Fish – Secret sign used in Rome during persecution of the Christians:
The Greek word for fish was ICHTHUS
Iesous Christos theou uios soter
Jesus Christ God’s son saviour
First letter from each of the Greek words spells ICHTHUS – Fish.
Candle – symbolises the ‘light of Christ’, shining upon the world. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ When two candles are placed on the altar they represent Jesus’ divine and human natures.
Dove – symbolises the Holy Spirit, when Jesus was baptisied by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, the Holy Spirit came down from above to Jesus ‘like a dove’.
Alpha & Omega – The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – why do they remind Christians of God? I am the beginning and the end.
The Lamb – Symbol of Jesus, purity, sacrifice – well known prayer ‘O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.’
Crown – Symbol of royal authority, Christ often known as ‘the King of Kings’.
Anchor Cross – Symbolises Christian’s hope in Christ – he is their anchor. Tradition has it that St.Clement of Rome was tied to an anchor and tossed into the sea by the emperor Trajan.
Bread & Wine – Symbolising Jesus’ body & blood which Christians remember during Holy Communion – the last supper.
The Cross – Jesus died on the cross, to take away the sins of mankind and then rose from the dead (resurrected) and went up into Heaven. A Church is also built in the shape of a cross.