List of Catholic Symbols and Meanings

Author:
MM Del Rosario
Updated date:
Jun 5, 2018

Since the earliest times, the concept of symbolism has been prevalent in every human culture, social structure, and religious system. Signs and symbols play a vital role as objects upon which thoughts and prayers can be focused. They point a way through the spiritual world, act as badges of faith, teaching tools, and aids on the journey towards understanding complex philosophies.

Below is a list of 10 Catholic symbols, along with descriptions and meanings of each.

10 Catholic Symbols and Their Meanings

Crucifix
Alpha and Omega
The Cross
The Sacred Heart
IHS and Chi-Rho
The Fish
Fleur de Lis
The Dove
Crossed Keys
The Lamb

1. Crucifix

The crucifix is a cross with the figure of the body of Jesus Christ attached to it. This is a very common Catholic symbol that is often placed on or above the altar where the Eucharist is celebrated.

What Is the Meaning of the Crucifix?

The crucifix is a symbol of sacrifice and atonement, since, according to the Bible, Jesus died for the sins of the world. His crucifixion and his death soaked up systematic injustice, personal evil, violence and other wrongs, and continue to do so for Catholics everywhere.

Unlike other Christian denominations, which use only the cross, the crucifix is a powerful symbol of Catholicism, representing the focal point of the Catholic belief: that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity.

What Do the Letters "INRI" Stand for on the Cross?

A crucifix often has the letters "INRI" carved into the wood of the cross. These letters are short for the Latin phrase, "Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum," which translates to "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

These are the words which Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death, ordered to be written on the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Alpha and omega depicted in stained glass at Saint Mary Catholic Church.
Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

2. Alpha and Omega

Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They are used at various times in the Church liturgical year. The alpha and omega have been used by Catholics since the fourth century as symbols expressing the confidence of orthodox Christians in the scriptural proofs of God.

What Is the Meaning of Alpha and Omega?

In the book of revelation 22:13, Christ refers to himself as the alpha and the omega. That is, the first and the last. These two letters symbolize the fact that Christ is the beginning and the end of all creation.

3. The Cross

The most famous and widespread Christian symbol is the cross. It is found wherever there is a Christian presence. In Roman times, the cross was an instrument of torture and public humiliation, and criminals were put to death on crosses.

What Is the Meaning of the Cross?

For Christians, the cross has become a symbol not only of Jesus' death, but also of his resurrection. While the cross has been around long before the advent of Christianity, the Easter story (that is, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ) has made the cross one of the most recognized icons in the world. The cross symbolizes sacrifice, suffering, repentance, solidarity, and exclusion. These are only a few ways to interpret the cross. Every Catholic applies their own significance to this perennial symbol.

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4. The Sacred Heart

In Catholic art, the Sacred Heart is usually depicted as a flaming heart. It is also usually shining with divine light, pierced (presumably from a lance), encircled by a crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. Sometimes it is shown in the bosom of Jesus Christ. The wound, thorns, and blood represent Jesus' crucifixion, and the flames represent the transformative power of divine love.

What Is the Meaning of the Sacred Heart?

The Sacred Heart represents Jesus' physical heart and represents divine love. It is a devotional of Catholics everywhere and encapsulates the message of Jesus' long-suffering love and passion towards humanity. On its own, the heart is a symbol of love. But the Sacred Heart, pierced and wrapped in thorns, shows the depth of Jesus' love. It indicates that he was prepared to suffer and die for all people, and that his love is eternal.

IHS monogram at the top of the main altar at Gesù in Rome, Italy.

IHS monogram at the top of the main altar at Gesù in Rome, Italy.

5. IHS and Chi-Rho

The letters IHS often appear on liturgical items, building plaques, gravestones, and sacred vessels. IHS is a shortened form of the Greek word for Jesus, which is "IHΣΟΥΣ."

The letters X and P are often used as another symbol for Christ. The first two letters of Christ's name in Greek are X and P. In the Greek alphabet, X equals "CH," and P equals "R." Also known as the Chi-RhO cross, the letters are usually inscribed one over the other and are sometimes enclosed within a circle, becoming both a cosmic and a solar symbol.

6. The Fish

One of the oldest Christian symbols is the fish. It was used by Christians to identify themselves and each other, often in times of persecution. It is often found in the Roman catacombs, a secret meeting place during the time when the Christians were persecuted for their faith by the Romans.

What Is the Meaning of the Fish?

The fish is based on an acrostic of the initial letters of the Greek words for Jesus Christ. To understand this symbol, you need to know the meaning of the acronym. The Greek word for fish is "Ichthus," which is also an acronym for Jesus. The Latin, "Iesous CHristos THeou Uios Soter" translates in English to, "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour."

Christ also referred to his apostles as "Fishers of Men," while the early Christian fathers called the faithful "pisculi," which means "fish."

A fleur de lis in Rome, Italy.
Aaron Vowel, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

7. Fleur-de-Lis

The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily composed of three petals bound together at their base. The lily has been used in many places throughout history, serving formerly as the emblem depicted on the royal arms of France (a historically Catholic nation), and has always represented divinity.

What Is the Meaning of the Fleur-de-Lis?

In one interpretation, the flower is a symbol of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The whiteness and beauty of the lily is symbolic of the purity of Mary Immaculate.

In another interpretation, the lily depicts the Holy Trinity, which consists of the Father (God), the son (Jesus Christ), and the holy spirit–or one God in three divine persons. The band which hold the three pedals together represents Mary, since it was she who bore the child of God.

8. The Dove

The dove is a white bird often depicted in the Catholic Church as flying gracefully before a shining aura of light. Sometimes, the dove is carrying an olive branch in its beak.

What Is the Meaning of the Dove?

The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, a dove descended on him, according Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10. The dove is sometimes depicted with an olive branch in its mouth as a symbol of peace. It also symbolizes God's grace.

Do you remember when, in Noah's story, he sent out a dove to search for dry land after the rain stopped? It returned carrying an olive branch from the Mount of Olives, which was a sign and symbol of God's forgiveness.

9. Crossed Keys

In Christian art, crossed keys, sometimes known as the Keys of Heaven, are a pair of keys that overlap and interlock, creating an "X." The keys are used as ecclesiastical heraldry, papal coats of arms, and symbolic images in holy places.

What Is the Meaning of the Crossed Keys?

The crossed keys represent the metaphorical keys that Jesus promised to St. Peter, empowering him to take binding actions in leading the institution of the Catholic Church. In short, they are a symbol of the Pope's authority. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to Peter:

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth shall be loosed in heaven.

St. Peter was the first pope, and those who succeed him share in the power Jesus gave him.

"Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)" with halo and cross on the wall of the atrium of the St. Euphrasius basilica, Poreč, Croatia.
Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

10. The Lamb

One of the most important symbols of Christ is the Lamb. Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God is mentioned in John 1:35-36 and Revelation 5:6-14, and always in the words of the Mass.

What Is the Meaning of the Lamb?

The whiteness of the Lamb symbolises innocence and purity. Lambs are also often associated with sacrifice in the Old Testament. Christ, the sacrificial lamb, died for the sins of humanity. The lamb can also symbolize subservience to God.

The lamb is sometimes portrayed with a flag. This is symbolic of Christ's victory over death in his resurrection.

What Are the Seven Catholic Sacraments?

A sacrament is a religious rite, ceremony, or act that is regarded as an outward, visible sign of inner divine grace. In the Roman Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments that are performed throughout one's time as a member of the Church. The sacraments are divided into three categories, which are:

The Sacraments of Initiation
The Sacraments of Healing
The Sacraments of Service

Each of the sacraments is listed in the tables below.

Sacraments of Initiation


Sacrament	Description
Baptism	This sacrament is usually performed while one is an infant, although baptisms can be carried out at any time. During this sacrament, the priest welcomes the baby to the Catholic Church and wipes away the sin it was born with. The priest anoints the child with oils, holy water, and prayer.
Eucharist	This sacrament, when performed for the first time, is called First Communion. Eucharist takes place during Mass and consists of consuming the body and blood of Christ, which has been transubstantiated from bread and wine.
Confirmation	This sacrament completes the sacrament of baptism, and is performed when a person is coming-of-age. The sacrament is meant to give a person a chance to reevaluate their faith and decide if they want to continue their religious journey with the Catholic Church.

Sacraments of Healing


Sacrament	Description
Reconciliation	This sacrament, also knowns as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, consists of confessing one's sins to a priest to receive absolution in return. Through Reconciliation, Catholics are absolved of the sins they have committed since their baptism. A Catholic can perform Reconciliation whenever they want, and as often as they want.
Anointing the Sick	This is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is administered to a Catholic "who, having reached the age of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age." This sacrament is administered by a priest, who applies oil to the forehead (and sometimes other body parts) while reciting prayers.

Sacraments of Service


Sacrament	Description
Holy Orders	This sacrament occurs when a man becomes a bishop, priest, or deacon.
Matrimony	This sacrament is the "covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring."

Joseph from Nigeria on July 26, 2020:

Nice write up...now I know the meaning of does symbols

KindHeartForever on May 22, 2020:

God is great ❤️

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on May 06, 2020:

Cool. although I have a few Catholic friends, I understand we don't need a priest to forgive us of our sins, we can go straight to Jesus ourselves. No confession fees from me for sure.

Christy Nanayakkara on October 24, 2019:

This is very interesting. Somethings, we christians just accept. To have them explained in simple words, inspiring to christians, understanding to others. I live in Sri Lanka. Most priests' sermons go over our heads. I hope they will follow these classic examples. (If not published will I know why?)

amos maria igba on August 11, 2013:

i love GOD and our mother mary

Matt on February 24, 2013:

The Fish is my favourite symbol.

Gaganator on October 24, 2012:

i love this website, thanks for all the help :)

madlife on October 03, 2012:

i need more symbols

Dieudonne on July 19, 2012:

Thanks so much for the inside it has opened me to understanding the symbols used by the Church. I am not Oliver twist but i will be glad to read on more symbols.

Remain Blessed

Amofah on June 19, 2012:

Am proud to be catholic in the catholic church everything is in order.

Ricki on May 22, 2012:

What does the circle around the centre of the cross (as displayed on catholic churches etc) represent.

Ifeanyi Agu on May 08, 2012:

Is good for one to act what he/she believe & believe what he/she act. i love catholic.

Andrew paul on May 04, 2012:

I love catholic church.i wil like to be a priest presenly am a minor seminarian if u went to help jus contect me on facebok Andrew Paul on facebook.

tate on April 03, 2012:

my project is now complete

Theresa on March 29, 2012:

I love th Catholic church and its teachings are so pure.

bernst19 on March 27, 2012:

Thank you for this explanation. Do you or any one reading this know what the capital 'M' with a cross above it, surrounded by an oval or circle of dots mean?

It's hard to describe in words,but its on the back of a cross necklace my husband owns, that I got from a catholic store.

Thanks!

cheese on February 25, 2012:

thanks, this helped me with my r.e assesment!:D

gregorytenia on February 21, 2012:

thankyou very much it helped alot about my religion (roman catholic) and my project thankyou very much!! :)

Bobby on February 04, 2012:

Thank you for all the work! This helped sooo much

nana on February 01, 2012:

were are the candles , 10 commandments ,the cup and the bread

Kathy N on January 26, 2012:

Thank you so much for your beautiful work. It's very helpful. May God reward you.

I've tried to be a good catholic and feel so blessed to attend holy masses. Now I understand the signs in the churches.

GuyfromNorway on January 26, 2012:

Thanks for help for my homework! :D

Hy on December 16, 2011:

What do the beads on the cross necklace mean?

Cynthia on December 15, 2011:

Everything is Jesus Then why need meaning for specific things. but the meaning for every image and letters are really clear and every christian must know it well to share with non catholics

emt on December 09, 2011:

thanks man that help me a lot

francis on December 08, 2011:

Am really proud to be a catholic am really proud

CRISSYBELIEVERluvsENRIQUE IGLESIAS on December 05, 2011:

Thanks so much for your help!

~God Bless~

CRISSY:)

lily therese on November 20, 2011:

I go to a private catholic school and we take our faith REALLY seriously (which of course is a good thing. my teacher just gave me an assignment to look up symbols and write an essay this really really helped thank you :)

sarah on November 14, 2011:

thank, you very much my home work is now complete :D

keelan on November 13, 2011:

thancks alot

Supplex on November 12, 2011:

As a new convert, I am often amazed and pleased at the richness of Catholic tradition.

Seb-Mary on November 07, 2011:

I love the church's teaching

Samuel Ejika on October 30, 2011:

This site has opened my eye, Thanks so much.

Joseph Orabu on October 16, 2011:

On December 2011, we (YOUTHS)have yes retreat Nangina parish. I was given the topic to discuss about signs of the church. Thank you to sana.

punitha on October 14, 2011:

thank you somuch..................

nike2010 on October 13, 2011:

ok thank you this answerrs my question

Student 1 on October 11, 2011:

Thanx so much... this helped me heaps in re !

Mark, South Pacific on September 28, 2011:

Symbols helps. We are living in the world of symbols.

shepi on September 03, 2011:

Jesus said i am the way the truth and the life. Why is it Catholics pray through Mary?

student on August 21, 2011:

thank you so much this site has helped me so much with my school assignment =)

Fatima on July 21, 2011:

It is always good for the Church to explain and teach it's faith

Xhoxho on July 06, 2011:

I believe that symbols don't mean anything to our Christian faith what God real wants is the we believe as the bible says in Romans1:17 "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." W can only be justified in our walk with through faith and not symbols again the bible says in 2Corinthian5:7 "For we live by faith, not by sight" and symbols are sight not faith

lois on June 21, 2011:

I am trying to find out the meaning of the slanted cross on catholic cemetary headstones and so far am not able.

Owera on May 08, 2011:

Thank you very much for the information.I'm a Catholic and I've never understood some of the symbols in the church.This site has really opened my eyes.

rtyu on May 02, 2011:

THX!

emily on March 22, 2011:

this website needs more viewers. it is an awesome website. ill tell you this. ADVERTISE!!!!!!!

Francis on March 11, 2011:

Well presented. Symbols are in our prayer life. It reminds of of the God who loved us so much. Thanks.

deepa on March 09, 2011:

great photos and very , to the point informative hub, keep writing and join helium.

Guillermo on March 01, 2011:

This helps us understand the meaning of symbols!!

Nana Mbroh Joshua on January 27, 2011:

I am just in love all that I have read. A proud Catholic.

Jackie Paulson from USA IL on December 28, 2010:

I love this hub and the topic and the layout. I love that you have symbols and words to make understanding so easy.

kary on December 08, 2010:

very well done explains the means great

Babe on December 05, 2010:

sweet. helped me stufy for RE exam. :P

Fernando on December 04, 2010:

i am a catholic, very nice hub

Fernando

Saili on November 24, 2010:

thans alot, this knowledge will me defend my catholic faith.

lea86 on November 17, 2010:

Hi, I want to add about the symbol of cross; besides what has you mentioned, a cross is also a symbol of victory over death and sins. To catholics, a cross with Jesus attached bring an important meaning, where it refers Jesus's victory and as accomplishment of the Father's Word. Usually for protestant point of views, they claim that Jesus should be put down, because it hurts Him.But Catholic believe that it is a sign of Jesus's great faith to His Father and also His love upon humanity.

catholic girl 102 on November 06, 2010:

i am catholic and i think this website was okay but i didn't get what i needed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rsagbersab on October 16, 2010:

exellent job. i learned a lot.

susan.dawson45 from UK on October 14, 2010:

This is a wonderful post. The Church is full symbolism. This is the beauty of the Catholic tradition - http://bit.ly/c8ddcs

tony nou on October 11, 2010:

Thanks for the info, helps me alot on my faith experience project. I am a protestant and am visiting a catholic church for my project. God Bless You