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Religious Art and Iconography
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The Halos
The halo represents divine illumination and sanctity; historically, it has been used in Christian art to signify holiness and to denote saints and figures like Jesus Christ.
The Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree is sacred in Buddhism as it is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. It represents wisdom, enlightenment, and the fulfillment of potential.
Mandala
In various spiritual traditions, mandalas are used as a symbol of the universe, representing its complexity and interconnectedness, often utilized in meditation and rituals.
The Ankh
An ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbolizing life, the ankh is also interpreted as a key to unlock the gates of death, representing eternal life and the union of male and female.
Yin and Yang
Originating from Taoist philosophy, the yin and yang represent the dualities of existence such as light and dark or life and death, conveying a balance in the cosmos and natural world.
The Khanda
The Khanda is a symbol of Sikhism that embodies divine knowledge, the importance of truth, and the unity of God. It consists of a double-edged sword flanked by two single-edged swords.
Baha'i Nine-Pointed Star
In the Baha'i Faith, the nine-pointed star represents the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity, as nine is considered a symbol of perfection and completion.
Chi-Rho
A Christian symbol formed by superimposing the first two letters (chi and rho) of the Greek word 'Christos', representing Jesus Christ and used by Roman Emperor Constantine as a military standard known as a Labarum.
The Menorah
An ancient Hebrew lampstand with seven branches; the Menorah symbolizes the burning bush as seen by Moses, the seven days of creation, and is a longstanding emblem of Jewish faith and tradition.
The Star of David
A prominent symbol in Judaism, the Star of David (or Shield of David) is believed to represent the shape of King David's shield, or the emblem on it, and symbolizes divine protection and the Jewish identity.
Dharma Wheel
The Dharma Wheel, or Dharmachakra, symbolizes the Buddhist teachings of the path to enlightenment, representing the cycle of birth, life, and death, as well as the rapid spiritual change engendered by the Buddha's teachings.
The Cross
Beyond its Christian connotation as the instrument of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, the cross symbolizes faith, resurrection, and the intersection of divine love and justice.
The Lotus Flower
In Eastern practices, the lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, often associated with deities and spiritual leaders due to its ability to rise from muddy waters unspoiled.
Ichthys (The Fish)
Early Christian symbol used to denote followers of Jesus and as a secret sign during persecution; it represents Christ's multiplicative miracles and the idea of Christians being 'fishers of men'.
The Sacred Heart
A symbol revered in Catholicism representing Jesus Christ's boundless and passionate love for humanity, often depicted as a heart encircled by thorns with flames and a cross emanating from the top.
The Swastika
An ancient symbol used in many cultures, the swastika symbolizes good luck, the sun, or prosperity in Hinduism and Buddhism, but was appropriated and stigmatized by the Nazis in the 20th century.
The Crescent and Star
A symbol prominently associated with Islam, representing the moon and a star; it symbolizes the guidance of divine light (Allah) and is found on many Islamic flags.
Shiva Linga
Representing Lord Shiva in Hinduism, the Shiva Linga symbolizes creation and destruction, the union of Shiva and his consort Parvati, and the cosmic egg from which the universe emanated.
Om/Aum Symbol
A sacred sound and spiritual icon in Indian religions, the Om symbolizes the essence of ultimate reality, consciousness or Atman, often used in meditation and chanting.
The Eye of Providence
Also known as the All-Seeing Eye, it is often depicted with an eye within a triangle surrounded by rays of light; it signifies God's omniscience and divine providence in Christian iconography.
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