Download Religious Symbols

Religious Symbols
The use of symbols has become a common means by which humans communicate ideas and messages
graphically. As symbols are devises made by humans, to be effective they rely on the responses of the
receiver, that is, the person who views the symbol. If the receiver sees little or no meaning for the symbol,
then the person will not respond to that symbol and no communication will take place.
Religions from around the world use symbols to communicate to their followers. Below are some common
symbols of well known religions. In the box beside each symbol, write the letter which matches up with the
correct description of them (descriptions are at the bottom of the page).
Descriptions of Symbols
A. This is worn by Jews when they are in a synagogue.
B. This object is used in Catholicism as a way of symbolising that an offering has been accepted by God.
C. This clothing symbolises the vows taken by this person.
D. These actions show that a person is showing true devotion to the Muslim faith.
E. These Greek letters mean that Christ is both the beginning and the end of all things.
F. This clothing symbolises that a person is charged with the care of a lot of people in their religion.
G. This is known as the Star of David and is a universal symbol of the Jewish religion.
H. This is an image used in Christianity which symbolises Jesus.
I. A Buddhist will make these gestures to symbolise his/ her inner thoughts.
J. These symbolise different aspects of the lives of Jesus and Mary and are used as an aid in prayer.
K. A person will take this position to symbolise devotion and reverence in the Christian faith.
L. This is a symbol is known as the Dharma Wheel and represents the collective teachings of Buddha.