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Religious Symbols Meanings – Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic

Meanings of the Religious Symbols from the Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic Traditions:

Christian Symbols

The Christian CrossThe Christian Cross Meaning

The Christian Cross is one of the earliest and most widely used Christian symbols. The cross is a sign both of the faith of Christian and of Christ himself.

However, the cross is found in both non-Christian and pre-Christian cultures. The cross began to see more common use throughout Christianity, beginning with the fourth Century and Emperor Constantine.

Crown of ThornsCrown of Thorns

For Christians, the crown of thorns is a reminder that Jesus was willing to endure the shame, the insults, and pain, all on our account. In Matthew 27:28-29, we read, “And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!'”

Christian DoveChristian Dove

The dove has been used among numerous Christian denominations as a general symbol for new beginnings, purity, and peace, as well as a symbol for the Holy Spirit.

All four Gospels include the account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in bodily form like a dove (John 1:32; Luke 3:22; Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16).

Note – the dove became an iconic symbol of the mother goddess in the Ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. 

Christian FishChristian Fish symbol meaning

The fish was meaningful to Christians because of the many accounts from Jesus’ life involving fish. Twice, Jesus provided a miraculous draught of fish for His disciples (John 21:4–6; Luke 5:4–7).

The Greek word for ”fish” is ”ichthus,” which works as an acrostic for I = Jesus, C = Christ, TH = God’s, U = Son, S = Savior).

Catholic Symbols

The LambThe Lamb symbol meaning

In the Gospels, Jesus is specifically identified as “the lamb of God.” In John 1:29, we read: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Crossed KeysCrossed Keys symbol meaning

These two crossed keys are a symbol of the papacy. In the Gospel of Matthew (16:19), Jesus said to Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Fleur de LisFleur de Lis symbol meaning

A medieval emblem in France representing the lily as a symbol of purity.

The Sacred HeartThe Sacred Heart meaning

The Sacred Heart represents Jesus Christ’s actual heart as His love for all of humanity. Saint Gertrude the Great was an early devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Alpha and OmegaAlpha and Omega symbol meaning

Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters, respectively, of the Greek alphabet. Alpha and Omega refer to the eternal nature of Christ. In Revelation 22:13, we read: ”I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

CrucifixCrucifix symbol meaning

A crucifix is a cross with a depiction of Jesus on it. To Catholics, the crucifix is a symbol that signifies the focal point of their beliefs – that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity.

Hindu Symbols

The LotusThe Lotus symbol meaning

The lotus is the foremost symbol of fertility, prosperity, and beauty.

The Shiva LingamThe Shiva Lingam symbol meaning

The Shiva Linga is a symbol that represents Lord Shiva in Hinduism.

In Sanskrit, Linga means a “mark” or a ”symbol.”

RudrakshaRudraksha symbol meaning

Rudraksha is a seed that is used as a prayer bead in Hinduism. Necklaces made of Rudraksha beads are considered auspicious.

TilakaTilaka symbol meaning

The Tilaka Symbol is an auspicious mark worn usually on the forehead, between the eyebrows. The marks are made with a metal stamp or by hand.

The Sri YantraThe Sri Yantra symbol meaning

The Sri Yantra is considered the visual equivalent of Sri Vidya, a mantra of 15 syllables. The outside square represents mundane emotions such as worldly desires, fear, and anger, while the outer square represents the earth element.

The SwastikaThe Swastika symbol meaning

The swastika is a cross with four arms of equal length, with the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, swastika means “well-being.” It is also seen as a power symbol and is also the emblem of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings.

Om (or Aum)Om (or Aum) symbol meaning

Hindus consider Aum to be the universal name of the Lord and that it surrounds all of creation.

Buddhist Symbols

The Bodhi TreeThe Bodhi Tree symbol meaning

The Bodhi tree is the tree under which Gautama Buddha found enlightenment.

The Eternal KnotThe Endless Knot (or Eternal Knot) Meaning in Buddhism

The eternal knot evokes the cyclic nature of rebirth.

The Dharma WheelThe Dharma Wheel symbol meaning

It represents the teachings of Buddha.

The Vase

The Buddhist treasure vase is a symbol of prosperity and wealth.

The Banner of Victory

It was adopted by early Buddhists to celebrate the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.

The Conch Shell

It is associated with truthful speech and strength.

The Two Golden FishThe Two Golden Fish symbol meaning

It represents happiness and good fortune.

The Parasol

In Buddhism, the parasol is a symbol of royal dignity. The parasol is part of The Ashtamangala.

Jewish Symbols

KetubahKetubah symbol meaning

A Ketubah is a formal contract in a Jewish religious marriage.

HamsaHamsa symbol meaning

The hamsa symbolizes the “hand of God.” 

READ MORE: 10 Yoga Symbols

Star of DavidStar of David symbol meaning

It is composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles, one pointing up and the other pointing down. The Star of David appears on the flag of the State of Israel, Jewish tombstones, and synagogues.

READ MORE: 11 Celtic Symbols

MenorahMenorah symbol meaning

The word “menorah” is Hebrew for “lamp.” It represents the 7 days of creation.

READ MORE: Ancient Protection Symbols Against Evil

Islamic Symbols

Rub el Hizb

It is used to facilitate the recitation of the Quran.

The Star and CresentThe Star and Cresent symbol meaning

The Star and Cresent is a symbol of the Islamic faith; however, some Muslims consider it un-Islamic and even blasphemous.

READ THIS NEXT: 21 Alchemy Symbols

Images credit – Shutterstock.com
References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/cross-religious-symbol
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cross

Jesse kamei

Sunday 3rd of May 2020

Thank for indispensable stuffs I obtained. I learned and opened my eyes precious asset.