The Agnus Dei (Latin, "Lamb of God") is one of the best-known symbols in Christianity, as Jesus Christ was called the "Lamb of God" in the Bible. The Agnus Dei is a picture of a white lamb, representing the sacrifice Christ bore on the cross. This ancient symbol was not only widely present during the Reformation and modern times, but has also been seen on primitive burial and religious sites. The Agnus Dei is seen throughout history in many different types of media, including paintings, tiles

The bodhi tree is a Buddhist symbol often representing the Buddha, which may represent three different moments in his lifetime.  According to tradition, when Siddhartha Gautama's mother felt the pangs of childbirth, she grasped onto a tree for support and gave birth standing up.  Furthermore, Gautama is believed to have attained nirvana while sitting beneath a bodhi tree and was also said to have died beneath a tree.  Thus, a tree (not necessarily a bodhi tree) in early Buddhi

The Buddhist religion—like many others—is represented by a wide variety of symbolism.  Several of these symbols were created in order to remind followers of Siddhartha Gautama (c. 6th-4th centuries BCE), commonly known as the Buddha.  Until the 1st century BCE, statues and icons of the Buddha were heavily discouraged; only symbols could be used to represent him.  Additionally, several Buddhist symbols represent Buddhist concepts and doctrines. The symbol “Om” was inherited fr

The chalice is a wine glass, usually goblet–shaped, that represents the Eucharist. Use of the chalice commemorates the Last Supper. During the Middle Ages, the chalice used by Christ was thought to have magical powers, and was often referred to as the Holy Grail. The chalice has been a Christian symbol for centuries. Many are adorned with jewels, and by the 4th century, all chalices were made of gold or silver. In previous generations, a single chalice was usually used for the entire Chri

The most famous and arguably the most important symbol of Christianity is the cross. It represents the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of the world. There are over four hundred common depictions of the cross, of which, some fifty are used in representing Christ's death. The cross is used in paintings, statues, artifacts, modern jewelry, and more. Some Christians even use the cross in physical gestures, referred to as making the sign of the cross, for dedication or prayerf

The Holy Bible is the foundation of Christianity. Christians believe that the Bible can be understood by the presence of the Holy Spirit as the words are being read. The Bible is also the foundation for the ordinances of the gospel, including Baptism and the Eucharist. Christians believe the Bible was written men who were guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. A verse from Hebrews 4:12 often cited is: "Indeed, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing unt

A central symbol for Buddhists, the dharma wheel is often seen as the symbol of a universal monarch. It thus represents the Buddha as a universal teacher and guide. A golden dharma wheel atop a Buddhist temple The dharma wheel—most frequently depicted as a wheel with eight spokes—is especially symbolic of the Buddhist dharma , most specifically the Buddha’s first sermon. This sermon, called "The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma", set the entire Buddhist religion in motion much like

The Buddha's attainment of nirvana is often depicted by an empty throne in early Buddhist art. According to some traditions, the Buddha was seated on a throne beneath the bodhi tree when he achieved enlightenment.  Once he had attained parinirvana, the throne became empty, but it remained a symbol of his great spiritual achievement.  The empty throne is thus symbolic not only of a release from earthly suffering, but also the absolute release attained at one's death. A highly decor

In some of the earliest Buddhist art, the enlightened Buddha is represented as a footprint, which is symbolic of the Buddha’s presence.  Like the stupa, footprints mark a place where the Buddha has been present and a physical trace of his existence lingers.  In addition, footprints project the notion of Buddhism as a way or path to nirvana. A large golden replica of the Buddha’s footprint

Common in Buddhism, images of the lotus generally symbolize purity.  Normally, the lotus plant grows deep in the mud at the bottom of lakes and ponds, but the bud and petals of the lotus flower rise to blossom above the water, suggesting an escape from impurity.  In addition to symbolizing purity, the lotus may also represent individual practitioners of Buddhism who are of the world but are no longer burdened by the sufferings of this lifetime.  This gave rise to the widespread u

In Hinduism and Buddhism, mudras are specific gestures made with the fingers and hands that have symbolic and spiritual significance.  There are several hundred mudras, each with its own particular significance.  One of the most common mudras is the anjali mudra, formed by pressing the hands together palm to palm: it is a symbol of respect and adoration. A practitioner assumes a mudra, or symbolic gesture, often used during yoga Although mudras are not as important in early Bud

In Hinduism, the word om is an important mystical syllable.  In Indian religions, it is considered to be one of the greatest mantras, often appearing at the forefront of prayers, meditations, and chants.  Om is said to have been the original mantra spoken by Brahman upon the creation of the world that has since echoed throughout all things.  All mantras—and sometimes all created beings—are said to have been the product of this ultimate singular syllable.  It is often br

The original symbol of the Buddha was the stupa, a mound that contained remnants of the Buddha's body.  Worship and reverence of the stupa is attested from the 3rd century BCE forward, and it marks a stark contrast to the Hindu ideology indicating that dead bodies carried defilement to all they contacted. Because of its connection to relics, the stupa quickly became the ultimate physical representation of not only the Buddha, but also his enlightenment.  It symbolizes the general

The svastika is an equilateral cross with bent arms.  Usually the arms "point" in a clockwise direction, but the reverse also appears in Buddhist iconography and symbolism.  This symbol is prevalent throughout a vast number of ancient cultures.  The svastika itself is arguably the most sacred symbol of the Indian people, often used as a solar emblem. A buddhist statue with a svastika In Buddhism, the svastika symbolizes either the feet or the footprints of the enlightene

Symbols of the Holy Trinity are plentiful and found throughout Christian church history to the present day. The idea that God is manifested in three distinct ways—as God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—is referenced numerous times throughout biblical scripture. However, it was not until the Nicene Creed was composed in 325 CE that this manifestation was titled the "Holy Trinity." Shortly afterward, symbols representing the Holy Trinity began to emerge. One of t