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The Alpha and Omega
In publications and images from the early history of the Church one often finds variations of the symbols of the Alpha and Omega which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The symbols together represent the Lord God. Apocalypse 1: 8, states, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, " says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty." This symbol is often combined with the Chi-Rho (representing Christ) these letters tell Christians that He is the source of life. A symbol that He is the beginning and end of happiness.

The Flame
For Christians/, the flame is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Often in paintings Jesus is depicted with hands out holding the flame - representing his connecting to the trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The flame also symbolizes a connection between peoples of all nations. In Act 2, the flame is representative of the Holy Spirit descending upon those gathered to hear the good works of God as spoken by the Apostles, yet heard clearly in their own tongue.

The Fleur de Lis
If you’re involved in Boy Scouting you are familiar with this symbol for Scouts wear this symbol proudly. In Christianity, this symbol is often seen as a representation of the pure white lily – or white iris. Many a gallant knights in Medieval times would have the symbol of the fleur-de-lis on their shield for this symbol is very popular for that it represented heraldry. The founder of Boy Scouting, Lord Baden Powell stated that the crest of Scouting is the "Fleur-de-Lis", a lily, the emblem of peace and purity.


Incense
Many cultures use incense in their religious rites. Incense is the gum produce by a species of resinous trees growing in southern Somalia, Egypt and Arabia. Incense produces an aromatic fragrance when burned and is often combined with perfumes.. Frankincense (one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus) is incense that has not been mixed with perfumes. (Frank- means genuine – or frankincense: genuine incense. Incense is offered to God as a symbol of the love and prayers of the faithful.



Lamb of God
This symbol is one of the most cherished symbols of the Saviour, Jesus. A Nativity scene wouldn't be Christmas without a lamb. Readers of the Bible know that lambs were often sacrificed in the Old Testament and the ancient scholars associated Christ as the Lamb slain for the sins of man. In ancient Christian artworks the Lamb is depicted on a hill where four rivers are flowing – each river representing one of the four Gospels. You may see this symbol painted or inscribed on a book with the seven seals described the St. John in the Apocalypse. Many see this symbol with the lamb holding or supporting a banner of victory with the staff displaying the cross which is the symbol of the risen Saviour and his triumph over sin and death.


Good Shepherd
This symbol is seen often in the Roman catacombs. The shepherd is a symbol of Jesus. Commonly depicted standing strongly and surrounded by His sheep. Often the symbol of the shepherd is painted and drawn carrying a lamb on His shoulders or in His arms. A famous quote of Jesus is, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” Some scholars note that this symbol could be idealized as a classic figure of Mercury – but was carefully refined to hide the identity of Christ from the pagans.


Candle
The Candle is a very popular Christmas symbol. Though we may fear darkness we will seek comfort and warmth with the safety of a light. In Genesis we read that “God saw the light and it was good.” This symbol represents divinity and goodness.


Chi Rho
Pronounced as KEY-ROW the first two letters of the Greek word XPISTOS (Christ) The Chi (X) and the Rho (P) become the monogram made of these two letters. It is used in many ways to express the name of Jesus Christ. This symbol is widely used today. Often the X and P are encircled (such as within a globe) which then too symbolizes the vocation to bring the knowledge and love of Christ to the whole world.


Crown
The crown is a symbol of victory. It too is a symbol of Christ. He is the spiritual ruler for many and this symbol can be found in the Roman catacombs. Scholars believe this symbol probably signified the victory of martyrs – for when they lost their life, yet remained faithful until their death they received the crown of everlasting life. Thus, we also see depictions of the martyrs receiving a crown from Christ from His hands– or offering their crown to Him.




Dove
A symbol of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Holy Trinity is a pure-white dove. Reference to this symbol can be found from the bible passage in Matthew; “And when Jesus had been baptized, he immediately came up from the water. And behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon him.


Fish
After the death of Christ this symbol emerges as a figure of profound meaning, for it was used by the first Christians as their profession of faith. You will see this symbol adorning many vehicles of the world. The first followers of Christianity were persecuted because of their faith and they used the fish as a means of identification. Often, you will see this symbol with the Greek lettering IXOYE inside the fish. This is an acrostic form of the Greek word for fish. In IXOYE -… each Greek letter begins a word in the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.


Vine
“I am the vine, you are the branches..” John 15, 5. The vine is a vivid symbol of Christ, the source of divine life to the world. This symbol is often found depicted in the catacomb frescoes. Many Christian paintings will include a vine in the image.


Halo
The HALO – or Nimbus is used as a symbol of sanctity. It is usually behind and above the holy person’s head. It can be shown as a simple circle or a glowing surface. At one time it was only reserved when an artist depicted Christ. After the fourth century, however, it was gradually used for depictions of angels, the Virgin Mary, and finally to all the Christian Saints.


Lily
The WHITE LILY – This is a symbol of virginal purity and most often associated with Mary the Mother of Christ. Almost all pictures of the Annunciation of Mary, when she was told she would become the mother of Jesus, depict the symbol of the lily. Artists of the twelfth century and beyond very often included the symbol of the lily when their paintings included Mary, Mother of God




Orb
The CROSS and ORB. A banded globe with a cross mounted on top signifies the triumph of the world by Christ. In pagan times, the orb was thought of being of kingly power and sovereignty. The first Christian emperor, Augustus Caesar of Constantine, added the cross on top of this symbol. Often in religious paintings you will find this symbol placed in the left hand of Jesus.

Palms
Palm trees were often regarded as the “Trees of Life” in ancient times, and the palm branches as classical emblems of triumph and victory. Christians adopted the palm as spiritual victory over sin. It is often a symbol of great heroes who were martyrs for the Faith.


Peacock
A magnificent and truly beautiful bird is often portrayed in religious artwork. This bird once was sacred to pagan worship of the goddess Juno – yet, was believed to be adopted by Christians as a symbol of immortality. Peacock representations can be found on frescoes in ancient catacombs, and in the mosaics of the Christian basilicas. Discussion of the peacock brings out ideas that perhaps this symbol was for decorative qualities. It was believed that the flesh of the peacock is incorruptible, and as it feathers were shed it would take on more colors and finer plumage. It remains a popular symbol of the resurrection and eternal life.


Phoenix
THE PHOENIX – This wonderful bird was recently rediscovered with the publications of the Harry Potter books. The phoenix, often is depicted as eagle-like and was famous in legends of ancient times. The ancients believed the phoenix lived for five hundred years, after which it was consumed in a fire kindled by its own wings, only to rise again as a baby chick and to grow back to a glorious bird from its own ashes. This symbol was natural for Christians founders to adopt the phoenix legend to the doctrines of Christ’s resurrection and life-everlasting. Today you can view this symbol in mosaics of the Roman and Byzantine churches.



Interwoven Circles
INTERWOVEN CIRCLES (also the TRIQUETRA) The triangle is one of the oldest symbols of the Blessed Trinity. The continuous form of this symbol – three interwoven arcs is produced by an unbroken line. If you’re Irish, you will most certainly have this symbol in your heritage. Celtic crosses most likely will bear a representation of this symbol. Many drawings of cradles found in the Christian Nativity will have this symbol on the headboard.




Star
The STAR. Most Christmas trees will be adorned with a star somewhere in the tree, if certainly not on top of the magnificent evergreen. The star symbol is associated with the advent of Christ. It appears in scenes of the Nativity and the Epiphany. In Apocalypse one can read the following, “ And a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet , and upon her head a crown of twelve stars” This passage, written by Saint John, outlines his vision of the woman clothed in glory who will bear a Child who is to become the Saviour of nations – hence, a perfect symbol of the Church of God.


Ship
The SHIP – The ship, wherein the soul may sail over the perils of the sea of life, becomes an early symbol of Christians. The ship of Christianity will guide one to heaven and eternal happiness. Scholars find the symbol of ships in the catacombs – some show the cruciform mast with a monogram of Christ. Some are adorned with the symbolic dove. The steel ring that the Pope uses when signing official documents bears the imprint of St. Peter as he’s fishing from the ship of the Church. This indicates the Lord’s promise, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”


Rose
The ROSE – Next to diamonds, roses are truly are a woman’s best friend! You will find the symbol of the rose as representing the nativity of the Lord. Often this symbol is an emblem of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The symbol of the rose is adorned in many of the Gothic cathedrals of the thirteenth century. In the text of Ecclesiasticus you will find the passage “…I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and a s a rose plan in Jericho.”


Anchor
The ANCHOR – This was once a “concealed” symbol when the cross itself could not be depicted openly for fear by Christians of persecution by non-believers. For the first three centuries after the resurrection of Christ, the anchor became a symbol for the faithful. This symbol represented to many how and where their life was anchored in their faith.


Pelican
The PELICAN – An early Christian symbol of the Saviour. More often one sees this symbol being used in artwork of the Middle Ages. This bird was once thought to feed its young with its own blood and thus the pelican symbol came to represent self-sacrifice or how Jesus sacrificed himself of mankind. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his hymn titled “Adoro Te’ is a song to the Blessed Sacrament and sing of Christ as our Pelican.
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