[?] Subscribe To This Site

Symbols of Christianity

When thinking about the Symbols of Christianity the first to come to mind is the symbol of the fish--one of the first symbols. Christians would play with a stick in the dirt, and when they wanted to know if the person they were speaking with was a Christian they would draw a simple fish. The Greek word for fish is "ichthys" the letters stood for Jesus Christ, Son of God Savior.

Another of the symbols of Christianity is the dove which stands for the Holy Spirit. It is used especially in Baptisms and the season of Pentecost.

You may also be familiar with the symbol of the lamb. Jesus was referred to as the sacrificial lamb. He also described Himself as being a shepherd.

A rainbow was God's symbol to Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. There are seven colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. They represent the 7 sacraments. Learn more about the number 7 here.
Less commonly known Symbols of Christianity are listed below.

New symbols of Christianity above the previous ones to make it easier to find them.

New Symbols of Christianity

Peter's Cross

St Peter's cross is a symbol of Christianity. St Peter was Jesus' "rock." Our Lord left Peter in charge of the church of Rome. In Catholicism Peter's responsibilities have been taken on by the Pope who leads the church and lives in Rome.
Peter was also arrested and sentenced to die for his faith. When it came time for Peter to be crucified he did not want to be put on the same cross as Jesus out of respect for his Lord. Peter died on an upside down Latin cross.
The Christian church now refers to the inverted cross as "Peter's cross." It is an accepted sign of the Pope and of humility.

Sadly those who oppose Christ have worked hard to turn this sacred symbol of Christianity into a sign for the devil. To their way of thinking if the cross represents Christ the opposite would symbolize the anti Christ.

Romans 8:27
"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

Therefore God knows your heart. Using this symbol of Christianity to represent the humility of St Peter or the papacy need not worry you about what others may interpret it to be. God knows.

The Pomegranate

The pomegranate is the Symbol of Christianity for the resurrection. It is stuffed with seeds which can symbolize the multitude of believers of the universal church.
Others see the many seeds bursting out from the pomegranate as a symbol of Jesus bursting from the tomb. This symbol is especially used after Pentecost.

The Eagle

The eagle is mentioned many times in the Bible. It symbolizes the resurrection or ascension of Christ. This is because the eagle soars upward.
This symbol of Christianity now includes all baptized Christians who have died and risen in Christ.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Symbols of Christianity from August

Maltese Cross

This one of the symbols of Christianity signifies the Knights of St John of the Knights of Malta.

It is believed that this cross is made from stacking the Greek letters of the "Fish" ICQUS one on top of the other with the ends closed. Each point of the cross stands for 8 Beatitudes and the obligations that come with them.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10

The order of St John built hostels and hospitals for Christians who were traveling to Jerusalem. They became involved in the Islamic wars using the Maltese Cross as their Symbol of Christianity.

Symbols of Chritianity from May

Baptismal Cross

Look into the center of this cross and you will see a Greek cross with the letter X on top. The Greek cross was commonly used in early Christianity because of the simplicity of it. Symbols of Christianity during that time were most popular when they could easily be disguised. The letter "X" is the first letter in the Greek word Christ. These two together symbolize regeneration and so it is one of the Symbols of Christianity for Baptism.

Symbols of Christianity from April

Jerusalem Cross

This one of the Symbols of Christianity is made up of five Greek crosses. There are multiple meanings behind this. For more information on numbers please click here.
The five crosses may symbolize the five wounds of Jesus (one in each hand, one in each foot, and one in His side)
Other interpretations involve the four surrounding crosses. They could symbolize the four Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John) or the four corners of the earth. In both these instances the center cross symbolizes Christ.
This cross has also been called the Crusaders' Cross because is was carried during some of the early wars. One of the early Symbols of Christianity.

" Chi-Rho" or "Sigla"

This one of the Symbols of Christianity is the placement of two Greek letters, one on top of the other. They are the first two letters in the word "Christos" which means Christ. The first is the letter "X" and the second the letter "P"
Legend has it that Constantine (Caesar Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus Augustus) the first Christian Roman Emperor was visited by a dream the night before the battle 28 October 312. In this dream he was advised "to mark the heavenly sign of God on the shields of his soldiers with a slanted letter X and the top of its head bent round. Constantine did use this symbol of Christianity on their shields.
Another legend says that while marching at midday, "Constantine saw with his own eyes a trophy of the cross arising from the light of the sun, carrying the message, 'Conquer By This'"; he had a dream the following night, in which Christ appeared with the same heavenly sign, and told him to make a standard, the labarum, for his army in that form. This symbol of Christianity is described as the sign Chi (Χ) traversed by Rho (Ρ), or ☧. The Greek, "Touto Nika" or in Latin," In hoc signo vinces" and in English, "In this sign thou shalt conquer" is one of the Symbols of Christianity today which inspires me to take on each day with the knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The Egg

The egg, one of the Symbols of Christianity. Do you know why we dye Easter eggs? There is a story about Mary Magdalen. Mary apparently went to see Emperor Tiberius to tell him that Jesus had risen from the dead. She showed him an egg in symbolism. The Emperor did not believe her and said, "A man could no more rise from the dead than that egg could turn scarlet. And then the egg turned a deep red in her hand. If you have ever seen Mary holding a red egg it is because of this story.
The symbolism of the egg has many interpretations. One takes the symbolism of Jesus tomb and resurrection. The hard shell represents the rock in front of Jesus' tomb. From it appears a new life in the form of a chick
Or, the egg represents Creation. The shell represents the firmament, the inside the sky, the transparent membrane symbolizes air. The white of the egg is water and lastly the yolk symbolizes the earth. So the egg is one of the Symbols of Christianity.

Crux immissa

This one of the Symbols of Christianity is probably the best symbol for Good Friday. The Crux Immissa which means Latin Cross. Good Friday is both a sobering anguishing day and a day of celebration.
Celebration? You say. Yes, because it is the culmination of the Old Testament. Good Friday is the completion of the promises God made to His people for hundreds of years. This day represents your freedom from death being the end of life.
The treatment, ridicule, and rejection Jesus went through was the only way God could finish what He started. He made you in His image and gave you the freedom to choose. When He did that He knew we had a 50-50 chance of getting every moment of our lives correct. Through the ages human beings have proven that they choose the wrong path much more often than the right one. So these beings He made with love could not live up to the honor of freedom of choice. There was only one solution. God would have to become human, come to earth, and make all the right choices for us.
So He came as a newborn, as a lamb. He grew up with the same temptations we have every day but would not falter from His assignment. He had to grow up pure, innocent, and blameless.
Then He had to be killed by the most evil manipulations a human being can think up. Jesus was arrested on a false charge, imprisoned, tortured, humiliated, and became the sacrifice to God for you. Not one human could ever have completed that mission.

Symbols of Christianity: Latin Cross:

Symbols of Christianity: John 15:12-14
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

The Palm

This one of the Symbols of Christianity means victory and martyrdom. These may seem opposites. Victory is a word associate with strength and power. Martyrdom is a word often associated with the meek and quiet. The palm comes from the story of Martha and Mary during the dinner to honor Jesus after He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha quietly served all the guests while Mary stayed close to Jesus bathing him with perfume and drying His feet with her hair. Martha became upset with her sister and asked Jesus to tell her to help. Jesus replied that they both chose what to do and He would not deny Mary her choice of spending time with Him. So becoming "Martha Martyr" was being a woman who complained about having to do all the work. The goal becomes to serve quietly and meekly. However, when put in the context of Jesus they both describe Him quite well.
The symbol of the palm comes to us from Gospel of John 12: 1-16. This story starts with Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life. This miracle attracted many people and the story spread quickly throughout the area. Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the Passover feast (see Exodus 12:11) and people gathered to see Him. As it was foretold in the Old Testament Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The palms were cut from the trees, waved in the air, and placed on the ground in front of Him like we would role out a red carpet today.
The victory is entering Jerusalem like a King.
The martyrdom soon followed when Jesus took on all your mistakes and died for you.

This event is remembered on "Palm Sunday" one week before the Celebration of Easter. Remember this one of the Symbols of Christianity signifies Victory and Martyrdom. The Palm.

Symbols of Christianity from March

The Trefoil

This on of the Symbols of Christianity is most often seen in architecture. You will often see this symbol of Christianity at the top of windows in older churches and cathedrals. The number 3 is very significant. Read about it here. The word "Trefoil" comes from the latin word Trefolium meaning a three leafed plant. The trefoil is made up of three intersecting circles. The three intersecting circles are very popular today. Adidas uses it for their logo, it is the symbol for both recycling and biohazard, and as it reminds us of the shamrock many Irish themed organizations use.
As one of the Symbols of Christianity it depicts the trinity of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all connected, separate but One.

Symbols of Christianity: IHS

IHS in today's modern world has been translated to "In His Service" A Christian's motivation is pursuing life "In His Service." This one of the Symbols of Christianity began in the 8th century and at that time it had another meaning. These letters are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek: iota-eta-sigma. In Latin it may have changed to, "Iesus Hominum Salvator" which translates to "Jesus Savior of men."
According to legend this on of the Symbols of Christianity: IHS meant "In Hoe Signo vinces" or "In this Sign you shall conquer" in English.
In the 15th Century St Bernadine of Sienna used IHS as a symbol of Peace. Whatever the origin, whatever you choose it to be, Jesus is the root of this one of the Symbols of Christianity. So use it to mean "In his service" "Jesus" "Jesus Savior of Men" or "In this sign you shall conquer." You are giving honor to Jesus our Savior.

The Turtledove

The turtle dove has become a symbol of Christianity because of it's mating behavior. It is believed that the turtledove mates for life. So this bird is the symbol of Christianity for fidelity.

The turtledove is mentioned in the Bible. King Solomon wrote about the call of the turtledove in the Song of Songs.

In the time of Jesus birth many occasions were marked by the giving of a sacrifice to God. And so when Mary and Joseph brought their baby to be baptized they offered up two turtledoves in keeping with the Law of Moses.

So think fondly of this symbol of Christianity.

The Cock

You may remember that Jesus told Peter he would deny knowing Christ three times before the cock crowed. Then when the cock crowed he instantly remembered what Jesus had said. Peter was guilt ridden and fell to his knees begging forgiveness. From this one incident the cock (rooster) has come to mean two things. Some believe that this is the symbol of hope, because hearing the rooster crow reminds you of Jesus forgiveness. Some believed that evil spirits ran away when they heard the cock crow.
Another symbol of Christianity this bird has brought us is that the cock crows with the dawn so it is linked directly with Jesus' resurrection (He appeared to the women at dawn). This may be why the cock is also the symbol of Christianity for the Holy Spirit.

Symbols of Christianity from February

The Good Shepherd

The good shepherd is one of the most common symbols of Christianity. Christians relate this to Psalm 23. "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want...."
Jesus himself spoke in parables using the shepherd as God and the people as sheep. Reminding you that a shepherd would not let even one sheep remain lost, He would leave the rest of the herd alone to seek out and protect the one who wandered off.
Jesus is both the Shepherd and the sheep. As Isaiah 53:7 foretells, "He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter..." Our Protector makes the ultimate sacrifice as an infant sheep so His sheep would not have to be killed. Jesus was slaughtered so you, His sheep, would not die.
Look no further than the stained glass windows of your church to see interpretations of the Shepherd carrying the lost sheep home on his shoulders. As Easter approaches this symbol of Christianity is a great reminder of the huge gift Easter really is.

Symbol of Christianity: The Ermine

The Ermine is said to be a symbol of Christianity for innocence, and purity. Legend has it that this mammal from the weasel family would rather die than get it's white coat dirty.
This animal is only white in the winter. It's fur becomes brown in the summer. Some take this to symbolize Christ because the ermine appears to die in the summer and be reborn when it's coat becomes white again.
Others believe that it is your duty as a Christian to become like the ermine. To prefer death over soiling our pure hearts to sin.
If only for the color of it's fur, the ermine is a symbol of purity and innocence.

Symbols of Christianity from January

The Phoenix

The phoenix is a mythical bird. It's size is said to be close to that of a large eagle. The story of this bird is that if injured it heals itself and lives for precisely 500 years. A tear from this bird was said to have healing powers. When the day comes for the bird to die it makes a nest of herbs.(Different stories specify different spices, most often cinnamon or myrrh) It then sets the nest on fire and is consumed along with the nest. Out of the ashes a new phoenix is born who then lives 500 years.
Because of the characteristics of this bird it has come to be a symbol of Christ. That is, it lives forever, has healing power, and rises from the dead.
There is some reference to this symbolism used in the Bible, however even the King James version has not included the phoenix in it's translation.
The Flamingo has some of the characteristics of the Phoenix. It's brilliant color could be said to resemble the color of fire. The Flamingo makes it's home on the sand in hot climates. It's eggs would not live if they were placed directly on this hot surface, so they build up a mound to lay the eggs on. When the tide comes in the water splashes around the nest much like tongues of fire. The symbolism being that the new Flamingo rises from the fire
Perhaps this gives us two symbols of Christianity, the mythical Phoenix and the beautiful Flamingo.

Symbol of Christianity: A Ship

A ship has been a Symbol of Christianity since it's beginning. You remember the story of Noah and the arc. This ship has become a symbol of the church which sails on the stormy seas of life protecting it's people.
You may also remember how Jesus calmed the storm and saved the Apostles in Peter's fishing boat. Another example of saving God's people in a ship.
The main part of the church where people worship is called the "nave" from the Latin root word for ship "navis."
The shape of the mast on many ships is the cross.

Each time you see a sail boat remember God is cradling you in this stormy time on Earth.

The Elephant

The elephant has been used as a symbol for Adam and Eve. This originated with the mythical legend about the mating ritual of elephants. It was believed that in order to reproduce, the female elephant would take the male close to the garden of Eden where the mangrove grew. She would eat the mangrove and give some to the male elephant. They would then become aroused and mate. When it came time for the female to deliver they both went to the shore of a body of water. There the male would guard the female from the serpent who wanted to kill the baby. The female would walk into the water until it reached her udders. There she gave birth and nurse the baby to give it strength so it could swim to the protection of the male. A connection was made between this story and the account of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Adam and Even were unaware of sexual feelings until the serpent convinced Eve to give Adam the fruit of the tree of knowledge. The water in the elephant story is thought by some to represent the perilous lake of passions and pleasures.

Alternatively the history of elephant is that they have stood for strength, dignity, patience, wisdom, and happiness. It has been depicted with it's trunk upward to symbolize good luck. The elephant is connected to royalty. For these reasons the elephant is used to signify Christ. Artwork has shown the elephant as a symbol of Christ trampling a serpent.

This is an animal with extraordinary longevity and a mind that never forgets. It's symbolism as the Son of God is well founded.

The Rose, A Symbol of Christianity

Some references speak of the Rose as being introduced as a symbol of Christianity in the Greco-Roman translation of the New Testament. Over the years it has been used for centuries in artwork particularly in relation to Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
A white rose has been used to symbolize not only Mary, but also martyrs through the years. White is the color of purity. Mary has been depicted with roses countless times, particularly in a garden with climbing roses and Jesus as a child.
Today Christ is often shown as either a five petaled red rose, or five individual red roses. The red symbolizes the blood of Christ and the number five in reference to the five wounds He bore.
When you see a rose think of Mary and her son.

Symbols of Christianity from December

The Unicorn

The unicorn's legend says that it was so fierce an animal that the hunter could not capture it. The horn was believed to hold healing power, and was very desirable. But if a virgin sat alone in the forest the unicorn would come lay it's head in her lap. Then it's horn could be removed by the hunter.
Because of this legend the virgin is the symbol of the virgin Mary, while the Unicorn symbolizes Christ. Because through Mary, Jesus lay down his life for us.

Crux commissa or Tau, a Symbol of Christianity

"Tau" is the name of the Greek letter "T"
In Ezekiel chapter 9 God cleanses Jerusalem by instructing a man to go through the city and make the mark of the tau on the foreheads of anyone who was sad and disgusted by the use of idols and total disregard for the commandments. After he left, God sent the guards after him with the order to kill any man, woman, or child that didn't have the Tau on his forehead.
Many believe that this symbol was the foretelling of Christ and the crucifixion. A man named Tertulliain is said to have written, "The Greek letter and our Latin letter T are the true form of the cross, which according to the Prophet will be imprinted on our foreheads in the true Jerusalem."
Later Saint Francis of Assisi chose the Tau for the symbol of his Order.
Think of the ashes that are placed on your forehead on Ash Wednesday. And also the cross made with sacramental oil on the forehead of every baptized person. You are truly marked for God and charged to live life so even though others can't see the Tau, they will know by your actions that it is there.

Symbol of Christianity: Alpha and Omega

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. In the book of Revelations 1:8 God says, 'I am the Alpha and Omega...who is and who was, and who is to come"

When Moses came down from the mountain with the ten commandments he said God was full of goodness and truth. The word "Truth" in Hebrew is three letters, "Aleph" "Mem" "Thaw" Aleph the first letter in Hebrew and Thaw the last. The people were struck by the symbolism of God being Truth--the first and last.

Ever since the Resurrection, the symbols for Alpha and Omega have been used to mean Christ. They can be found on coins, rings, and artwork from the ancient churches.

The Peacock

The peacock, one of the symbols of Christianity.
The peacock is a symbol of immortality. It was likened to the Phoenix who also had wings and resurrected from flames.
From one source the peacock eyes are said to have represented the all seeing church.
You may see the peacock among the animals at Bethleham. Two peacocks drinking from a chalice symbolized rebirth.
Sometimes angels are shown with peacock wings.
Another source states a pair of peacocks guard the entrance to heaven.

This beautiful bird has been used extensively throughout history as a symbol of Christianity.

Symbols of Christianity from November

Keys

Crossed keys much like two of the key shown above in the shape of an "X" are a symbol of the Pope and the authority of the Church to "bind and loose"
After reading Isaiah 22, and Matthew 16:19 you will see that Isaiah actually referred to Jesus as having Keys to the house of David. In Matthew Jesus is saying that as a faithful servant of God, all have the authority to forgive or to hold accountable those who are not believers.
This symbol of Christianity gives us the responsibility to act as The Father would; forgiving and disciplining in His name here on earth.
Matthew 16:19
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
This is a powerful symbol of Christianity.

Symbol of Christianity: The Anchor

The anchor is mentioned in the New Testament Book of Hebrews:
..the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. Hebrews 6:18-20

The anchor reminds us about God's promise of everlasting life for all believers. Your faith in that promise is the anchor for your soul. As firm as the steel that makes this fixture for a boat on the water, is God's promise to you that Jesus took on your mistakes and poor decisions so you can live with God forever. Thus it has become a prominent symbol of Christianity.

Each time you see an anchor allow this symbol of Christianity to deepen your faith in God's promise.

The 5 Point Star

The 5 pointed star is the Star of Bethlehem. As the symbol of Christianity it reminds of it is the star that brought the wise men to baby Jesus. Each point represents the wounds of Jesus.
2 hands nailed to the cross
2 feet also nailed to the cross
1 side stabbed with a sword.

To depict this symbol upside down (one point at the bottom) is a satanic sign.
Take note to show the star of Bethlehem upright with a single point in the air. Think of the other points as the arms and legs of Jesus during the Crucifixion.

The 5 point star, another of the symbols of Christianity.

The Scarab Beetle, a Symbol of Christianity

This is a particularly scary looking beetle with what appears to be hooks or barbs along its legs and scorpion like claws. This symbol comes from Egypt where it has been the symbol of regeneration.

This symbol of Christianity is not only used as regeneration, but for the Resurrection. When Jesus was taken up into heaven after appearing on earth following his crucifixion.
The word for "worm" used in the 21st Psalm, "I am a worm and no man.."is also translated as "scarab."

Early theologians, St Augustine and St Ambrose, referred to Jesus as the "good Scarabaeus."
Though an ugly, scary beetle, the Scarab is the symbol of Christianity for the Resurrection.

Symbols of Christianity from October

The Butterfly

The butterfly, one of the symbols of Christianity.

Jesus was crucified and covered with a shroud, then placed in a tomb. He later appeared in a new body and then was taken into heaven. That is called the resurrection.
The caterpillar wraps himself in a cocoon. It looks like a dried up piece of cloth. Then one day a beautiful butterfly makes it's way out of the cocoon and flies away.
The butterfly has come to be the symbol of Christianity for the resurrection.

Symbol of Christianity: The Scallop Shell

This shell especially is the symbol of Christianity for Baptism. Take a look at the Baptism font in your church. Also look to see if the dish that holds the water is shaped like a scallop.

The Pelican, a Symbol of Christianity

The pelican, another of the Symbols of Christianity.

The pelican's symbolism began in Medieval Europe. There are multiple legends that say a mother pelican is so self sacrificing she will injure herself so she can feed her blood to her young to keep them from starving. From these stories the pelican became the symbol for "the body of Christ", the "Redeemer", and the symbol for "atonement." Jesus, (the redeemer) gave his body (and blood) by the crucifixion as atonement (payment) for our sins.
So when you see a pelican in a mural, or stained glass, or other artwork remember this symbol of Christianity stands for the body of Christ and look for other symbols as well.

The Symbols of Christianity are part of the Christian Words of Inspiration. Links to other Christian based pages can be found by clicking on the underlined words.

footer for Symbols of Christianity page