What is the symbol of Christianity?
The Crucifix/Cross
The main symbol of Christianity is the cross, a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus and his passion. In the Bible, Jesus walks with and carries the heavy cross a long way to his crucifixion. In Christianity, Jesus is considered to have sacrificed himself and died for others’ sins. In this sense, the heavy cross symbolizes Jesus’s heavy burden for all Christians. The cross has many meanings, symbols, and interpretations, depending on the individual. What does the symbol of the crucifix mean to you?
A Dove
A dove is a small white bird. It can often be found in Catholic churches on stained glass windows. The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirt. In the Bible, a dove descended on him when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The dove is a recurring symbol in the Bible, and it’s often depicted carrying an olive branch, as seen in the story of Noah’s ark. A dove with an olive branch symbolizes forgiveness and acceptance.
A Rosary
A rosary is a string of beads connected with a crucifix used in the Roman Catholic Church to help people say their prayers.
The Lamb
Jesus is often represented as a lamb –specifically, the Lamb of God. He is often depicted as a lamb in the Bible. The whiteness of the lamb is a symbol of innocence and purity. Lambs are also associated with sacrifice – specifically in the Old Testament in the Bible. Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, sacrificed his life for Christianity.
The Eucharist (the bread and wine)
The bread and wine you receive in Church are also referred to as the Eucharist. The Bible tells us that this tradition began at the Last Supper, the night before Jesus was crucified. He brought his closest followers together, and they celebrated the annual Jewish feast of Passover. At the end of their meal, Jesus took some bread and wine and turned them into a personal memorial. He wanted his followers to remember the sacrifice he was about to make by losing his life. The Bible states that he says, “this is my body, given for you; do this in memory of me.” In the same way, he then takes the cup of wine and says, “this cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
The bread symbolizes Jesus’ body, and the wine represents Jesus’ blood and the life he sacrificed for Christianity. The elements of the bread and wine can vary – the bread may be a wafer or a part of a loaf of bread. Sometimes the wine is alcoholic, and sometimes it can be red fruit juice. The bread and the wine only become the body and blood of Jesus Christ after transubstantiation, where the priest says a Eucharistic prayer for this process to occur.
