The first Christian symbolic images appear in the painting of the Roman catacombs and refer to the period of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. During this period, the symbols were in the nature of cryptography, allowing fellow believers to recognize each other, but the meaning of the symbols already reflects the emerging Christian theology. Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann notes:
The early Church did not know the icon in its modern dogmatic meaning. The beginning of Christian art - the painting of the catacombs - is symbolic (...) It tends to depict not so much a deity as a function of a deity.
Active use in the ancient Church various characters, and not icon-painting images, L. A. Uspensky connects with the fact that “in order to gradually prepare people for the truly incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation, the Church first addressed them in a language more acceptable to them than a direct image.” Also, symbolic images, in his opinion, were used as a way of hiding from the Christian sacraments announced until the time of their baptism.
So Cyril of Jerusalem wrote: “Everyone is allowed to hear the gospel, but the glory of the gospel is given to only sincere Servants of Christ. To those who could not listen, the Lord spoke in parables, and to the disciples alone He explained the parables. The most ancient catacomb images include the scenes of the Adoration of the Magi (about 12 frescoes with this plot have been preserved), which date back to the 2nd century. The appearance in the catacombs of images of the acronym ΙΧΘΥΣ or the fish symbolizing it also dates back to the 2nd century.
Among other symbols of catacomb painting, the following stand out:
1. Hee Rho- one of the earliest cruciform symbols of Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the Greek version of the word Christos: Chi=X and Rho=P. Although not technically a cross, Hi Rho is associated with the crucifixion of Christ and symbolizes his status as Lord. He is believed to have been the first to use Chi Rho at the beginning of the 4th century BC. AD Emperor Constantine, decorating with it the labarum, a military standard. As the fourth-century Christian apologist Lactantius notes, on the eve of the battle at the Milvian bridge in 312 AD. The Lord appeared to Constantine and ordered to put the image of Chi Rho on the shields of the soldiers. After Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Hi Rho became the official emblem of the empire. Archaeologists have found evidence that Chi Rho was depicted on the helmet and shield of Constantine, as well as his soldiers. On coins and medallions, which were minted in the era of the reign of Constantine, Hi Rho was also carved. By 350 AD images began to appear on Christian sarcophagi and frescoes.
2. Lamb: a symbol of Christ as an Easter sacrificial lamb, as well as a symbol for Christians, reminding them that Christ is our shepherd, and Peter ordered to feed his sheep. The lamb also serves as a sign of St. Agnes (her day is celebrated on January 21), a martyr of early Christianity.
3.Baptismal cross: consists of a Greek cross with the Greek letter "X" - the initial letter of the word Christ, symbolizing rebirth, and therefore it is associated with the rite of Baptism.
4.Cross of Peter: when Peter was sentenced to martyrdom, he asked to be crucified upside down out of respect for Christ. So, the inverted Latin cross became its symbol. In addition, it serves as a symbol of the papacy. Unfortunately, this cross is also used by Satanists, whose goal is to "reverse" Christianity (see, for example, their "Black Mass"), including the Latin cross.
5.ichthus(ih-tus) or ichthys in Greek means "fish". Greek letters used to write the word: iota, chi, theta, upsilon and sigma. AT English translation This is IXOYE. The five Greek letters mentioned are the first letters of the words Iesous Christos, Theou Uios, Soter, which means "Jesus Christ, son of God, Savior." This symbol was used mainly among early Christians in the 1st-2nd centuries. AD The symbol was brought from Alexandria (Egypt), which at that time was a crowded seaport. Goods went from this port all over Europe. That is why the ichthys symbol was first used by sailors to designate a god close to them.
6.Rose: Holy Virgin, Mother of God, a symbol of martyrdom, the secrets of confession. Five roses combined together represent the five wounds of Christ.
7. Jerusalem cross: Also known as the Crusader Cross, it is made up of five Greek crosses that symbolize: a) the five wounds of Christ; b) 4 Gospel and 4 cardinal points (4 smaller crosses) and Christ himself (big cross). The cross was common symbol during wars with Islamic aggressors.
8.latin cross, also known as the Protestant Cross and the Western Cross. The Latin cross (crux ordinaria) serves as a symbol of Christianity, despite the fact that long before the founding of the Christian church, it was a symbol of the pagans. It was created in China and Africa. His images are found on the Scandinavian sculptures of the Bronze Age, embodying the image of the god of war and thunder Thor. The cross is considered magic symbol. It brings good luck and drives away evil. Some scholars interpret the rock carvings of the cross as a symbol of the sun or a symbol
Earth, the rays of which denote north, south, east and west. Others point to its resemblance to the human figure.
9.Pigeon: a symbol of the Holy Spirit, part of the cult of the Baptism of the Lord and Pentecost. It also symbolizes the release of the soul after death, and is used to summon Noah's dove, the harbinger of hope.
10. Anchor: Images of this symbol in the cemetery of St. Domitilla date back to the 1st century, they are also found in the catacombs in epitaphs of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but there are especially many of them in the cemetery of St. Priscilla (only there are about 70 samples), St. Calixtus, Coemetarium majus. See the Epistle to the Hebrews 6:19.
11.Eight-pointed cross: the eight-pointed cross is also called the Orthodox cross or the cross of St. Lazarus. The smallest crossbar marks the title, where it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, the upper end of the cross is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, which Christ showed. The seven-pointed cross is a variation Orthodox cross, where the title is attached not across the cross, but from above.
12. Ship: is an ancient Christian symbol that symbolized the church and each individual believer. Crosses with a crescent, which can be seen on many churches, just depict such a ship, where the cross is a sail.
13.Calvary cross: the cross-Golgotha is monastic (or schema). It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. Widespread in ancient times, now the Golgotha cross is embroidered only on paraman and analava.
14. Vine: is the gospel image of Christ. This symbol also has its meaning for the Church: its members are branches, and bunches of grapes are a symbol of Communion. In the New Testament, the vine is a symbol of Paradise.
15. IHS: another popular monogram of the name of Christ. These are the three letters of the Greek name of Jesus. But with the decline of Greece, other, Latin, monograms with the name of the Savior began to appear, often in combination with a cross.
16. Triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each of the sides personifies the hypostasis of God - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. All sides are equal, and together form a single whole.
17. Arrows, or a ray piercing the heart - an allusion to the saying of St. Augustine in Confessions. Three arrows piercing the heart symbolize the prophecy of Simeon.
18. Skull or Adam's head is equally both a symbol of death and a symbol of victory over it. According to Holy Tradition, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha when Christ was crucified. The blood of the savior, washing the skull of Adam, symbolically washed all mankind and gave him a chance for salvation.
19. Eagle is a symbol of ascension. It is a symbol of the soul that seeks God. Often - a symbol of new life, justice, courage and faith. The eagle also symbolizes the evangelist John.
20.All-seeing eye- a symbol of omniscience, omniscience and wisdom. Usually it is depicted as inscribed in a triangle - a symbol of the Trinity. It can also symbolize hope.
21. Seraphim- angels closest to God. They are six-winged and carry fiery swords, they can have from one to 16 faces. As a symbol, they mean the cleansing fire of the spirit, divine heat and love.
22.Bread- This is a reference to the biblical episode when five thousand people were satisfied with five loaves. Bread is depicted in the form of ears (sheaves symbolize the meeting of the apostles) or in the form of bread for communion.
23. Good Shepherd. The main source of this image is the gospel parable, in which Christ Himself calls Himself so (John 10:11-16). The very image of the Shepherd is rooted in Old Testament, where often the leaders of the people of Israel (Moses - Is 63:11, Joshua - Numbers 27:16-17, King David in Psalms 77, 71, 23) are called shepherds, it is said about the Lord Himself - "The Lord, my Shepherd" ( It is said to the Lord, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Ps 23:1-2). Thus, Christ in the Gospel parable points to the fulfillment of prophecy and the finding of consolation by the people of God. In addition, the image of the shepherd had and has a clear meaning for everyone, so that and still in Christianity it is customary to call priests pastors, and laity - flock. Christ the Shepherd is depicted as an ancient shepherd, dressed in a chiton, in shepherd's laced sandals, often with a staff and a vessel for milk; in his hands he can hold a reed flute. milk symbolizes Communion, the rod - power, the flute - the sweetness of His teaching ("No one ever spoke like this man" - John 7:46) and hope, hope.Such is the mosaic of the early 4th century basilica from Aquileia.
24.Burning bush is a thorn bush that burns but does not burn. In his image, God appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. The burning bush is also a symbol of the Mother of God, who was touched by the Holy Spirit.
25.a lion- a symbol of vigilance and Resurrection, and one of the symbols of Christ. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Mark, and is associated with the power and royal dignity of Christ.
26.Taurus(bull or ox) - a symbol of the Evangelist Luke. Taurus means the sacrificial ministry of the Savior, his Cross sacrifice. Also, the ox is considered a symbol of all martyrs.
27.Angel symbolizes the human nature of Christ, his earthly incarnation. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew.
28. Grail- this is the vessel into which Joseph of Arimathea allegedly collected blood from the wounds of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. The history of this vessel, which acquired miraculous power, was described by the French writer early XII century by Chrétien de Troyes and a century later in more detail by Robert de Voron on the basis of the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. According to legend, the Grail is kept in a mountain castle, it is filled with sacred hosts that serve for communion and give miraculous powers. The fanatical search for the relic by the crusader knights largely contributed to the creation of the legend of the Grail, processed and framed with the participation of many authors and culminating in the tales of Parsifal and Gilead.
29.Nimbus represents a brilliant circle, which ancient Greek and Roman artists, depicting gods and heroes, often placed above their heads, indicating that these are higher, unearthly, supernatural beings. In the iconography of Christianity, the nimbus has become a part of the images of hypostases since ancient times. Holy Trinity, angels, Mother of God and saints; often he also accompanied the Lamb of God and the figures of animals, which serve as symbols of the four evangelists. At the same time, haloes of a special kind were established for some icons. For example, the face of God the Father was placed under a halo, which at first had the shape
triangle, and then the shape of a six-pointed star formed by two equilateral triangles. The halo of the Virgin Mary is always round and often exquisitely decorated. Haloes of saints or other divine persons are usually round and unornamented.
30. Church in Christian symbolism, the church has several meanings. Its main meaning is the House of God. It can also be understood as the Body of Christ. Sometimes the church is associated with the ark, and in this sense it means salvation for all its parishioners. In painting, a church placed in the hands of a saint signifies that this saint was the founder or bishop of that church. However, the church is in the hands of St. Jerome and St. Gregory does not mean any particular building, but the Church in general, to which these saints gave great support and became its first fathers.
31.Pelican, associated with this bird beautiful legend, which exists in dozens of slightly different variants, but is very similar in meaning to the ideas of the Gospel: self-sacrifice, deification through communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. Pelicans live in coastal reeds near a warm mediterranean sea and are often bitten by snakes. Adult birds feed on them and are immune to their poison, but the chicks are not yet. According to legend, if the pelican chicks are bitten by a poisonous snake, then he pecks at his own chest in order to commune them with blood with the necessary antibodies and thereby save their lives. Therefore, the pelican was often depicted on sacred vessels or in places of Christian worship.
32. chrism- This is a monogram made up of the first letters of the Greek word "Christ" - "Anointed". Some researchers mistakenly identify this Christian symbol with Zeus' double-edged ax - "Labarum". The Greek letters "a" and "ω" are sometimes placed along the edges of the monogram. Chrysm was depicted on the sarcophagi of the martyrs, in the mosaics of the baptistery (baptismal), on the shields of soldiers and even on Roman coins - after the era of persecution.
33. Lily- a symbol of Christian purity, purity and beauty. The first images of lilies, judging by the Song of Songs, served as decoration for the temple of Solomon. According to legend, the Archangel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary on the day of the Annunciation with a white lily, which has since become a symbol of Her purity, innocence and devotion to God. With the same flower, Christians depicted saints glorified by the purity of their lives, martyrs and martyrs.
34. Phoenix represents the image of the Resurrection associated with ancient legend about the eternal bird. Phoenix lived for several centuries and, when it came time for him to die, flew to Egypt and burned there. From the bird there was only a pile of nutritious ash in which, after some time, a new life was born. Soon a new rejuvenated Phoenix rose from it and flew away in search of adventure.
35.Rooster- this is a symbol of the general resurrection that awaits everyone at the Second Coming of Christ. Just as the crowing of a rooster awakens people from sleep, the trumpets of angels will awaken people at the end of time to meet the Lord, the Last Judgment, and inherit a new life.
The most significant difference between the "pagan" period of color symbolism and the "Christian" period is, first of all, that light and color finally cease to be identified with God, mystical forces, but become their
attributes, qualities and signs. According to Christian canons, God created the world, including light (color), but he himself is not reduced to light. Medieval theologians (for example, Aurelius Augustine), while praising light and color as manifestations of the divine, nevertheless point out that they (colors) can also be deceptive (from Satan) and identifying them with God is a delusion and even sin.
Only White color remains an unshakable symbol of holiness and spirituality. Especially important was such a meaning of white as purity and purity, liberation from sins. Angels, saints, the risen Christ are depicted in white clothes. Newly converted Christians wore white clothes. Also, white is the color of baptism, communion, the holidays of the Nativity of Christ, Easter, Ascension. In the Orthodox Church, white is used in all services from Easter to Trinity Day. The Holy Spirit is depicted as a white dove. The white lily symbolizes purity and accompanies images of the Virgin Mary. White has no negative meanings in Christianity. In early Christianity, the positive symbolic meaning of yellow prevailed, as the color of the Holy Spirit, divine revelation, enlightenment, etc. But later, yellow takes on a negative connotation. In the Gothic era, they begin to consider it the color of treason, betrayal, deceit, jealousy. In church art, Cain and the traitor Judas Iscariot were often depicted with yellow beards.
Used in Christian painting as an expression of divine revelation. The golden radiance embodies the eternal divine light. Many perceive the golden color as starlight descending from heaven.
In Christianity, it symbolizes the blood of Christ shed for the salvation of people, and, consequently, his love for people. This is the color of the fire of faith, martyrdom and the passions of the Lord, as well as the royal triumph of justice and victory over evil. Red is the color of worship on the feast of the Holy Spirit, Palm Sunday, during Holy Week, in the days of memory of the martyrs who shed their blood for their faith. The red rose points to the shed blood and wounds of Christ, to the cup that receives "holy blood." Therefore, it symbolizes rebirth in this context. Red marked in the calendar joyful events dedicated to Christ, the Mother of God and the saints. From the church calendar, a tradition has come to us to highlight holidays in red. Easter in churches begins in white vestments as a sign of Divine light. But already the Paschal Liturgy (in some churches it is customary to change vestments, so that the priest appears each time in robes of a different color) and the whole week are served in red robes. Often red clothes are used before the Trinity.
This is the color of heaven, truth, humility, immortality, chastity, piety, baptism, harmony. It expressed the idea of self-sacrifice and meekness. Blue color as it mediates the connection between the heavenly and the earthly, between God and the world. As the color of the air, blue expresses a person’s readiness to accept the presence and power of God for himself, blue has become the color of faith, the color of fidelity, the color of striving for something mysterious and wonderful. Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary, she is usually depicted in a blue cloak. Mary in this meaning is the Queen of Heaven, covering
with this cloak, protecting and saving the faithful (Intercession Cathedral). In the paintings of churches dedicated to the Mother of God, the color of heavenly blue prevails. Dark blue is typical for the image of the clothes of cherubs, who are constantly in reverent meditation.
This color was more "earthly", meant life, spring, flowering of nature, youth. This is the color of the Cross of Christ, the Grail (according to legend, carved from a whole emerald). Green is identified with the great Trinity. On this holiday, according to tradition, it is customary to decorate temples and apartments with bouquets of green twigs. At the same time, green also had negative meanings - deceit, temptation, devilish temptation (green eyes were attributed to Satan).
The attitude towards black was mostly negative, as the color of evil, sin, the devil and hell, as well as death. In the meanings of black, as well as among primitive peoples, the aspect of “ritual death”, death for the world, has been preserved and even developed. Therefore, black became the color of monasticism. The black raven among Christians meant trouble. But black has not only such a tragic meaning. In icon painting, in some subjects, it means a divine mystery. For example, on a black background, which meant the incomprehensible depth of the Universe, they depicted Cosmos - an old man in a crown in the icon of the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
It is formed by mixing red and blue (cyan). Thus, purple combines the beginning and end of the light spectrum. It symbolizes innermost knowledge, silence, spirituality. In early Christianity, purple symbolized sadness, affection. This color is adopted by the memories of the Cross and Lenten services, where the sufferings and the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ are remembered for the salvation of people. As a sign of higher spirituality, in combination with the idea of the Savior's feat on the cross, this color is used for the bishop's mantle, so that the Orthodox bishop, as it were, is clothed entirely in the feat of the Cross of the Heavenly Hierarch, whose image and imitator the bishop is in the Church.
Brown and gray were the colors of the commoners. Their symbolic meaning, especially in the early Middle Ages, was purely negative. They meant poverty, hopelessness, wretchedness, abomination, etc. Brown is the color of the earth, sadness. It symbolizes humility, the rejection of worldly life. Grey colour(mixture of white and black, good and evil) - the color of ash, emptiness. After the ancient era during the Middle Ages in Europe, color again regained its position, first of all, as a symbol of mystical forces and phenomena, which is especially characteristic of early Christianity.
All Orthodox symbols- this is the personification of the life of Christ the Savior: his crucifixion, resurrection, ascension.
Initially, the symbols were used as a secret script that helped Christians recognize each other during periods of hostile persecution.
Later, the images acquired a deep philosophical meaning. Each sign has its own history of origin, its own meaning.
Ichthys (fish) - an abbreviation that appeared when translating the expression "Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior" from the Greek language, by adding the first letters.
Near Jesus were many apostles - fishermen. He called them "catchers of men", and associated himself with Alpha and Omega (the beginning and end of all life). Depicting a fish, Christians preached their faith and recognized fellow believers.
According to some sources, the fish has become a symbol due to its easy availability.
The sign appeared at the beginning of our era. In Greece, it was depicted on coins as a hope for a brighter future. In ancient Rome, it personified the return home after long journeys.
The amulet with the image of a dolphin and an anchor was very famous: the dolphin is a sign of speed, the anchor is restraint.
The attributes of the saints were clothes, animals, various objects depicted side by side.
The holy martyrs were painted with the instrument of their torture or execution, or with animals that appeared to them in a dream.
Some saints in different paintings were depicted in different ways. This is explained by the fact that many stories and legends could go about one saint.
Many people confuse the concepts of "Trinity" and "Three-faced". How are they different?
God is one, but has 3 persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. And the Holy Trinity is a single merger, where one smoothly turns into three, and three becomes one.
Previously, the symbol was a circle, inside of which there was a triangle. The same sides of the figure meant the trinity and eternal life. Sometimes the image was in the form of three hares, whose ears were connected in a triangle. The modern sign of the Trinity is an ornament woven into a circle.
There is a story about how a dove flew to Noah during the Flood, holding an olive branch in its paws. Having announced God's mercy, the bird has become a symbol of peace and goodness.
Another legend says that evil spirits can dress in anyone except a dove. Therefore, it symbolizes purity and hope, truth and integrity.
Values:
Their number is not as small as it seems: an olive branch, a peacock, a ship, ears of bread, etc. Consider the most famous.
This is an eight-pointed cross with the image of thin branches of grapes. Sometimes the Savior may be depicted in the center.
Grapes are the personification of wisdom and immortality. The ministers of the church are branches, and the clusters are a sign of Communion. Leaves and berries symbolize Christ's sacrifice for the sake of people. Such a cross will always be a reminder of God's love for everyone who believes in it.
The most common:
The main symbol of Jesus Christ is the "cross". To atone for the sins of all mankind, Jesus sacrificed himself. The cross is the personification of the sacrificial victory over evil deeds.
Unbelievers believe that the worship of the cross is the worship of the instrument of execution. But believers know - this is a symbol of life, the salvation of mankind.
Icon painters often draw the Mother of God and John the Theologian near the cross. The skull at the foot is a sign of death. The image is filled with grace-filled power, honoring it, a person praises God.
Each apostle is depicted with a certain attribute.
For example, the apostle Peter is depicted with keys in his hands.
They were given by Jesus, they open the gates of the Kingdom of God.
The Apostle Paul is depicted with the instrument of his execution. Bartholomew, a preacher of Christianity, was martyred in one of the cities of Armenia - they flayed his skin, then crucified him. Attributes - own skin and a knife.
James the Elder is a disciple of Christ who lost his life in Jerusalem. Coming to his grave, pilgrims took shells with them. This meant that they had reached their destination. So they began to depict him with a staff, in a hat and with a shell.
Thomas - drawn with a spear, which was pierced. Judas holds a bag of money in his hands. He helped the poor, but he was greedy. He is depicted with a red beard - this is the color of cowardice and betrayal.
Each fragment of the temple has a specific meaning.
Temple Shape:
Dome shape:
Dome color:
An Orthodox church is a collection of many sacraments, the meanings of which can only be understood by a true believer.
Christianity can be understood by deciphering its symbols. From them one can trace both its history and the development of spiritual thought.
1. Eight-pointed cross
The eight-pointed cross is also called the Orthodox cross or the cross of St. Lazarus. The smallest crossbar marks the title, where it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, the upper end of the cross is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, which Christ showed. The seven-pointed cross is a variation of the Orthodox cross, where the title is attached not across the cross, but from above.
2. Ship
The ship is an ancient Christian symbol that symbolized the church and each individual believer. Crosses with a crescent, which can be seen on many churches, just depict such a ship, where the cross is a sail.
3. Calvary cross
The cross-Golgotha is monastic (or schema). It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. Widespread in ancient times, now the Golgotha cross is embroidered only on paraman and analava.
4. Vine
The vine is the gospel image of Christ. This symbol also has its meaning for the Church: its members are branches, and bunches of grapes are a symbol of Communion. In the New Testament, the vine is a symbol of Paradise.
5. Ichthys
Ichthys (from ancient Greek - fish) is an ancient monogram of the name of Christ, consisting of the first letters of the words "Jesus Christ God's Son the Savior." Often depicted allegorically - in the form of a fish. Ichthys was also a secret identifying mark among Christians.
6. Dove
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Also - a symbol of peace, truth and innocence. Often 12 doves symbolize the 12 apostles. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are also often depicted as doves. The dove that brought Noah an olive branch marked the end of the Flood.
7. Lamb
The lamb is an Old Testament symbol of the sacrifice of Christ. Also, the Lamb is a symbol of the Savior himself, this refers believers to the mystery of the Sacrifice on the Cross.
8. Anchor
Anchor is a hidden image of the Cross. It is also a symbol of hope for the future Resurrection. Therefore, the image of an anchor is often found in the burial places of ancient Christians.
9. Christ
Chrisma is the monogram of the name of Christ. The monogram consists of the initial letters X and P, often flanked by the letters α and ω. Chrism was widely spread in apostolic times and was depicted on the military standard of Emperor Constantine the Great.
10. The Crown of Thorns The crown of thorns is a symbol of the suffering of Christ, often depicted on crucifixes.
11. IHS
IHS is another popular monogram for the name of Christ. These are the three letters of the Greek name of Jesus. But with the decline of Greece, other, Latin, monograms with the name of the Savior began to appear, often in combination with a cross.
12. Triangle
The triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each of the sides personifies the hypostasis of God - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. All sides are equal, and together form a single whole.
13. Arrows
Arrows or a beam piercing the heart - an allusion to the saying of St. Augustine in Confessions. Three arrows piercing the heart symbolize the prophecy of Simeon.
14. Skull
The skull or Adam's head is equally a symbol of death and a symbol of victory over it. According to Holy Tradition, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha when Christ was crucified. The blood of the savior, washing the skull of Adam, symbolically washed all mankind and gave him a chance for salvation.
15. Eagle
The eagle is a symbol of ascension. It is a symbol of the soul that seeks God. Often - a symbol of new life, justice, courage and faith. The eagle also symbolizes the evangelist John.
16. All-seeing eye
The eye of the Lord is a symbol of omniscience, omniscience and wisdom. Usually it is depicted as inscribed in a triangle - a symbol of the Trinity. It can also symbolize hope.
17. Seraphim
Seraphim are angels closest to God. They are six-winged and carry fiery swords, they can have from one to 16 faces. As a symbol, they mean the cleansing fire of the spirit, divine heat and love.
18. Eight-pointed star
The eight-pointed or Bethlehem star is a symbol of the birth of Christ. In different centuries, the number of rays changed, until, finally, it reached eight. It is also called the Virgin Star.
19. Nine-pointed star The symbol originated around the 5th century AD. The nine rays of the star symbolize the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
20. Bread
Bread is a reference to the biblical episode when five thousand people were satisfied with five loaves. Bread is depicted in the form of ears (sheaves symbolize the meeting of the apostles) or in the form of bread for communion.
21. Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd is a symbolic image of Jesus. The source of this image is the gospel parable, where Christ himself calls himself a shepherd. Christ is depicted as an ancient shepherd, sometimes carrying a lamb (lamb) on his shoulders. This symbol has deeply penetrated and entrenched itself in Christianity, parishioners are often called flocks, and priests - shepherds.
22. Burning Bush
In the Pentateuch, the Burning Bush is a thorn bush that burns but does not burn out. In his image, God appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. The burning bush is also a symbol of the Mother of God, who was touched by the Holy Spirit.
23. Leo
The lion is a symbol of vigilance and resurrection, and one of the symbols of Christ. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Mark, and is associated with the power and royal dignity of Christ.
24. Taurus
Taurus (bull or ox) - the symbol of the Evangelist Luke. Taurus means the sacrificial ministry of the Savior, his Cross sacrifice. Also, the ox is considered a symbol of all martyrs.
25. Angel
The angel symbolizes the human nature of Christ, his earthly incarnation. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew.
Symbols of ChristianityHurry now to receive salvation.
Jesus is ready to hug you now!
But if you are indifferent to salvation,
A terrible thing will happen: you can be late!
The early Church did not know the icon in its modern dogmatic meaning. The beginning of Christian art - the painting of the catacombs - is symbolic. It tends to depict not so much the deity as the function of the deity.
Jesus used symbols as he walked the roads of Palestine. He referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd, the Door, the Wine, and the Light of the World. When He taught His disciples, He spoke in parables that were rich in symbolism.
We use symbols in our Everyday life.
For centuries, Christians have used symbols to express their faith. It is unlikely that anyone, visiting a church or taking a religious book, will not see any symbols at the same time. They help communicate the gospel (evangelize), nurture faith, and create a special atmosphere during worship. They serve us as "way signs" in our earthly journey.
There are many Christian symbols. Some of them are well known, but often even believers (and not just baptized) people do not know what this or that sign was originally intended for.
In the first centuries of Christianity, crosses were made without the image of Christ. Crucifixes themselves first appear in the 5th-6th centuries, and on the oldest of them Christ is depicted alive, in robes and crowned with a crown. The crown of thorns, wounds and blood collected in a bowl appear in the late Middle Ages, along with other details that have a mystical or symbolic meaning. Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant - and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.
According to legend, one of the two lambs sacrificed by Aaron was adorned with a crown of thorns. The prophets of the Old Testament called the expected Messiah the Lamb of God. The lamb has become a symbol of redemption, humility and meekness of Christ.
The Greek word for "fish" consists of the initial letters of the phrase "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior". This is the first encrypted creed. The image of a fish was a very convenient sign, since it did not say anything to people who were not initiated into the mysteries of Christianity.
Early Christians used monograms to certify that they belonged to Jesus. IHS is the first two letters and the last letter of the Greek name Jesus, written in Greek capital letters: IHSOYS. "Jesus" means "The Lord saves." The IHS monogram is often inscribed on altars and paraments.
Jesus said, "I am Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End." Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things; the world was created through him and one day he will come again to bring this world to judgment. Jesus spoke of Himself as Wine, Bread, Door and other symbols. Christian artists have been making drawings for centuries to convey the message of Jesus Christ.
God the Father -
The hand, appearing in various forms, is a common symbol of God the Father. The Old Testament often speaks of the hand of God, for example: "In Thy Hand are my days." The hand means strength, protection and dominance; for example, the Israelites sang to God, who saved them from the Egyptian army: “Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; Your right hand, O Lord, has slain the enemy.” We see the hand of God coming out of the cloud and reaching down to bless his people. The hand of God with a circle describes God as Eternally Existing with eternal care for His people. The eye is another common symbol of God the Father. He conveys the message that He sees us:
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him and hope in His mercy.” The eye of God means the loving care of God and His participation in His creation. It also reminds us that God sees everything we do. Jesus reminds us that God sees us even when no one else sees us: “Pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
God the Son - There are many symbols representing God the Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. There are monograms representing His name, crosses representing His crucifixion, and paintings depicting the events of His earthly ministry.
The first known images of the Good Shepherd date back to the 2nd century. His image in the Roman catacombs belongs to this period (a detail of the painting of the crypt of Lucina in the catacombs of St. Callistus, the catacombs of Domitilla. In 210 AD, Tertullian testified that he saw the image of the Good Shepherd on communion bowls and lamps. The Good Shepherd, in fact, was not icon of Jesus, but acts as an allegorical image.For this reason, he, along with ichthys, he became the first image of Christ in early Christian art.Also, because of the similarity with images of pagan deities, he was safe during the years of persecution, because he did not contain obvious Christian themes and could not at the same time, in the conditions of persecution of Christianity, the image expressed the idea of special protection for the elect and the prototype of the coming Kingdom of God.
The earliest Christian symbolic images date back to the time of the ancient Catacomb Church and the first persecutions. Then the symbols were used primarily as a cryptogram, cryptography, so that fellow believers could recognize each other in a hostile environment. However, the meaning of the symbols was entirely due to religious experiences; thus it can be argued that they conveyed to us the theology of the early Church.
The "other" world is revealed in this world through symbols, and therefore symbolic vision is a property of a person who is destined to exist in these two worlds. Since the Divine was revealed to people of all pre-Christian cultures to one degree or another, it is not surprising that the Church uses some of the "pagan" images that have their roots not in paganism itself, but in the depths of human consciousness, where even the most ardent atheists doze the thirst for knowledge of God. At the same time, the Church purifies and clarifies these symbols, showing the truth behind them in the light of Revelation. They turn out to be like doors to another world, closed for pagans and thrown wide open in Christianity. Let us note that in the pre-Christian world, the Old Testament Church was most fully enlightened by God. Israel knew the way of knowing the One God, and consequently, the language of its symbols was the most adequate to what stood behind them. Therefore, many Old Testament symbolic symbols naturally enter into Christian symbolism. Objectively, this is also due to the fact that the first Christians were mainly people from the Jewish environment.
The symbolism of Christian art of that time was a manifestation of the “natural” vision of the world for a religious person, it was a way of knowing the innermost depths of the universe and its Creator.
The attitude towards the direct depiction of God and the "invisible world" was ambiguous even among the early Fathers of the Church; everyone had before their eyes an example of paganism, in which religious veneration was taken away from the prototype of a deity and transferred to its form embodied in one or another material.
It was a very difficult task to artistically convey the mystery of the Incarnation and the Cross. According to Leonid Uspensky, "in order to gradually prepare people for the truly incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation, the Church first addressed them in a language more acceptable to them than a direct image." This explains the abundance of symbols in early Christian art.
Rich material for the study of early Christian symbolism is provided by the works of Clement of Alexandria, who writes about images preferred by Christians. We find an alloy of images of the Old Testament and common culture in the hymn to Christ of his composition (c. 190):
15
Support for the suffering
eternal lord,
mortal kind
Savior Jesus
Shepherd, plowman,
20
Fed, mouth,
Wing of Heaven
Holy flock.
Fisherman of all mortals,
saved by you
25
In the waves of the hostile.
From the sea of wickedness
Capturing sweet life
Lead us sheep
30
Reasonable Shepherd
Holy One lead us
King of the Immaculate Children.
Feet of Christ
Way of Heaven.
Here we will give only the main symbols from the totality of ancient Christian symbolism, which conveys a complete picture of the worldview of the Church and the aspirations of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The main symbols are naturally connected with the most essential thing in the life of the Church - the Savior, His death on the cross and the sacrament of Divine Communion approved by Him - the Eucharist. Thus, the main Eucharistic symbols: bread, grapes, items related to viticulture, are most widely used in the painting of the catacombs, in epigraphy; they were depicted on sacred vessels and household items of Christians. The actual Eucharistic symbols include images of the vine and bread.
Bread it is depicted both in the form of ears (sheaves can symbolize the meeting of the Apostles), and in the form of communion bread. Here is a drawing that clearly appeals to the miracle of the multiplication of loaves (Mt 14:17-21; Mt 15:32-38) and at the same time depicts the bread of the Eucharist (see below for the symbolism of the image of the fish).
Vine- the gospel image of Christ, the only source of life for man, which He gives through the sacrament. 
The symbol of the vine also has the meaning of the Church: its members are branches; bunches of grapes, which are often pecked by birds, are a symbol of Communion - a way of life in Christ. The vine in the Old Testament is a symbol of the promised land, in the New - paradise; in this sense, the vine has long been used as decorative element. Here is a perfect image of a vine from the mosaics of the Mausoleum of San Constanta in Rome.
The symbolism of grapes also includes images of bowls and barrels used in its harvesting.
Vine, chalice and cruciform monogram of Christ.
Here is a fragment of the Ravenna mosaic of the 6th century, depicting a vine, the monogram of Christ and a peacock, a bird symbolizing rebirth to a new life.
Images are associated with the Savior himself fish as a kind of reference to the name of Christ; Good Shepherd(Jn 10:11-16; Mt 25:32); lamb- His Old Testament prototype (e.g. Is 16:1, cf. John 1:29), as well as His name, expressed in the sign (monogram) and in the sacramental image of the Cross in the image anchor, ship.
Let us dwell first of all on the monogram of the name of Christ. This monogram, consisting of the initial letters X and P, has been widely used, perhaps since apostolic times. We find it in epigraphy, on the reliefs of sarcophagi, in mosaics, etc. Perhaps the monogram goes back to the words of the Apocalypse about the "seal of the Living God" (Rev. 7:2) and "a new name for the conqueror" (Rev. God's.
The Greek name for the monogram crisma (prop. "anointing, chrismation") can be translated as "seal". The shape of the monogram has changed significantly over time. Ancient forms: . The most common variant becomes more complicated in the early Konstantinovian time: , approx. 335, it is converted to (the letter X disappears). This form was widespread in the east, especially in Egypt. Often it is decorated with palm branches or approved in a laurel wreath (ancient symbols of glory), accompanied by the letters and. Here is an image of a detail of a sarcophagus of the 2nd century, in which the actual chrism is not present, but the meaning is preserved. This usage goes back to the text of the apocalypse: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (Rev 1:8; see also Rev 22:13). 
The initial and final letters of the Greek alphabet thus represent the Divine dignity of Jesus Christ, and their combination with His name (chrism) emphasizes "... His co-primordial existence with the Father, His relationship to the world, as the primary source of everything and the ultimate goal of all being." This is the image of chrysma on the coin of Emperor Constantine II (317-361).
An additional reference to Christ could be the inscription, which was a cipher of His name Christos - ikhthus, "fish". In addition to a simple anagram similarity, this word also acquired an additional symbolic load: it was read as an abbreviation of the phrase Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, Jesus Christos Theu Yu Sotir. Wed 4th century silver plate (Trier).
The image of chrism is a constant motif of Christian art. Here is an interesting modern graphic version of chrysm - the emblem of the magazine "Sourozh".
All these images are really secret writing: behind the well-known forms of the letters of the alphabet, etc., there is an image of the Crucifixion of the Incarnate God and the opportunity for a person to change through communion with the mystery of the Cross.
This is the image on the gravestone (Tunisia, VIII century).
These images also include the anchor - a symbol of Christian hope for the future Resurrection, as the Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Hebrews (Heb 6:18-20). Here is an image of an anchor from the Roman catacombs.
In the early Christian gem, the images of the cross and the anchor merge. He is accompanied by fish - symbols of Christ, and palm branches - symbols of triumph - grow from the base. In the literal sense, as an image of salvation, an anchor is used in the image with two Christian fish being caught from the Roman catacombs of the 2nd century. And this is another, graphically elaborated version of the same plot.
Another common symbol is the ship, which also often includes the image of the Cross. In many ancient cultures, the ship is a symbol of human life, sailing towards the inevitable pier - death.
But in Christianity, the ship is associated with the Church. The Church as a ship driven by Christ is the most common metaphor (see above in the hymn of Clement of Alexandria). But every Christian can also be likened to a ship following the ship-Church. In Christian images of a ship rushing along the waves of the sea of life under the sign of the cross and heading towards Christ, the image of Christian life is adequately expressed, the fruit of which is the acquisition of eternal life in union with God.
Let us turn to the image of Christ - the Good Shepherd. The main source of this image is the gospel parable, in which Christ Himself calls Himself so (John 10:11-16). Actually, the image of the Shepherd is rooted in the Old Testament, where often the leaders of the people of Israel (Moses - Is 63:11, Joshua - Numbers 27:16-17, King David in Psalms 77, 71, 23) are called shepherds, but it is said about the Lord Himself - "The Lord, my Shepherd" (The Ps of the Lord says - "The Lord, my Shepherd" (Ps 23:1-2). Thus, Christ in the gospel parable indicates the fulfillment of prophecy and the finding of consolation by the people of God. In addition, the image of the shepherd also had has a clear meaning to everyone, so even today in Christianity it is customary to call priests pastors, and laity - flock.
Christ the Shepherd is depicted as an ancient shepherd, dressed in a chiton, in shepherd's laced sandals, often with a staff and a vessel for milk; in his hands he can hold a reed flute. The milk vessel symbolizes Communion; wand - power; flute - the sweetness of His teaching ("No one ever spoke like this man" - John 7:46) and hope, hope. Such is the mosaic of the beginning of the 4th century. basilicas from Aquileia.
Artistic prototypes of the image could serve as ancient images of the shepherd, the patron of the flocks of Hermes, with a lamb on his shoulders, Mercury with a lamb at his feet - the image of Communion with God. The Lamb on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd of divine joy about the lost sheep - the penitent sinner - in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 15: 3-7), where the prophecy of Isaiah is also revealed: "He will take the lambs in his arms and carry on his chest, and lead the milch" ( Isaiah 40:11). Here is the mystery of the redemption of the world in Christ, the relationship of God, "giving his life for the sheep" (John 10:11), towards people. The sheep in this case is an image of fallen human nature, accepted by God and elevated by Him to Divine dignity.
The image of the Good Shepherd in early Christian art is adjacent to the image of the Lamb - the Old Testament prototype of the sacrifice of Christ (the sacrifice of Abel; the sacrifice of Abraham, the Easter sacrifice) and the gospel Lamb, "taking away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). Lamb - Christ is often depicted with the accessories of a shepherd, which literally follows the words of Revelation "Lamb<...>she will shepherd them and lead them to living springs of water" (Rev. 7:17). The Lamb is a Eucharistic image, and in Christian iconography it is often depicted at the bottom of liturgical vessels. In modern liturgical practice, the part of the prosphora consecrated in the Eucharist is also called the Lamb.
The lamb can be depicted on a rock or stone, from the foot of which jets of four sources (symbols of the Four Gospels) beat, to which other lambs rush - the apostles or, more broadly, Christians in general. The lamb from the mosaics of Ravenna (VI century) is depicted with a halo, on which is Christ; thus his relation to Christ appears as absolutely indisputable.
The image of Christ in the form of a Lamb hinted at the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Cross, but did not reveal it to non-Christians; however, in times of widespread Christianity, it was prohibited by canon VI (V-VI) of the Ecumenical Council of 692, since the primacy in veneration should belong not to the prototype, but to the very image of the Savior "according to human nature." In relation to the "direct image", such symbols were already remnants of "Jewish immaturity"
