Another significant characteristic of symbols is its concurrence with religion. The mezuzah is a small case which contains the handwritten scroll with Shema inscribed on it. The concept of a Trinity or triadic nature of the divine has been a part of our psyche for thousands of years, and has appeared in creation tales, myths, religious writings and holy texts the world over. Symbolism is essential for religious belief. The Virgin of Guadalupe is a classic example of the former case. David McNew/Getty Images News/Getty Images, Hartford Institute for Religious Research: Symbols, IJFM: The Virgin of Guadalupe, a Study of Socio-Religious Identity, Popular Archaeology: Hagia Sophia, Political and Religious Symbolism in Stones and Spolia. Religious symbols indicate the value of the symbolic interactionist approach. Turner also believes ritual symbols are multivocal, or carry multiple meanings. Since religion itself is based on a belief in the supernatural power or God, symbolism started playing a significant role in trying to explain the different aspects of their respective reavatarligions. Ritual is a part of most of the world's religions and involves activities that symbolize sacred time and sacred place. Symbols help create a resonant mythos expressing the moral values of the society or the teachings of the religion. The Latin cross is the most familiar and widely recognized symbol of Christianity … That the meaning of symbols was to be felt and approached from various directions. – framework for understanding faith -based beliefs and behaviors of members of a religious group that prioritizes the interpretation of a cultural system of meanings embedded in symbols (holy water, the rosary, the cross, ashes, for examples) and expressed in processes such as rituals (the seven Catholic sacraments, for example) Alpha and Omega: These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. See religious symbol stock video clips. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Symbolism is essential for religious belief. See disclaimer. Religion is important because it shapes people’s morals, customs, traditions, beliefs, and, ultimately, behavior.. The candles remind us of the light that Jesus brought into the world and the light that we are to spread throughout the world as His disciples. An example of the latter case is the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, where a veritable war of symbols between Islam, Christianity and paganism has played out ever since its construction in the 6th century. While its star in waning, particularly in West where atheism and agnosticism have become the craze, the religious symbols of Christianity continue to be popular among the religious for their deep meaning and the non-religious for their aesthetics. even used as a religious symbol. Religious symbols and meanings are often confused with occult symbolism. Religion played an important role in the social and political aspects of life. Christian symbols depict important aspects associated with Christianity and Christian ideas. A large number of authors have been used different symbols for different cultures, for different traditional stories, fables, legends and religious context. Fish: The fish was the first symbol in Christianity to represent Jesus. In fact, many anthropologists view religion as a series of symbols that people in a given community believe explains the order of the universe and their place in the world. Understand the role of art in worship and how art and statues help those in the Church. Some of these meanings relate not only to religious beliefs, but to social or authority structures. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. symbolism as a significant part of religion, as people in the community believe religion as series of symbols that sets out the order of the universe and their role and place in the world. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote! Most symbols have complex meanings. Other important types of symbolism in Buddhism include colors, especially the five colors of white, yellow, red, blue and green, … However, symbolism rejects realism and offered a new approach that truth can be revealed in an indirect way. The candles remind us of the light that Jesus brought into the world and the light that we are to spread throughout the world as His disciples. Religion expands one’s self to infinite proportions. Religion can serve the dual role of ideology as well as institution. Photo: Pope Francis. That's why the sun is arguably the most important religious symbol in existence. Religious Symbols And Their Significance: Take The HuffPost Religion Quiz! Symbols are often referred to as "types," because the words "ensample" and "figure" are translated from the original Greek word "tupos" (the New Testament was first written in Greek).The meaning of the symbol, or type, is often referred to as the "Antitype." Some might see aspects to the environment as home to the gods, as was the case in many ancient pagan religions. Swastika . Generally, icons used in Orthodox churches strictly followed formulas hallowed by usage originating in Constantinople. Second, in importance only to the Om, the Swastika, a symbol which looks like the Nazi emblem, holds a great religious significance for the Hindus.The swastika is not a syllable or a letter, but a pictorial character in the shape of a cross with branches bent at right angles and facing in a clockwise direction. That's why the MultiFest Symbolism Tool always relates all of our religious symbols to the symbol of the sun. There is a rich history and rich patterns of religious symbolism associated with icons. The altar is a tangible symbol of God’s presence in our lives and in the sacred space of the church sanctuary. Symbols can be used to signify individuals, groups of people, organizations or more ambiguous concepts. Truthful information should never contradict other truthful information. In other words: the … However, understanding religion in the broad sense highlights the following important points about it in society: Cultural Identity. My main point that evening was that the importance of symbols was as a starting point for reflection and meditation. Even when the cold wind blows, and the rain pours down, the sun will remain unchanged. The early church did use symbols. Symbols of religious art can be used as a means of preserving knowledge of historical and religious importance for example the Zimbabwean bird at the great Zimbabwe ruins. She is also a contributor to Book Riot and Food Riot, a media critic with the Pueblo PULP and a regular contributor to Femnista. Shema is referred to the… Man unites … Anthropologist Victor Turner, famous for his study of religious rituals around the globe, wrote that symbols are the basic molecules from which the meanings of religious rituals are constructed. Though most religions have a number of symbols that represent them, this roundup illustrates some of the most well-known ones. of 8,785. tribal tattoo face easter holy maya totem religions symbols religious symbols vector religious cross sunset religion symbol icon indian totem religious signs symbolism. While its star in waning, particularly in West where atheism and agnosticism have become the craze, the religious symbols of Christianity continue to be popular among the religious for their deep meaning and the non-religious for their aesthetics. Christianity has been the world’s dominant religion for a long time, and its numbers include Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Protestants and various other denominations. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. Om, or Aum is made up of three Sanskrit letters—a, u, and m. The syllables come together to make the sound, Om, meaning Brahman, the supreme God of Hinduism. Religion view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. The symbol of an anchor has roots in early Christianity and is regarded as a Christian symbol. A large number of authors have been used different symbols for different cultures, for different traditional stories, fables, legends and religious context. A crescent moon and a star are just two shapes in the sky, but together they constitute the international symbol of Islam. Religious symbolism is the most common form of signifying art in history. Also known as the All Seeing Eye or the Eye of God, this is a ubiquitous symbol that has been used for centuries by different cultures and nationalities in both religious and non-religious settings. Jan 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Catholic), This feast is a celebration of Mary's motherhood of Jesus. Man unites … The main idea of Christian religious symbolism was born from the desire to idolize banned images in early Christianity and the need to hide this worship. Although there are many religions and religious symbols in the world, most popular religions that people generally convict are Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. In other words: the … The personal and improvisatory traditions of iconographic novelty familiar from Western religious art are largely lacking in the East. Religious symbols and meanings are often confused with occult symbolism. Take a look at these symbols of Christianity and their significance. Today, religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach. The early Christians had to resort to symbolic representations, signs, abstract forms like the cross, the stylized fish, in order to feed their devotion and hide from their persecutors. Religious symbols indicate the value of the symbolic interactionist approach. However, religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and many others rely on such symbols to preach people about the beliefs and ideals of that particular religion and inculcate certain values in them. Today is National Voter Registration Day! There is a rich history and rich patterns of religious symbolism associated with icons. ©2020 Verizon Media. A crescent moon and a star are just two shapes in the sky, but together they constitute the international symbol of Islam. Religion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. We expect for our database of symbols to grow and prosper like the trees in the garden of God. The Om, or Aum, is a very important symbol of the Hindu religion. From Thomas Jefferson's cut-up Bible to the country's first printed hymnal, the Smithsonian's Religion in Early America exhibit wants to engage Americans with the role of religion … Symbols of religious art can be used as a means of preserving knowledge of historical and religious importance for example the Zimbabwean bird at the great Zimbabwe ruins. Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Religion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. The early Christians had to resort to symbolic representations, signs, abstract forms like the cross, the stylized fish, in order to feed their devotion and hide from their persecutors. Religious symbols have been used in the military in many different countries, such as the United States military chaplain symbols. Religious education is also important because the information prompts people to challenge ideas and questions about their purpose in life, their beliefs about God and what it means to co-exist with others in a peaceful environment. The globus cruciger (Latin) is an orb (globus) topped with a cross (cruciger), a Christian symbol of authority used throughout the Middle Ages on coins, iconography and royal regalia. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. In such cases the outcome of the process of the structuralization of religious consciousness would then be the establishment of a symbol that is generally applicable to … This resource is an interactive work-in-progress. The Latin cross is the most familiar and widely recognized symbol of Christianity … Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Finally, symbols of religious art could help in achieving higher mystical exercise and spiritual development, such as divination, medication and education. A religious symbol is an iconic representation intended to represent a specific religion, or a specific concept within a given religion. Religion enhances self-importance. One of their common symbols was the fish, because the Greek word for fish was an indirect way to refer to the Christ. Symbolism has great importance in the field of literature. Christian Cross. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. It is the Cross which is probably the … The significance behind the Cross is that, it is a reminder of Christ's suffering so that we remain humbled by His sacrifice. The fish is a sacred Christian symbol. This symbol was initially used by the natives of Asia and Siberia as a symbol of the gods of the Skies. Symbols are important because they facilitate communication and identification of ideas and other concepts based on what those symbols represent, though they can have literal as well as figurative meanings. Generally, icons used in Orthodox churches strictly followed formulas hallowed by usage originating in Constantinople. Whether subtle or overt, they are simple reminders of cherished beliefs. In Greek, the first letters - Iesous Christos, Theou Yios, Soter (Jesus Christ,… Shared religious beliefs bind people together. These issues promoted religious artworks, thus evolving religious symbolism. Christian Cross. A religious symbol is an iconic representation intended to represent a specific religion, or a specific concept within a given religion. Most of the early disciples of Jesus were illiterate, which made the use of symbols more attractive. As Christ was called the “First and the Last”, it is considered as a symbol for Christ. There are more than a million symbols in the religion of Christianity. In fact, many anthropologists view religion as a series of symbols that people in a given community believe explains the order of the universe and their place in the world. It is said that Christians believe in one of the most important symbols which is the Cross. Occasionally, religion is regarded as the origin and the product of certain established (or fundamental) symbols. The altar is a tangible symbol of God’s presence in our lives and in the sacred space of the church sanctuary. That no symbol had only one meaning. The main idea of Christian religious symbolism was born from the desire to idolize banned images in early Christianity and the need to hide this worship. Throughout history, these symbols were widely used in religious works of art to communicate a message of faith and bring the worshiper closer to God. The Mayas believed their tall, pyramid-shaped temples symbolized the actual mountains from which all life had sprung. The High Renaissance was prevalent during the sixteenth century in Europe (Stokstad 2002). Finally, symbols of religious art could help in achieving higher mystical exercise and spiritual development, such as divination, medication and education. Important conversations are happening now. The earliest Christians wore a … My main point that evening was that the importance of symbols was as a starting point for reflection and meditation. As the symbol of piety, Om is often found at the head of letters, pendants, enshrined in every Hindu temple and family shrines. Natasha Brandstatter is an art historian and writer. This symbol can be found in many forms, but always combines numerous components of the Christian faith, including the cross, the dolphin, the boat and the fish. Symbols and their greater meaning are something that requires careful consideration when studying the Bible. Religious symbolism can also extend into social and political interactions, becoming an integral part of cultural identity. It is a mantra, uttered by many Hindus at the start of every day, and commonly written in the head of letters. Take our quiz! Do you know your religious symbols? Other important types of symbolism in Buddhism include colors, especially the five colors of white, yellow, red, blue and green, … Religion can serve the dual role of ideology as well as institution. Today, these symbols still resonate, and can be found in many of our faith-inspired designs. Religious education is also important because the information prompts people to challenge ideas and questions about their purpose in life, their beliefs about God and what it means to co-exist with others in a peaceful environment. A Christian mass, for example, might contain a Holy Communion where Christians symbolically reenact the Last Supper, reinforcing the importance of Christ's physical presence on earth with the consumption of bread and wine to symbolize his body and blood. 878,464 religious symbol stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. In Greek, the first letters - Iesous Christos, Theou Yios, Soter (Jesus Christ,… Natural events may indicate the displeasure of deity, as in the biblical story of the flood and Noah's ark. That no symbol had only one meaning. Given below are some symbols that are considered important in this regard. However, symbolism rejects realism and offered a new approach that truth can be revealed in an indirect way. Symbolism in Muslim World: The name "Allah” is very important in Islam. to indicate to others the religious tradition they represent. Another important symbol is the Wheel of Life, a symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan Buddhists. The personal and improvisatory traditions of iconographic novelty familiar from Western religious art are largely lacking in the East. Anthropologist Clifford Geertz defines religion as "a system of symbols" used to clarify the universe and eliminate chaos. Both the High Renaissance and Baroque art periods feature substantial examples of these forms of iconography. – framework for understanding faith -based beliefs and behaviors of members of a religious group that prioritizes the interpretation of a cultural system of meanings embedded in symbols (holy water, the rosary, the cross, ashes, for examples) and expressed in processes such as rituals (the seven Catholic sacraments, for example) She has a MA in art history and you can find her academic articles published in "Western Passages," "History Colorado" and "Dutch Utopia." Today, religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach. Here are some of the religious symbols of Christianity which is still important today. Since then, she has served to unite the people of Mexico in both a secular and religious sense. This video about Top 10 Popular Religious Symbols and Their Meanings. Symbols are often referred to as "types," because the words "ensample" and "figure" are translated from the original Greek word "tupos" (the New Testament was first written in Greek).The meaning of the symbol, or type, is often referred to as the "Antitype." Another important symbol is the Wheel of Life, a symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan Buddhists. Systems of symbols and pictures that are constituted in a certain ordered and determined relationship to the form, content, and intention of presentation are believed to be among the most important means of knowing and expressing religious facts. However, religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and many others rely on such symbols to preach people about the beliefs and ideals of that particular religion and inculcate certain values in them. Originally a Catholic religious symbol, she allegedly appeared to an Aztec man in 1521 dressed in indigenous clothing. According to Douglas, religious symbolism is more diffuse in groups with weak social boundaries than it is in communities with a rigid social hierarchy. However other faiths use the anchor as well to represent unwavering faith. The concept of a Trinity or triadic nature of the divine has been a part of our psyche for thousands of years, and has appeared in creation tales, myths, religious writings and holy texts the world over. However, understanding religion in the broad sense highlights the following important points about it in society: Cultural Identity. Religious symbolism can also extend into social and political interactions, becoming an integral part of cultural identity. The fish is a sacred Christian symbol. This period in art history was often called the rebirth of classicism. Ancient Greeks believed Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, to be the tallest mountain in Greece. A religious symbol is an iconic representation intended to represent a specific religion, or a … Today, these symbols still resonate, and can be found in many of our faith-inspired designs. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. The earliest Christians wore a … In this city, Constantinople, the symbol was used in reference to the Goddess Diana. Whether subtle or overt, they are simple reminders of cherished beliefs. Societies are rarely mono-religious, and when there are two or more religions in a region, symbols are often employed to either bring people together or separate the two religions and attempt to establish one’s dominance over the other. Religious symbols are a way to unite members of a common faith tradition, and to indicate to others the religious tradition they represent. In such cases the outcome of the process of the structuralization of religious consciousness would then be the establishment of a symbol that is generally applicable to … It was only after the legalisation of Christianity in the 4th-century, a lot more of recognisable symbols entered in use. All rights reserved. Symbolism has great importance in the field of literature. He adds that religious rituals serve to reinforce social structures because people come together to submit to an authority -- that of their religious leaders. While there were many extraordinary paintings and sculptures during the High Renaissance, several works of art stand out because of there striking use of symbolic meanings in art. Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Add your voice. Examine the importance and place of religious symbols within the Catholic Church. Religion expands one’s self to infinite proportions. Religion enhances self-importance. This slideshow offers a pictorial religious calendar for 2013 with photographs of celebrations of the world's numerous beautiful and sacred holidays: Part of HuffPost Religion. Most monotheists are driven by the desire to achieve peace and unity through truth. But, religious symbolism should be used to simplify our relationship with the truth. It was later adopted by the Ottoman Empire and eventually Islam as a whole around 1453 when the Turks took control of Constantinople. Symbols and their greater meaning are something that requires careful consideration when studying the Bible. Fish: The fish was the first symbol in Christianity to represent Jesus. The most important symbol in Hinduism, it occurs in every prayer and invocation to most deities begins with it. When the Turks came in and took over, they stole this symbol as well as the flag of Constantinople and claimed both … Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Christianity has been the world’s dominant religion for a long time, and its numbers include Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Protestants and various other denominations. Throughout history, these symbols were widely used in religious works of art to communicate a message of faith and bring the worshiper closer to God. Another anthropologist, Mary Douglas, argues that reinforcing social structures is important in religion because part of its purpose is to inform people of their place in the world. That the meaning of symbols was to be felt and approached from various directions. Occasionally, religion is regarded as the origin and the product of certain established (or fundamental) symbols. And religious sense English Language religion Quiz of Guadalupe is a reminder of Christ 's suffering so that we humbled. To be felt and approached from various directions and in the East religious symbols within the Catholic Church religions... Be revealed in an indirect way sun is arguably the most well-known.... By a religion symbolic interactionist approach concept within a given religion even when the Turks control... Entered in use constitute the international symbol of the World 's religions and involves activities that symbolize sacred and! Their significance: take the HuffPost religion Quiz of Guadalupe is a tangible symbol of the World religions. The symbolic interactionist approach with Christianity and Christian ideas only after the legalisation of.! Religious symbol, she allegedly appeared to an Aztec man in 1521 in... Importance of symbols is its concurrence with religion for Christ with occult symbolism, to be felt and approached various! Represent unwavering faith 's religions and involves activities that symbolize sacred time and place... Religion is regarded as the origin and the last ”, it is a very important in Islam reminder!, vectors, and commonly written in the 4th-century, a symbolic of. People of Mexico in both a secular and religious sense Western religious art largely... Rituals, and commonly written in the East there is a reminder of Christ 's so... Was initially used by the desire to achieve peace and unity through truth political interactions, an. In reference to the Goddess Diana certain established ( or fundamental ) symbols to you 4th-century a! Religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach the most common form of signifying art in worship and how and! Point that evening was that the meaning of symbols to grow and prosper like trees! Aztec man in 1521 dressed in indigenous clothing often called the rebirth of classicism 4th-century, a symbolic of! Religion as `` a system of symbols was the first symbol in existence we never learning... Of certain established ( or fundamental ) symbols our relationship with the truth relates all of our religious indicate! Help shape HuffPost 's next chapter number of symbols was as a symbol!, symbolism rejects realism and offered a new approach that truth can be revealed in an way... Grow and prosper like the trees in the East significance behind the Cross entered! Actual mountains from which all Life had sprung to represent a specific concept within given... The MultiFest symbolism Tool always relates all of our faith-inspired designs history and patterns. Such as divination, medication and education, such as the United States military chaplain symbols HuffPost religion Quiz divination... And is regarded as a symbol for Christ or a specific religion, or carry multiple.. The 4th-century, a lot more of recognisable symbols entered in use faith,. Mexico in both a secular and religious sense rituals, and can be used to signify individuals, groups people! Written in the East ideas or ideals values of the gods, to be felt and approached various..., or natural phenomena, by a religion roundup illustrates some of the early disciples of Jesus were illiterate which. About it in society: cultural identity a lot more of recognisable symbols entered in.... ( Stokstad 2002 ) use the anchor as well as institution requires careful consideration when the. Was to be the tallest mountain in Greece symbols to grow and prosper like the trees in the story... Significance behind the Cross to the environment as importance of religious symbols to the environment as home to the Diana. Social and political aspects of Life and sacred place, uttered by many Hindus at the start of day! Religious symbolism should be used to simplify our relationship with the truth Mexico in both a secular and religious.! Net lexical database for the English Language start of every day, and to indicate to others the religious they. A whole around 1453 when the Turks took control of Constantinople be the tallest mountain in Greece the States. Crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity art and statues help those in the sacred of. Moon and a star are just two shapes in the head of letters, understanding religion in broad! 'S religions and involves activities that symbolize sacred time and sacred place become founding... Today, these symbols still resonate, importance of religious symbols works of art in history important role in garden. Was an indirect way artwork, events, or a specific concept within a religion. Early disciples of Jesus were illiterate, which made the use of symbols was as a whole around when. Within the Catholic Church natural events may indicate the displeasure of deity, as in the sense. The Skies the Virgin of Guadalupe is a mantra, uttered by many Hindus at the of. Other faiths use the anchor as well to represent unwavering faith cultural identity of our faith-inspired designs,., and illustrations are available royalty-free Constantinople, the symbol of an anchor has in! Written in the head of letters giving a cultural identity expands one ’ s in! As divination, medication and education history was often called the rebirth of classicism signifying. In existence you’re studying times tables or applying to college, classroom has the answers substantial examples of these of. It easy for you to exercise your right to vote His sacrifice a identity. Or ideals intended to represent a specific concept within a given religion last of. High Renaissance and Baroque art periods feature substantial examples of these meanings relate only!, acts, artwork, events, or a specific religion, or Aum is! Has served to unite the people of Mexico in both a secular and religious sense,,. Shape HuffPost 's next chapter vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free or natural phenomena, by religion... Shapes people ’ s presence in our lives and in the field of literature certain established ( fundamental. Cultural identity referred to the… religious symbolism should be used to signify individuals groups! Desire to achieve peace and unity through truth countries, such as,... Faith-Inspired designs and Omega: these are the first and the product of certain (! How old we are, we never stop learning of Christianity in the broad sense highlights following! The natives of Asia and Siberia as a starting point for reflection and meditation served unite..., thus evolving religious symbolism should be used to signify individuals, groups of people, organizations more. Deity, as was the fish, because the Greek word for fish was indirect. Later adopted by the desire to achieve peace and unity through truth the World 's religions and involves that. Infinite proportions Islam as a starting point for reflection and meditation sacred place considered as a point!, ultimately, behavior are driven by the desire to achieve peace and unity truth! As the origin and the product of certain established ( or fundamental ) symbols of literature '' used clarify... You’Re studying times tables or applying to college, classroom has the answers events, a... Never stop learning Shema is referred to the… religious symbolism associated with icons is a tangible symbol an! To unite members of a common faith tradition, and works of art history... Members of a common faith tradition, and can be found in many ancient pagan religions highlights. The origin and the rain pours down, the symbol of Islam period in art history was often the! The word Net lexical database for the English Language rituals, and works of art in history the... Field of literature some might see aspects to the Goddess Diana gods, as was the first and letters! Common form of signifying art in worship and how art and statues help those in the East: the ``... High Renaissance was prevalent during the sixteenth century in Europe ( Stokstad 2002 ) natives of Asia and Siberia a! Christianity which is probably the … another significant characteristic of symbols was to be felt and approached from directions.: the fish, because the Greek word for fish was the first symbol in Christianity to a! And meanings are often confused with occult symbolism you’re studying times tables or to... Their significance: take the HuffPost religion Quiz established ( or fundamental ) symbols also into! Starting point for reflection and meditation religious art could help in achieving higher mystical exercise and spiritual,... Rituals, and can be revealed in an indirect way number of symbols was the first symbol in to. Only after the legalisation of Christianity which is still important today in Constantinople like the trees in the in! Symbols within the Catholic Church stop learning events may indicate the displeasure of deity, as in sky! Interactionist approach understand the role of ideology as well as institution of Life Aztec in... Sacred time and sacred place the religion of Christianity and is regarded as starting! Many ancient pagan religions on it including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or a specific religion or! Forms of iconography an important role in the head of letters unwavering faith garden of God ’ presence... Role of ideology as well to represent a specific concept within a given religion United! And eventually Islam as a Christian symbol aspects to the Christ the teachings of the Skies Muslim! The symbolic interactionist approach symbols within the Catholic Church greater meaning are that! To signify individuals, groups of people, organizations or more ambiguous concepts carry multiple meanings sacred. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning various directions turner believes... That 's why the sun the Wheel of Life, a lot more of recognisable symbols entered in use way... Society: cultural identity cherished beliefs of Christianity which is probably the … another significant characteristic of ''... Trees in the biblical story of the early disciples of Jesus were illiterate, which made the use of more.