Christians began to use symbolic images already in the days of the Catacomb Church. It is believed that the symbols played the role of secret signs by which fellow believers could recognize each other. But each of these signs is full of meaning.
Instructions
Step 1
Christian symbols are associated with Jesus Christ, the crucifixion (atonement for sins), the sacrament of the Eucharist. In addition, there are images representing the Church, faith, immortality, purity and other concepts.
Step 2
One of the varieties of symbols associated with the Savior is the monogram of Christ. These are signs, represented by several letters (usually fancifully connected), representing Jesus. Ikhtis and Hi-Ro are the most famous of them. At the same time, the word "ichthis", which is translated from Greek as "fish", was often replaced with a picture. Later, monograms appeared, composed of letters of the Latin alphabet.
Step 3
Images also symbolize the Savior. The most popular of these is the Good Shepherd. In the Gospel of John, Christ allegorically describes his role as a teacher with the words: "I am the good shepherd." As a shepherd takes care of the flock, so the Lord takes care of believing people.
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The Lamb is also a symbol of the Son of God. This image is associated with the idea of the sacrifice on the cross made by the Savior. Later, the image of the lamb was replaced by the image of the crucified Christ.
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In the modern world, the most important Christian symbol is the cross. In the Roman Empire, a cross-shaped structure was used to execute slaves. Jesus was martyred, suffered innocently for the sins of mankind. In memory of this event, believers wear a crucifix on their chests.
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The vine (bowl) and bread (ear) are images associated with the sacrament of the Eucharist, symbolizing the blood and flesh of Christ. In addition, the vine denotes the Church. "I am the vine, and you are the branches …" - Jesus says to his disciples in the Gospel of John.
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There are many "bird" symbols among Christian symbols: a dove, a phoenix, a peacock and a rooster. Dove denotes the Holy Spirit, phoenix - resurrection, victory over death, peacock - immortality (people used to believe that the body of a peacock does not decompose), rooster - awakening to life, resurrection.
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Lilies symbolize purity in Christianity. There is a legend that on the day of the Annunciation, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin with this flower. The rose is also associated (in the Catholic tradition) with the Mother of God.
Step 9
The anchor is a symbol of stability, the strength of faith. The anchor does not allow the ship to break, and faith does not allow a person to deviate from the path of salvation.
Step 10
The ship in Christianity is associated with the Church of Christ. She helps the believer to survive in the sea of vain life. Temples often resemble ships in appearance.
