religious symbols and meanings
Religious Symbols and Meanings
All religions in the world have their own symbols and meanings. Here, we are going to discuss religious symbols and their meanings and how they play a significant role in expressing their respective faiths.
All religions are deeply entrenched in traditions and rituals. To express certain beliefs in a particular religion, many symbols were used. Some of these religious symbols have lost their signification with passing time, but some of them still continue to pass on the intended beliefs.
Religious symbols and meanings are often confused with occult symbolism. However, religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and many others rely on such symbols to preach people about the beliefs and ideals of that particular religion and inculcate certain values in them.
Religious Symbols and their Meanings
Here are some of the most commonly seen religious symbols of the world. Since religious symbols convey the same expression irrespective of the language known, religious symbols are recognized instantly by people all over the world. This makes it easier for a religion to spread, and thus more and more people become aware of the beliefs through such religious symbols.
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It symbolizes Christ's resurrection after his crucifixion. It is also a symbol of salvation and triumph.![]()
Used as a mark for meeting places and tombs![]()
The six attributes of God which is love, power, wisdom, mercy, majesty and justice.![]()
God is "the beginning and the end." or eternal.![]()
Jesus as a lamb who makes the ultimate sacrifice by atoning for the sins of humanity.![]()
The Conch shell symbolizes power and authority.![]()
The endless knot has no beginning and no end, representing the infinite wisdom of Buddha.![]()
Endless cycle of birth and rebirth.![]()
It symbolizes auspiciousness and prosperity.![]()
The three prongs of the trishul represents God Shiva as creator, preserver and destroyer![]()
A cosmic vibration meaning omnipotent.![]()
Shield of God. It also represents the relationship between God and the Jewish people.![]()
Presence of God in our hearts.![]()
It symbolizes nation of Israel.![]()
Protection against the evil eye.![]()
It signifies truth, the willingness to stand up for dharma and knowledge of God.![]()
It signifies that God is One Being.![]()
Marks the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds. It also means "holy ground".![]()
It is the Egyptian symbol of eternal life.![]()
Symbol of power, good health, and protection.![]()
Represent the three stages of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). The Triquetra is originally a Celtic symbol.![]()
It signifies the Guardian spirit that protects. It serves to be a reminder of one's purpose in life.![]()
Interaction of "yin" and "yang" energies. Yin and Yang represents dual forces like light and dark or male and female.![]()
It represents the key principles of reality.![]()
The crescent is one of the most recognizable symbols of Islamic faith. However, the Holy Quran does not specify any symbol for Islam.![]()
It signifies peace and prosperity.![]()
The practice of asceticism and the avoidance of harm to any living creature.![]()
It symbolizes auspiciousness, wisdom, and completeness.
The most important thing about religious symbols is that it is not limited by boundaries created by language, region and dialects. Any religion or culture can be better understood and appreciated if you know the symbols and meanings behind them.
Christianity
The Christian Cross
Ichthys (fish)
Six Pointed Star
Alpha and Omega
Agnus Dei
Buddhism
Conch Shell
Endless Knot
Wheel of Dharma
Hinduism
Swastika
Trishul
Om
Judaism
Star of David
Menorah (seven branched candelabrum)
Mezuzah
Hamsa Hand
Sikhism
Khanda
Ik Onkar
Shinto
Torii
Pagan
Ankh
Eye of Horus
Triquetra
Zoroastrianism
Faravahar
Taoism
Yin and Yang
Eight Trigram
Islam
Crescent
Jainism
Swastika
Jain Hand
Kalasha (Pot with water)