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Christian Symbolism

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The Cross, in different forms, is certainly the best known of the symbols of our religion. But there are many others. The human mind can be influenced by the senses such as sound, sight and smell. So it is only natural that our thoughts and beliefs can be aided by the sight of relevant images. This is the reason for the development of appropriate Christian symbolism through the ages. Let us consider a few examples, many of which are probably familiar.

A hand, palm outward and generally directed downwards (but occasionally upwards) represents God our Father, the Creator. Christ is often seen as a lamb (the sacrificial Lamb) sometimes holding a staff with a Christian banner. An ancient symbol for Christ as also a fish; the Greek word for fish, ichthus, has in order all the initial letters of the Greek phrase which means 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour'. The Holy Spirit is naturally represented as a dove coming down from heaven, or as tongues of flame - the form in which it is said that he descended on the disciples at Pentecost.

In religious art one often sees the letters IHS (sometimes IHC). These stand for the first two and the last letters of JESUS in Greek. Also the letters INRI are often seen on crucifixes particularly. They are the initial letters of the Latin sign on the cross of Jesus meaning 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega frequently are seen (e.g. on the Paschal Candle) and symbolize the eternal and all-powerful nature of Christ's divinity. In Revelations (l: 8) we read, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, sayeth the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. These letters are the first and last of the Greek alphabet.

The Holy Trinity is a more abstract concept, and thus more difficult to depict. However traditionally this is done by using a triangle (a three-sided figure) or a trefoil (something like a clover leaf - often seen in medieval windows and other decorative motifs).

Many of the saints are also represented by various symbols.