World Religions

Hindu Symbols Aum – 3 sounds, 3 worlds (earth, atmosphere, heaven), 3 gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva), 3 scriptures (Rg, Yajur, Sama) Lotus – rooted but floating represented lack of attachment to surroundings, symbol of centre of consciousness (chakras) in the body Swastika – symbol of good luck, right hand linked to sun and Vishnu, left hand linked to night and Kali Trisula – symbol of Shiva (creator, preserver, destroyer) (will, action, wisdom Pratik – symbol of path of bliss movement, upward triangle for social service, downward triangle for meditation, rising sun for balance, swastika for fulfillment of spiritual goals

Jewish Symbols Star of David – linked to Shield of David and Seal of Solomon Mezuzah – box and parchment with Hebrew letter ‘shin’ for divine – placed on doorposts of house Menorah – 7 branched candle in synagogues representing light Chai – symbol of life often worn around the neck Yarmulke – worn by Jewish men as a reverent act to cover their heads Hamesh Hand – protection against the evil eye

Buddhist Symbols Dharmachakra – wheel of law representing the teachings of Buddha, 8 spokes for the Eightfold Path, cycle of rebirth Buddhapada – footprints of Buddha show grounding of transcendent, wheel in centre and often swastika Buddha Eyes – wisdom eyes, look 4 directions, ‘nose’ is sign for 1 or unity, 3 rd eye above is Buddha’s wisdom Eight Auspicious Symbols: Parasol – royalty and spiritual power Golden Fishes – good fortune and fertility Treasure Vase – spiritual and material abundance Lotus – mental and spiritual purity Conch Shell – fame of Buddha’s teachings Endless Knot – infinite wisdom of Buddha Victory Banner – victory of Buddha’s wisdom over ignorance Wheel – teachings of Buddha

Christian Symbols Latin Cross – empty cross reminds Protestants of the resurrection while crucifix (with body of Jesus) is more common for Catholics Fish – used as a symbol during persecution, linked to Jesus as a ‘fisher of men’ Alpha and Omega – first and last letters of Greek alphabet symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end Dove – symbol of purity in baptism of Jesus, linked to God’s forgiveness through Noah’s ark Sheep & Shepherd – God as the shepherd protecting the people who are obedient sheep Crown of Thorns – symbolic of Jesus’ death

Islamic Symbols There are no official symbols of Islam, but there are several images with a special place in Islam. Star and Crescent – originally symbolic of the Ottoman Empire through which Islam spread; on several national flags Arabic script for Allah Shahadatain – Shahda is Muslim statement of faith Khatim – 8 pointed star, seal of the prophets Shi’a double pointed sword – sword given by Muhammad to his son-in-law Ali