes (crital89)