The Parish of Porth Newydd
Christian Symbols
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The cross is one of the earliest
and most widely used Christian symbol. In the most broad sense it symbolizes
the religion of Christianity (and so appears at the top of this page).
More specifically, it represents and memorializes Christ's death. A great
variety of crosses has developed, some with specific symbolic meaning
and others that have simply become culturally associated with certain
groups. The simplest and most common cross is the Latin cross, pictured at left. It may not have come into use until the 2nd or 3rd century. The empty cross, usually favored by Protestants, reminds Christians of the resurrection, while the crucifix, with Jesus on it, favored by Catholic and Orthodox churches, is a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. |
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Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet, signify the Eternity of GOD, Who, without beginning or end, cannot be conceived of except under human limitations |
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The chi rho is one of the earliest Christian symbols. It consists of the first two letters of Christ in Greek (X?) superimposed on one another. It is depicted in a variety of ways, and sometimes combined with the alpha and omega and other Christian symbols. |
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The dove, especially when depicted with a three-barred halo, represents the Holy Spirit. When portrayed without a halo, the dove is a symbol of peace. The image of seven doves surrounding the letters "SS" (Latin Spiriti Sancti, "Holy Spirit") symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise (Rev. 5:12). |
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The Flames of Fire signify the HOLY Ghost, as He descended upon the Apostles on Pentecost. [One example is a candle flame; thus the mass candles indicate the presence of God.] |
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The fish was an early symbol of Christianity that endures today on bumper stickers and businesses as a sign of Christian faith. The fish is thought to have been chosen by the early Christians for several reasons: the Greek word for fish "Ixthus", works nicely as an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior," it would not be an obvious Christian symbol to persecutors, and Jesus' ministry is associated with fish in that he chose several fishermen to be his disciples and declared he would make them "fishers of men." It is said that during the persecution of the early church, a Christian meeting someone new would draw a single arc in the sand. If the other person was a Christian, he or she would complete the drawing of a fish with a second arc. If the second person was not a Christian, the ambiguity of the drawing would not reveal the first person as a Christian. |
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I. H. S. are initials of the Holy Name. They are generally taken to stand for "Jesus hominum Salvator," (Jesus the Savior of men), but more likely they are an abbreviated form of the first letters of the words Jesus Christ, with a cross between them, as written in Greek. |
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In Christian symbolism, the lamb represents Jesus, "the lamb of God" (agnus Dei). (Jn 1:29, Rev 5:12) Standing with a banner, the lamb represents the risen Christ triumphant over death. Standing with a cross and a gash in its side, it symbolizes the passion of Christ. Seated on a throne or a book, the lamb represents the judgment of Christ. Because the lamb is humble, gentle, and innocent, lambs are often engraved on the tombstones of children. |
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The halo (or nimbus) is the gold circle drawn behind the heads of figures in Christian art. Generally, the halo represents holiness. The circle represents eternity or eternal life. The halo with three bars (as seen at right) signifies a member of the Trinity. |
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Palm branches were used by the Romans as a symbol of victory, and were adopted by the Christians as a similar symbol. Martyrs are sometimes portrayed holding palm branches as a sign of their victory over death. In the Gospels, the crowd lauded Christ with palm branches at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, so they are also a symbol of Christ's passion. Palm branches naturally are a central symbol used on Palm Sunday. |
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The Candles symbolize that Our LORD was the Light of the World. The Six "Standard Lights" have this meaning. Where two larger ones or "Eucharistic Lights" are used they represent CHRIST'S Divine and Human Natures. The Seven Branch or Vesper Lights tell of the Seven Gifts of the HOLY GHOST or the Seven Sacraments. There has always been large deviation as to the number of lights used at Services. A beautiful meaning attached to Candles in general when used in worship is that Wax... symbolizes Our LORD'S Body born of the Virgin Mary, the Wick His Soul, the Flame His Divinity, thus setting forth the Mystery of the Incarnation. Read more about Candles HERE and about Paschal Candlers HERE |
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A shell, usually a scallop, with three drops of water symbolizes water baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The shell on its own usually symbolizes pilgrimage or travel. |
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Oil symbolizes Grace and Blessing. Its use was large in ancient times. Now it is often confined to the Unction of the sick [i.e. the sacrament of the sick]. It is also used at baptism, confirmation, and the ordination of a priest. |
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Legend has it that, in times of famine, a mother pelican will pluck her own breast and feed her young with her blood, resulting in her death. The pelican is thus an apt symbol for the crucifixion of Christ, which he suffered willingly for the sake of the church. |
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The Easter egg was borrowed from pagan springtime festivals, in which the egg signified fertility and new beginnings. For Christians, it also represents new beginnings: the resurrection of Christ and the new life of a Christian (baptisms often occur at Easter). |
