Throughout history, these symbols were widely used in religious works of art to communicate a message of faith and bring the worshiper closer to God. Today, these symbols still resonate and can be found in many of our faith-inspired designs. Whether subtle or overt, they are simple reminders of cherished beliefs.
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“I spent my late teens and twenties as an agnostic. I returned to the Church in 1951, not only to find a new meaning for my own life, but also to discover a vast treasure of Christian symbols which I previously ignored. With a new perspective, I began seeing the great truths that these
JAMES AVERY
The Alpha and Omega
In Revelation, Jesus called Himself the Alpha and the Omega, meaning He existed before anything else and will exist after all else ceases. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
The Anchor
The anchor is a Christian symbol for hope and steadfastness. The source for this symbol is Hebrews 6:19, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Anchors are found in many inscriptions in the catacombs of Rome. They were also often carved on old Christian gems.
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The Angel
“Angel” comes from the Greek word angelos, meaning “messenger.” Angels are spiritual beings who interact with people on earth at God's direction. They bring us news, such as the birth of Jesus, and watch over and protect us from harm (Ref. Matthew 18:10).
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The Butterfly
Because the butterfly metamorphoses from a caterpillar to a chrysalis and finally becomes a butterfly, it is a strong resurrection symbol. Christ was born of a woman to be human, was crucified and buried in a tomb and was then glorified after His crucifixion as the risen, victorious Christ.
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The Daisy
Often associated with the Virgin Mary, this flower symbolizes innocence, chastity and humility. The daisy, or “margarita” in Spanish, also represents the innocence of the Christ child in religious artwork.
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The Descending Dove
The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the river Jordan. In Christian art, doves are used to symbolize purity, peace and reconciliation. The Holy Spirit is now most often depicted in the form of a descending dove.
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The Fleur-de-lis
The fleur–de–lis means "lily" in French and is a popular symbol of the Resurrection. The three flourishing petals are also known as symbols for the Holy Trinity. The fleur-de-lis is often depicted in religious art alongside particular saints, especially the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph.
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The Heart
"For man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart," says 1 Samuel 16:7. The heart symbolizes God's love, humanity and charity. It is also considered to be the source of understanding, love, courage, devotion and joy.
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The Ichthus
In Greek, the first letters of the words, "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior" spell Ichthus, meaning "fish". When the early Christians were persecuted, they used the Ichthus as a secret sign to identify themselves to each other. Today, it is one of the most widely recognized symbols of Christianity.
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The Latin Cross
Few other signs or symbols exist that are as widely recognized or hold as much meaning as the Latin cross. It is the form of the cross on which Christ died and is used worldwide to symbolize Christianity.
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The Nail
Nails were driven through Christ’s palms and feet when He was crucified, which has made them symbolic of Christ's love and sacrifice. Most crucifixes have only three nails since both feet were pierced by one nail.
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The Star of David
While there is no reference to the six-pointed Star of David in the Old Testament, the symbol did emerge as early as the 3rd Century A.D. It represents the shield of King David and is accepted by Jews worldwide as a symbol of their faith. Since Christianity has its roots in Judaism, the Star of David also has significance for many Christians.
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The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is often representative of the tree in the Garden of Eden, mentioned throughout Genesis and Revelations. It is most commonly known as a symbol of eternal life, healing and growth.
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