Symbols
The Cross
Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. The cross is the most widely known symbol of Christianity. The cross represents the Christian religion and Christ's death. There are a lot of different crosses, such as The Greek cross, the cross of Calvary, and the Latin cross, which is the most common (and simplest) Christian cross.It symbolizes God’s great sacrifice, an offer of salvation to all of humanity and the promise of the resurrection.During the early days of the church, the cross as a Christian symbol was rarely used. Believers did not want to think about their Savior’s death. It was, after all, the instrument upon which He died.
Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. The cross is the most widely known symbol of Christianity. The cross represents the Christian religion and Christ's death. There are a lot of different crosses, such as The Greek cross, the cross of Calvary, and the Latin cross, which is the most common (and simplest) Christian cross.It symbolizes God’s great sacrifice, an offer of salvation to all of humanity and the promise of the resurrection.During the early days of the church, the cross as a Christian symbol was rarely used. Believers did not want to think about their Savior’s death. It was, after all, the instrument upon which He died.
Fish
The fish symbolizes Christian faith. It's not an obvious symbol to persecutors, though. the fish was chosen as a symbol because Christ chose fishermen to be his disciples (he said he would make them 'fishers of men'). Ichtus, the Greek word for wish, is used a an acrostic for: "Jesus Christ, G-d's Son, Savior." Each letter in the Greek word for fish (ichthus) represents another word. The fish was used to show the initiated few that you were a Christian. If you walked past the home of a pagan and saw a fish symbol outside the door, it meant a funeral would happen that day. If the house were the home of a Christian, it meant a Bible study would take place there that evening.
The fish symbolizes Christian faith. It's not an obvious symbol to persecutors, though. the fish was chosen as a symbol because Christ chose fishermen to be his disciples (he said he would make them 'fishers of men'). Ichtus, the Greek word for wish, is used a an acrostic for: "Jesus Christ, G-d's Son, Savior." Each letter in the Greek word for fish (ichthus) represents another word. The fish was used to show the initiated few that you were a Christian. If you walked past the home of a pagan and saw a fish symbol outside the door, it meant a funeral would happen that day. If the house were the home of a Christian, it meant a Bible study would take place there that evening.
Dove
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The dove is the only shape ever given to the Holy Spirit. It is one of the few symbols that has retained both its appearance and its meaning from the beginning of Christianity to the present day. The dove appeared at Jesus’ baptism where it descended from Heaven and rested upon Him. Doves also symbolize purity, restoration and peace. This is demonstrated in the story of Noah, when the dove brought back an olive branch, showing God’s renewed peace towards humanity (Genesis 8). The dove can symbolize a Christian.The Bestiaries tell us of different colors of doves. Each color has a special meaning: a red dove for the blood Jesus shed to redeem us; a speckled dove for the twelve prophets; a gold dove for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to worship the false god; a light blue dove for the prophet Elisha; a black dove for vague sermons; a gray dove for Jonah; and a white dove for John the Baptist. If a dove with a three-rayed halo is hovering over a body of water, it symbolizes Creation..
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The dove is the only shape ever given to the Holy Spirit. It is one of the few symbols that has retained both its appearance and its meaning from the beginning of Christianity to the present day. The dove appeared at Jesus’ baptism where it descended from Heaven and rested upon Him. Doves also symbolize purity, restoration and peace. This is demonstrated in the story of Noah, when the dove brought back an olive branch, showing God’s renewed peace towards humanity (Genesis 8). The dove can symbolize a Christian.The Bestiaries tell us of different colors of doves. Each color has a special meaning: a red dove for the blood Jesus shed to redeem us; a speckled dove for the twelve prophets; a gold dove for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to worship the false god; a light blue dove for the prophet Elisha; a black dove for vague sermons; a gray dove for Jonah; and a white dove for John the Baptist. If a dove with a three-rayed halo is hovering over a body of water, it symbolizes Creation..
Lamb
The lamb represents Jesus, "the lamb of God". 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.
The lamb represents Jesus, "the lamb of God". 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.
Olive Branch/Tree
The olive tree and its fruit symbolize peace. The story of the dove returning to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak shows God’s peace towards humankind. Often found on Christian graves dating back to the first century, the olive branch/tree symbolizes the peace of a departed person’s soul.
The olive tree and its fruit symbolize peace. The story of the dove returning to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak shows God’s peace towards humankind. Often found on Christian graves dating back to the first century, the olive branch/tree symbolizes the peace of a departed person’s soul.