12 Religious Symbols And Their Meanings

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Religious symbols and their meanings are sometimes lost on us. Very often, we see a holy symbol and don't really know what it means. In other cases, some common religious symbols become so popular that their actual meaning is lost in history. In fact, some religious symbol means can also shock. For example, the cross is the most well known holy symbols for Christianity. But actually, the cross represents the persecution of the Jews and early Christians by the Romans.

So in the holy signs of a religion, we can sometimes find traces of its history. Symbolism thus works by popularity and interpretations. Religious symbols and their meanings can change according to the person interpreting it. For example, the swastika to Hindu is the holy symbol of peace. This motif is drawn on pots and home entrances. But to a Jew, it is the sign of Hitler's Nazi regime that represents nothing but death and devastation.

Sometimes, old holy symbols acquire a new meaning in the light history. For example, the Pentagram has long been associated with Devil worship and the occult arts. But in light of new research, it is a Greco-Roman symbol for the Holy Feminine that was branded pagan by the Catholic Church.

Here are some common religious symbols and their meanings explained for you.

Swastika

The Swastika is a Hindu symbol of peace and prosperity. All home entrances and the 'Kalash' that stands for Goddess Lakshmi is adorned with this symbol.

Star Of David

The famous 6 pointed star is called the 'Star Of David'. It is an emblem of the Israeli flag and marks Jewish graves. The interlocking of the lines represents the joining of David and Benjamin.

Trident

The trident is a Greco-Roman symbol of power as it used to be held by Poseidon, the god of Oceans. In Hinduism, it is seen as the symbol of Lord Shiva. In Christianity, the trident stands for the Devil and is called a 'fork'.

Cross

The cross is the most popular signs of Christianity. It represents the suffering of Christ who purged the sins of Mankind with His own blood.

Khanda

Khanda is a Sikh religious symbol and its meaning is related to power and purity. The Khanda has a crossed kirpan in it that represents political power. The double edged sword repents belief in a single god.

Star and Crescent

This Islamic symbol is now the commonest sign for Muslims. This symbol actually represents the Ottoman empire flag.

Om

'Om' is a Hindu symbol that stands for the entire Universe. This symbol is actually a mantra that is pronounced from the core of your soul and represents Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe.

Pentagram

A pentagram is basically a 6 pointed star surrounded by a circle. This symbol stands for the Holy Feminine, but is also used in occult practices.

Fish or Ichthus

The ichthus or fish is the earliest symbol for Christ. This could be because all the 12 original Apostles of Christ were fishermen.

Menorah

The Menorah is a Jewish symbol that looks like a candle stand. Apparently, God revealed the design of the Menorah to Moses in His dreams.

Yin and Yang

This Chinese sign basically symbolised the balance of Nature. It is also seen as a representation of male and female energies.

Ahimsa Hand

This is a Jain symbol that is very common in India. Jains believe in total non-violence and the stopping gesture of the hand is a reminder of the pledge against violence.