It is easier to explain something to people using symbols, especially if they are illiterate.
That was the case in ancient times.
These symbols represent different meanings to different people.
Image: pexels.comSource: UGC
So, what do different religious symbols mean?
Centuries ago, there was only one religion and thus one symbol.
So, these languages acted as a barrier and thus stopped the construction of babel.
Read also
Symbols connect people having the same faith.
They also identify one group from the other.
For instance, Christians and Muslims possess unique symbols.
Read also
Here are some ciphers you might have come across but didnt know their meaning.
They are multiple following the different races and unique faith amongst people.
These symbols are also used to show dominance.
Image: pexels.comSource: UGC
For example, what does the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe remind you of?
It brings Mexico citizens together on both religious and secular front.
For rituals
Christians, especially Catholics, have mass where they reenact the last supper.
Read also
It involves taking bread and wine that symbolizes the body and blood of Christ.
Rituals bring people together, and they represent a sacred moment or place.
Religious symbols act as a way of enhancing society to submit to a superior being.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
For instance, the statue of Jesus represents Him as God.
It shows the hierarchical nature of the community as it reminds Christians that they are under God.
That is why it was used to crucify Jesus because he called himself the son of God.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
So, when they got the chance, they crucified him on the cross to humiliate him before dying.
However, today, the cross is used to remind Christian of how Christ died for their sins.
But what would have happened if he didn’t rise again?
Read also
In fact, it one of the Easter religious symbols too.
This means he called them to spread his gospel.
The fish were a lot, and they realized it was Jesus.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
So, fish is a universal religious symbol among Christians.
Muslims
How many Muslim religious symbols and meanings do you know?
Muslim is a significant religion in the world, and you’ve probably noticed their patterns and symbols.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
It represents life to lead for Allah.
Green shows the Islamic faith.
Asian yin and yang symbol
Yin and yang refer to balancing nature.
Read also
In other words, the world wouldn’t have evil if there was no sound, light without darkness.
It means if one side exists, it must have another.
Star of David
Star of David looks like two interlocking triangles.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
Its a Judaism symbol representing the tribe of Judah and Benjamin.
Hindu
Aum!
If youve watched a Hindu movie, then youve heard the ‘aum’.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
It sounds like a hymn.
The same letter forms one of the religious ciphers for Hinduism.
It represents Brahma, their creator.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
Every Hindu says it every morning after waking up.
It looks like an incomplete square with an elephant head in the middle.
Check out other Hinduism religious symbols and meanings too.
Read also
Statue of Buddha
Statue of Buddhais a monk sitting in a meditation pose.
It originated from a man named Gautama who slipped out of their palace and saw a happy beggar.
Shortly before, he had seen a dead man, a sick man, and an older man.
Image: pixabay.comSource: UGC
So, seeing a beggar wearing a yellow robe yet happy changed the way he viewed the world.
Its an extended hand with an eye in the middle.
However, today, other religions use it too.
In fact, new religions come up every single day and unquestionably new symbols.
Some countries can have more religions than others.
For instance, you’ll find different religions in South Africa.
In fact, youll also find all the above symbols in South Africa.
Dont forget you havent covered the traditional religions yet.
The point is, you should probably understand or at least respect each religion and its symbols.
All religious symbols have an origin you cannot displace.
It would be easier if you learned about each before dismissing it.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you could email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
