Christians have used symbols throughout history as a way to identify with each other. Here are the meanings of those symbols made easy for kids to understand.
The Christian symbols are a way for us to identify with other Christians. They tell a story of how people throughout history have stood by their beliefs and pointed others to God. What do these symbols mean? Here are some basic definitions, especially for kids to understand why they believe what they do. This is not an exhaustive list.
Ichthus - Fish Symbol
This is one of the most popular symbols used in Christianity. It was first introduced as a way for people to know that you were a Christian. Say you lived a long time ago and saw someone walking around a marketplace. If you went up to that person and said, "Ichthus," they would either point you to a fish merchant or they would say "Ichthus!" back to you. If they said the word back to you, you then knew it was safe to have a conversation pertaining to Christian matters. The fish symbol was also used to let Christians know about a Bible study that was going to happen, if they saw the symbol above a household entrance.
Christian Color Symbols
You can know the meaning of colors commonly used by Christian by following this guide:
- Blue: Heaven, wisdom
- Pink: Joy
- Red: Blood or love depending in which context it is used
- White: Purity, cleanliness
- Black: Sorrow
- Gold: Wealth, importance
Cross Symbol
Reminds us of how Jesus died on the cross to save us all from sin. Sometimes you will see a plain cross or a cross with Jesus hanging upon it, which is called a "crucifix." It is believed that there are approximately 400 different forms of the cross, and that at least 50 of them are related to Christianity. Some forms pertaining to Christianity include:
- Adorned Cross: Decorated with flowers, especially lilies. Very popular at Easter.
- Anchor Cross: Symbol of faith and hope in Jesus Christ. We will not be moved from our beliefs in Him.
- Aiguisee Cross: The pointed cross symbols Jesus' suffering.
- Celtic Cross: A highly decorated cross used by Christians in Great Britain, Ireland, and other places. Once used to separate Protestants from Roman Catholics.
There are many other forms of Christian crosses that you can learn about here.
Animal Symbols
Animals are used throughout the Bible with literal and symbolic meanings. Some of the symbolism represented through animals includes:
- Ant: A symbol of dedication and hard work. Ants cooperate to get a job done, like Christians work together for a common goal of spreading the Good News.
- Birds: A symbol of the human spirit. The Dove is often connected with things pertaining to God's direct interaction with humans.
- Butterfly: A symbol of the resurrection. It represents a Christian life: caterpillar - life, cocoon - death, butterfly - resurrection. It is also a reminder that God made all things by making two separate creatures out of one. We are one with Christ, though separate in physical being.
- Donkey: A symbol of prophecy fulfilled.
- Sheep: A symbol of Christians. We are the sheep, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who takes care of us all.
Again, there are many animals mentioned in the Bible with symbolic meanings.
