Christian Symbols

Christian symbolism imbues items or acts with a deeper significance that reflects Christian beliefs. Christianity has borrowed from the common stock of major symbols that have existed throughout history and in all parts of the globe. When religious symbolism appeals to both the intellect and the emotions, it is effective.

Even if there was an intentional attempt to design an entirely unique ritual, the variety of relevant acts and objects for symbolism is limited enough that it would be difficult to avoid appearing to be a copy of previous traditions.

The early Church made extensive use of elemental symbols. For Christians, water has a special significance. Water can also symbolise cleanliness or purity outside of baptism. The Holy Spirit and light are both represented by fire, especially in the shape of a candle flame.

The origins of these symbols can be found in the Bible, such as the tongues of fire that signified the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Jesus’ depiction of his followers as the light of the world, or God is a devouring fire, which can be found in Hebrews 12. From the beginning, the cross, which is now one of the most widely recognised symbols in the world, has been utilised as a symbol.

The sign of the fish appears to have been the most important among the early Christians’ symbols. Indeed, we know that the symbolic fish was familiar to Christians from the earliest periods according to monumental sources such as tombs.

It can be seen in Roman structures such as the Capella Greca and the Sacrament Chapels of St Callistus’ catacomb. In the first decades of the second century, the fish was shown as a Christian symbol.