Christian Symbols and Symbolisms

Research and Opinion by Ray Reasoner Jr.

There are many different variations of belief within the religious title of "Christian". There are many symbols within those beliefs. Many of these derive from the Catholic Church, since it has been the largest proponent of the Christian faith around the globe. Catholics are, however, not the only source of symbols and meanings by any means. We'll go through quite a few of them here. This, as with all of our blogs, will be expanding over time. One thing to be aware of is that translation between different languages can be messy, and all things are always up for further research and debate. This is in no way an endorsement of this religion or a matter of taking sides, it is merely intended to explain some symbols used within the culture of this religion (as we do with other religions/theologies as well).

777

This is considered an "Angel Number" and is associated with many things, depending on the source. Most of these things are positive, involving self growth spiritually and the ability to function well in solitude. Some also say that 777 is greater than 666, so it defeats evil. Throughout the Bible the number seven has positive significance so I would imagine that triple sevens must be really good.

Alpha/Omega

The first (Alpha) and last (Omega) letter of the Greek alphabet. Refers to Jesus being the beginning and the end. Quite often these are combined into one symbol to symbolize Jesus.

Angels

Angels are the servants of God. The term angel has become a blanket term referring to all supernatural servants of God, but it is actually a term for the lowest rank of servant according to many pre 1000 CE Christian sources. There are many different representations of the angels, even from other religions. Some of the descriptions are quite fantastic. The idea that there are supernatural beings that carry out the Lord's will is shared between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.  At some points in history it was believed that angels were tending to almost every aspect of the Universe, including weather, the planets, creatures, and plants. Here are some of the angel types and their roles.

Archangels

These are generally thought of as the military special forces of God. Though they are considered one of the lowest in rank in most Christian sources they are one of the most represented in artworks throughout time. Perhaps it is because in their descriptions they are the most like us. They are sent in for only the biggest, sometimes most violent, missions. It is written that it was the archangel Michael that cast the Dragon (dysphemism for Lucifer) out of Heaven.

Primary Archangels

Michael- East of the throne. Commander of the armies, "Who is like God". He is essentially the enforcer of upholding God's law and punisher of heretics. He holds a spear in his right and a palm branch in his left. A white piece of linen with a red cross is tied at the top of the spear.

Gabriel- West of the throne. Ambassador to men, the "Might of God"

Raphael- North of the throne. Often translated as "God heals" though the translations of the other names would lead me to "Healer of God".  It seems that many of the Hebrew translations have been modified to fit a narrative through the interpretation of the initial reader rather than a direct translation. I would imagine that they didn't want it to seem as if this being was literally healing God, because that could be a possible confusion I suppose. The "el" part of the name is at the end as it is in the other names and "el" is the part of the name referring to God. People are weird. He is considered to also be associated with travelers of all sorts. Pilgrims, sailors, medical professionals, etc. have all been considered to be protected by Raphael.

Uriel- South of the throne. Bringer of the knowledge of God to men, the "Light of God". He is often shown holding a book or a scroll.

There are more archangels listed but these four listed are the most commonly referred to between the different aspects of Christianity.

Cherubs (Cherubim)

Since the Renaissance period cherubim have been associated with chubby little boy angels which is strange, since they are the second highest ranking of angels. They are associated with knowledge, which chubby little boys do not have...typically at least. They are also referred to as the guardians of the fixed stars, and the keepers of celestial knowledge.

Some descriptions of them are drastically different than the baby boy angels. Having four wings, four faces (lion, ox, human, and eagle), soles of oxen hoof at the end of their straight legs.

Death

 The angel of death comes for those at their time of demise to collect their soul. This role goes back and forth between Michael and Azrael, depending on the sect  or denomination being studied. The role seems to be the same, though the representation changes, Azrael is usually depicted in a darker form than Michael; who is typically in his armor while Azrael is depicted in a darker robe. In Judaism Azrael is described fairly epically, but we are not in that religion at the moment, so I digress. This relation to death for Michael likely evolved from his enforcement of God's law. In later years the Grim Reaper is typically used more in place of the Angel of Death (not to be confused with the Scandinavian role).

Dominions

 These angels hold sway over the celestial bodies and the lower choirs as they are the forth highest rank of angel. Sometimes pictured holding an orb and scepter.

Fallen Angels

Commonly referred to as demons, fallen angels are a slight bit different from demons in the way that they are represented. They tend to still have their feathered wings (or obviously having just lost them) which shows that they have either fallen recently or are not so bad that they are beyond redemption. They can represent a fall from grace, being a sinner, temptation, or deception. Sometimes succubi are shown as fallen angels, though this is a more recent occurrence.

Powers

 Powers hold many forces of evil at bay and to regulate the powers bestowed upon kings.

Principalities

Protectors of the Church and holy nations (groups of people) 

Seraphim

 These are the highest ranked angels and are located immediately around the throne. Having six wings and singing the Lord's praises eternally as "Holy, holy, holy". They are the representation of pure, tireless, never ending love for God. They are angels of love, light, and fire.

Thrones (Ophanim)

 Third in rank, these fiery eye covered "wheels" accompany the cherubim.

Virtues

 Miracle workers on Earth, they help fortify and improve man's ability to hold their faith. They are also said to govern the weather.

Anima Sola

Usually a woman in flames and imprisoned, yet with broken chains. A Catholic symbol of a suffering and the release from it.

Christ

The son of God. The savior. Typically pictured crucified on the cross (crucifix) wearing a crown of thorns with the INRI sign above his head, or with a lamb or small children. On some occasions he is depicted praying or making the sign of the cross. He was wise beyond his years and flourished in teaching people a better way. Jesus is a representation of kindness, caring, forgiveness, purity, and self sacrifice. In the moments before death and before his arrest he also represents desperation. In all seriousness, context has a lot to do with the symbolism for Jesus related art. If you know the stories associated with the  artwork ... you'll know the symbolism.

Cross

A symbol usually used to represent faith in God and the Christ, as well as sacrifice for others.

Also said to represent Jesus's reach. To heaven and hell along with everything in between. Also used to symbolize the bridge between heaven and earth. (courtesy of Bob McLure)

There are many many different forms of crosses. The vast majority of Christian crosses in modern times are based from the Latin cross. The top three legs of the intersecting lines are equal in length and the bottom leg is longer. Occasionally this ratio changes. The Greek cross was heavily used in olden times. We'll primarily list some variations of the Latin cross here with a few others sprinkled in. Over time the meanings and representations will be expanded on, we'll start with just a few being defined. 

Armenian:

Bolnisi: 

Brigid's: 

Burgundy:

Byzantine: 

Canterbury: 

Carolingian:

Catherine Wheel:

Celtic:

In ancient times the Celtic cross was commonly used as a land marker or a directional guide. Over time it was modified and became a symbol of Christianity. They are usually found in England, Ireland, and Scotland. They generally have some sort of knotwork in them, but not always. Sometimes there is lettering, or other images, or a combination of all three. Though they are typically similar to the Latin crosses they also are not always found in archaeological sites in this manner; some are found with equal legs, while others are found with a longer cross beam than base or head legs. Also, the solar ring is found on some, not all. Some of these crosses even have Ogham inscribed on them; a very early form of Irish writing. It seems fairly obvious that the cross has been in use in the region for some time and has held many roles throughout that time.

Chi-Rho: 

 A long legged p with an x intersecting that leg is the chi rho cross. This is created by taking the first two letters of Christ (Christos) in Grecian and tying them together. This symbol was first used by Emperor Constantine the Great. He spent most of his life either warring or organizing and made many improvements to the Roman Empire. He also was not Christian for most of his life, and converted sometime around 312 CE, though he was eventually responsible for the first "Council of Nicaea", where many Christian doctrines were discussed and edited. He also banned the practice of crucifixion as a punishment.

Cossack: 

Forked: 

Gammadion:

The cross gammadion is used throughout many cultures under different names and for different purposes. Most people will recognize the swastika form of the rolling X. This was apparently used as a way for early Christians to hide their crosses upon their gravestones.

Greek:

 The crux quadrata, equidistant leg ends of this cross. It apparently came into frequent use in the fourth century. Pythagoras of Samos (570-500 BCE) had used it (tetractys) earlier to represent the elements of earth, air, fire, water. It was also heavily used in a merely decorative fashion by many cultures before that.

Jeremiah's:

 Latin:

 The crux immissa is the cross of crucifixion during around one thousand years of the Roman empire. This practice was ended by Constantine the Great.

Lazarus': 

Lorraine:

Macedonian:

Maltese:

Mariner's:

Orthodox:  

Papal:

Patriarchal: 

Portate: 

Rose: 

Saltire: 

Solar:

Though this is sometimes referred to as a cruciform halo, it was first a cross associated with Astrology and the cycles of the equinox and solstices. If you look at many Christian paintings from long ago you will notice many of the halos having Greek crosses in them. That would be the cruciform halo. In later years the solar cross commonly gained a longer leg similar to the Latin cross. Many Celtic crosses have this ring attached to them.

St Andrew's:

The crux decussata or decussis cross. This is essentially the letter "X".

St Anthony's:

The crux commissa or tau cross. This cross is shaped like the capital letter "T" and is one of the earliest forms of the cross. It derived from a symbol used

St. Chad's: 

St. Florian's: 

St. George's: 

St. James': 

St. John's: 

St. Julian's: 

St. Maurice's: 

St. Peter's: 

An inverted Latin cross, also used in Satanism.

St. Phillip's:

A sideways Latin cross.

St. Thomas': 

Stepped: 

Suppedaneum:

Tau-Rho: 

West Syrian:

Dove

The dove is a representation of the Holy Ghost and is tied to the act of baptism. If the dove has an olive branch in it's beak it represents God's promise to never flood the world again, and therefore, peace.

Ichthys

The Ichthys, or "Jesus Fish" is a well known unicursal fish shape representing the fisher of men. It was, at an earlier time, associated with Pisces, but later the Greek word for fish became an acronym for "Jesus Christ Son of God Savior".

Immaculate Heart

This is a Catholic symbol. The heart representing the pains of Mary, which is covered in the next section. Daggers through the heart are used to symbolize the sorrows and pink or white roses from before they were modified (Wild or Species rose) are used to portray her purity.

Mother Mary

Usually a much more catholic design; but it depicts Christ's mother holding him standing on a moon held by cherubim along with bordering of light and varying symbols, also referred to as the Madonna. There are various images of Mary for different regions of the world. She is associated with many shrines around the world such as "Our Lady of Fatima", "Our Lady of Guadalupe", "Our Lady of Loreto", "Our Lady of Lourdes", and "Our Lady of Medjugorje".

She is a symbol of purity and staying true and accepting needed hardships. She underwent ridicule during her virgin pregnancy and many other things throughout her life. In Catholicism, there are the seven pains (or sorrows) of Mary. In order they are: Simeon's prophecy, the flight into Egypt, Search for the missing child Jesus for three days, meeting Jesus with his cross, standing at the foot of the cross, bringing Jesus down from the cross, and helping with the burial of Christ.

Patron Saints

There are many, many, many patron saints within the Catholic religion. Here's a few of them:

St Christopher: patron saint of safe travel. Usually depicted as a bearded man with a walking stick carrying a child across a river.

St Francis of Assisi: patron saint of animals, typically shown with mammals and birds.

St Joseph: as Jesus' Earthly father he is the patron saint of fathers and laborers.

St Jude Thaddeus: lost causes and miracles.

St Lucy: the blind or those with eye trouble. Represented as a younger woman looking upward while holding a twig of fern in one hand and a plate with two eyes in the other.

St Mary the Virgin: refer to Mother Mary.

St Michael the Archangel: patron saint of soldiers and police officers.

St Nicholas: children (western) and sailors (eastern). Usually depicted as a balding, bearded man with three crosses trimming his robe and holding a bible. A crown may or may not be present.

St Peter: not only the patron saint of Popes and Rome, he is also associated with netmakers, ship builders, and fisherman. He started out a fisherman years before becoming the head of the first Christian church.

St Therese of Lisieux: missions and the support of the missionaries. Typically represented holding a crucifix and a bunch of roses as one would hold a baby.

St Thomas Aquinas: educators, students, and learning.

St Valentine: He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people.

Praying Hands

Ummm.... do I really have to explain this one? Okay, okay, praying hands represent one's faith and meditation upon that faith, as well as the hope that the Divine will grant the things that we desire. The most famous artwork of praying hands are from Albrecht Dürer.

Rosary

Obviously an item representing Catholic faith. Rosaries are used during prayer in the Catholic faith. It is a necklace composed of beads with a crucifix or cross in the middle. Traditionally, the beads are in set patterns that are used for counting prayer recitations. The circular part of the necklace is composed of five sets of ten small beads. Those are separated by four larger beads around the neck and an even larger metal bead at the front position which drops down to a large bead, three small beads, a large bead again, and then the crucifix or cross at the end. This pattern changes between theologies, as well as the prayers said with the different beads. 

Sacred Heart

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic symbol. A wounded heart wrapped in thorny vines with a flame and cross. This represents the crucifixion and Jesus' love for mankind.