Christian Symbols

Christian Symbols home ... Contact ... Sitemap ... Policies/terms ...  ©2024 Gary Gocek

 
Help  Many images may be found; keep scrolling.
Search Shortcuts:  Cross... Jesus... Apostle... Saint... God... Star, Pentacle, Pentagram... Plant... Animal... Miscellaneous... All Symbols

Winged Creature with the Head of an Eagle, John: The high soaring eagle represents John because in his narrative he rises to loftiest heights in dealing with the mind of Christ.
Click for original size

Christian Glossary
Glossary

Original Articles
Articles

Take the Poll!
The God Poll!

For Clergy
Forms of Address

Saint Feasts
Feast Days

Religions of the World
Religions

Symbols for Children
For Children

226 symbols (10 September 2016). Acknowledgements.

More symbols: Abingdon Press has books with symbols. ChristianSymbols.net and Symbols.com provide many symbols. Also try PlanetGast and the Orthodox Church in America.
Random: [OT Exodus 23:24] Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Winged Creature with a Lion's Face, Mark: The winged lion represents Mark because his Gospel narrative begins with, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness", and this suggests the roar of a lion.
Click for original size
Lamb Standing with the Banner of Victory: No longer wounded as in Rev 5:1, but standing with the banner of victory, suggesting the victorious nature of His sacrifice.
Click for original size
Sheep, The Twelve Apostles: The apostles have been symbolized as a group as well as individually. In one place, twelve doves are used; in another, twelve men are shown, each with a sheep. Some very early carvings represent the apostles as twelve sheep.
Click for original size
Fish, Icthus and Cross: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Click for original size
Animals, St. Francis: The well-born Francis resolved to devote his life to God. Founded the Franciscans, the members of which embrace complete poverty, and help the sick and suffering. Died 1226 A.D.
Click for original size
Eagle, St. Wenceslas: Duke of Bohemia. A Christian, he took over the reigns of government at the time of a pagan reaction. He was murdered by his pagan brother. Patron saint of the Czechs. Martyred about 938 A.D.
Click for original size
Ox, St. Antipas: He is venerated as the first Bishop of Pergamus (Asia Minor), and is by St. John in the Apocalypse (11:13) styled the "Faithful witness." Tradition avers that he was roasted to death in a brazen ox in the reign of the Emperor Domitian. Martyred 90 A.D.
Click for original size
Stag, St. Eustace: Eustace was a Roman officer under the Emperor Trajan. He owed his conversion to the image of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers which he saw while hunting. Died 118 A.D.
Click for original size
Shell, James (the greater): The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle's zeal and missionary spirit.
Click for original size
Peacock: An early symbol of the Resurrection, the peacock sheds his feathers but then grows new, even more brilliant feathers.
Click for original size
Pelican: Symbol of the Atonement. The pelican was believed to draw blood from its own breast to feed its young.
Click for original size
Butterfly: Symbolizes the resurrection and eternal life. As the butterfly leaves the pupa and soars upward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ are His followers borne to a new life.
Click for original size
Snakes, St. Hilda: Of royal blood, Hilda took the habit of a nun. Because of her piety and holy life she was soon appointed abbess. Her influence was a factor in securing unity in the English church. Died 680 A.D.
Click for original size
Snake and shamrock, St. Patrick: A captive British boy in Ireland, Patrick escaped and was educated in continental monasteries. Later he returned to Ireland preaching and teaching the Gospel and building churches. Patron saint of Ireland. Died about 465 A.D.
Click for original size
Stag, St. Aidan: An Irish monk of Iona who was sent to evangelize northern England and received the devoted help of Kings Oswald and Oswin. Died 651 A.D.
Click for original size
Beehive, St. Chrysostrum or Chrysostom: The name St. John Chrysostom comes from the Greek chrysotomos, writes Nikki Johnson)
John, Bishop of Constantinople became the most eloquent preacher of the early Church, and so was called Chrysostrum, or Golden-mouthed. Legend says that when he was a baby, a swarm of bees settled on his mouth. Died 407 A.D.
Click for original size
Phoenix: A mythical bird which at death bursts into flame but rises from its own ashes. Symbol of the Resurrection and immortal life.
Click for original size
Fish, Icthus 4: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary). Three fish intertwined represent the Holy Trinity.
Click for original size
Fish, Icthus 1: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Click for original size
Fish, Icthus 3: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Click for original size
Fish, Icthus 2: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Click for original size
Horse, St. Theodore Tyro: A soldier in the Roman army, Theodore set fire to the temple of Cybele, and suffered martyrdom for his deed. Martyred 306 A.D.
Click for original size
Shepherd boy, St. Cuthbert: A shepherd boy in Britain who embraced the monastic life. He became a faithful preacher and missionary to the wild and untamed mountain people of Scotland, and on the island of Farne. Died 687 A.D.
Click for original size
Shepherd: This symbol, found in the Catacombs, reminds us of the loving care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Click for original size
Winged Creature with the Head of an Ox, Luke: The winged ox (an ox being an anumal of sacrifice) represents Luke, who stresses the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
Click for original size
Escallop Shell with Drops of Water: A symbol of our Lord's baptism.
Click for original size
Book on Fish, Simon the Zealot: This symbol is a book upon which rests a fish, because through the power of the Gospel Simon became a great fisher of men.
Click for original size
Dragon, St. Margaret: The daughter of a pagan priest of Antioch, she became a Christian. She endured much persecution because of her faith, but remained true. Patron saint of women in childbirth. Martyred about 306 A.D.
Click for original size
Lamb, St. Agnes: She was a devoted follower of Jesus who steadfastly refused all offers of marriage, claiming she was the "bride of Christ." She is now considered the patroness of chastity. Died 654 A.D.
Click for original size
Easter Bunny: From the children's page, we know that there's no bunny distributing eggs in the Easter story. It's OK to celebrate spring, but remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
Click for original size
Dove with Branch: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
Click for original size
Snail, shell, St. Lydia: A seller of purple dyes, Lydia was converted through the preaching of Paul and was baptized with her whole household. She was the first recorded Christian convert in Europe. (Acts 16:14.) First Century.
Click for original size
Hawk, St. Basil: A bishop in Asia Minor, where he defended his province against the Arian heresy. He wrote many doctrinal works, founded the first recorded hospice for travelers, and wrote the Eucharistic Liturgy which bears his name. Died 379 A.D.
Click for original size
Dog with torch, St. Dominic: Born a nobleman of Spain, he resigned all worldly honors for his Master. He established the Dominican order of Preaching Friars, and did not spare himself in his work for the glory of God. Died 1221 A.D.
Click for original size
Dove: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
Click for original size
Cock: A crowing cock (or rooster) represents Peter's denial of Jesus and is generally symbolic of infidelity in the face of danger or persecution. Because of their crowing early in the morning, the cock is also used as a symbol of watchfulness and vigilance.
Click for original size
Lamb: The Lamb Reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals is noted in Revelation 5:1. The lamb is reclining because He is the Wounded Lamb. The three-rayed nimbus denotes deity.
Click for original size
Chalice and Cross . Crown of Thorns and Nails 1 . Crown of Thorns and Nails 2 . Winged Creature with the Head of an Eagle, John . Jesus as a Palestinian . Gospel, Barnabas . All-Seeing Eye . Fallen idol, St. Cornelius . Prayer, St. Mary, wife of Cleophas (Cleopas) . Sheet music, St. Ambrose . Eight Pointed Star, Star of Regeneration . Nine Pointed Star, Star of the Fruits of the Spirit . Spoon, St. Raphael . Five Pointed Star, Epiphany Star, Star of Jacob 2 . Five Pointed Star, Epiphany Star, Star of Jacob 1 . Ship, St. Thaddaeus . Winged Creature with a Lion's Face, Mark . Grapes . Keys, Peter . Lamb Standing with the Banner of Victory . Lily, St. Gabriel . Greek Cross . Scroll, St. Theodore of Canterbury . Pen and sword, St. Alban . Censer . Circle . 1 Corinthians 10:18 . Sheep, The Twelve Apostles . Ascension . Andrew's Cross . Crucifix, St. Katherine (Catherine) of Sienna . Scale, St. Michael . St. George . Fish, Icthus and Cross . Upside down L with dots . Seven Pointed Star, Star of the Gifts of the Spirit . Arrows, St. Giles of Provence . Infant on Bible, St. Anthony of Padua . Elijah's Chariot of Fire . Celtic Cross, Cross of Iona . Dagger, St. Edward the Martyr . Chalice, St. Oswald . Animals, St. Francis . Eagle, St. Wenceslas . Ship, Jude . Fleur de Lis . Urn, St. Bede . Pillars, St. Athanasius . Bible, St. Denis (Dionysius) of Paris . Maltese Cross . IHS heart, St. Ignatius . Taoism . Sikhism . Chalice, John . Tau Cross . Twelve Pointed Star, Star of the Apostles . Crown and palm, St. Dorothy . Daisies, St. High of Grenoble . Souls of the Righteous . Jesus and Children . Shinto . Sword and Bible, St. Boniface . Ox, St. Antipas . Angel, female 2 . Angel, female 1 . Greek ruins, St. Titus . Stars with Orb, Star of the 12 Tribes . Bursting Pomegranate . Fire, St. Uriel . St. Augustine . Six-Pointed Star, Star of Creation, Star of David 1 . Coins, St. Nicholas . Monk, St. Ansgarius (Anskar) . Open Bible . Bread, Philip . Knives, Bartholomew . Iron bed, St. Lawrence . Eleven Pointed Star . Freemasonry . Stag, St. Eustace . Christmas Rose . Skull and Crossbones . Shell, James (the greater) . Calvary . Peacock . Scissors, St. Agatha . Bible, St. Martin . Pelican . Cross of Triumph . IHS ancient form . Scepter, St. Gregory . Purses, Matthew . Bible with Ax, Matthias . Crown, St. Louis . Anchor Cross . Butterfly . St. Andrew's Cross . Snakes, St. Hilda . Burning Torch . Jainism . Triquetra . Ax and crown, St. Olaf . Chi Rho . Circle and Triangle . Spiked wheel, St. Katherine (Catherine) of Alexandria . Purse, St. Cyril of Jerusalem . Horn, St. Hubert . Snake and shamrock, St. Patrick . Stag, St. Aidan . Hand of God 2 . Hand of God 1 . Carpenter's square and flowers, St. Joseph . Three-Rayed Nimbus . Beehive, St. Chrysostrum or Chrysostom . Arrows, St. Edmund . Mother and child, St. Elizabeth . Cannister, St. Mary Magdalen . Phoenix . Ax, St. Cyprian . Daisy . Bahai . Islam . Wheat . I.N.R.I. . Fish, Icthus 4 . Fish, Icthus 1 . Fish, Icthus 3 . Fish, Icthus 2 . Horse, St. Theodore Tyro . Candlestick . Shepherd boy, St. Cuthbert . Hat, St. Roch (Rocco) . Michelangelo's God . Ladder Crossed with Reed and Sponge . Stool, St. Mary of Bethany . Seamless Coat . Shepherd . Easter Eggs . Monastery, St. Gerald of Auriliae . Mountain, St. David . Marian Cross . Alpha and Omega . Equilateral Triangle . Empty tomb . Crown and Cross . Three Intertwining Circles . Tree, St. Bride (St. Bridget) . Lighthouse, St. Christopher . Carpenter's square and a spear, Thomas . Indigenous . Winged Creature with the Head of an Ox, Luke . Archangel Gabriel . Flowers, St. Mary . Anchor, St. Clement . Saw, James (the lesser) . Book, St. Bernard . Aureole . Bible, Paul . Palm Leaf . Shamrock, St. Gerald . Scroll, St. Asaph . Knives, St. Nathaniel . Buddhism . St. Faith . Six Pointed Star, Star of Creation, Star of David . Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega in a Circle . IHS modern form . Hinduism . Coat and stones, St. Stephen . Pen, St. Cyril of Alexandria . Winged Creature with a Man's Face, Matthew . Shield of the Trinity . Escallop Shell with Drops of Water . Celtic cross, St. Columba (St. Colum) . Pillar, St. Simeon . Harp, St. Cecilia . Book on Fish, Simon the Zealot . Fylfot, Swastika . Latin Cross . Confucianism . Coat, St. John the Baptist . Aspergillum and cup, St. Martha . Jerusalem Cross, Crusader's Cross . Dragon, St. Margaret . Russian Orthodox Cross . Club and stones, St. Timothy . Rope on cross, St. Julia . King, St. Charles (King Charles I) . Five Pointed Star, Pentacle . Lamb, St. Agnes . Flame of the Holy Ghost . Book, St. Chad . Book, St. Anne . Coat, St. Vincent . Cornerstone . Christ's cross, St. Helena (Helen) . Pincers, Dunstan . IHS, St. Monica . Cliff, St. Sylvanus . Pen, St. Hilary of Poitiers . Nimbus (halo) . Four Pointed Star, Bethlehem Star, Epiphany Star . Jesus Christ, Conqueror . Easter Bunny . Archangel Michael . Washing feet, St. Lioba . Dove with Branch . Zoroastrianism . Snail, shell, St. Lydia . Ship, St. Wilfrid (Wilfred) . No More Coat Hangers . Latin Cross, Five Pointed Star, Heart . Hawk, St. Basil . Dog with torch, St. Dominic . Cross on the Rock . Heart, St. Valentine . Baptism of Jesus . Dove . Bell . Cock . Lily . Lamb . Lamp . Rope . Ship . Three-Step Cross, Graded Cross .