Symbols

wikipedia says: A symbol is something that represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning.ideaentityprocess For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for numbers. Personal names are symbols representing individuals. A red rose symbolizes love and compassion.Numerals numbers

SYMBOL A Symbol is an image, gesture or sign that represents something. Symbolism refers to the meaning behind the symbol.

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Catholic Symbols Cross: The cross is perhaps the best known of all Christian symbols. In the ancient Church the cross was usually depicted without the figure of Christ. It was adorned and decorated as a symbol of the victory Christ won through His suffering. For the ancient world it was a symbol of humiliation, but for Christians it was a symbol of victory and glory. In Christian art, the figure of the suffering Christ was added to the cross only in medieval times.

Light and Darkness: Before the advent of electricity the symbols of light and darkness were, perhaps, more readily appreciated. The Church's use of these symbols is elemental. The one liturgy of the Church year where the use of these symbols is most dramatic is the Easter Vigil, where the light of one candle representing Christ, is passed on to each one in the assembly, turning darkness into light.

Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying the Beginning and the End. In the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega, "The first and the last, the beginning and the end, the one who was, who is, and who is to come." He is the Word, the First Word through whom all was created, and the Last Word by whom all will be judged.

Chi Rho: The Greek letters chi and rho (resembling an "X" and a "P") are often superimposed one on the other. Often the chi is rendered in the form of a cross. This symbol is used to indicate Christ since these letters are the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek.

Bread and Wine/Wheat and Grapes: Because of the bread and wine they produce, the symbols of wheat and grapes are often used to designate the Eucharist. Bread is the basic food of every culture and of every age in human history. Made from the toil of human hands, the many grains of wheat are transformed and become one to nourish and sustain us. A meal, in which bread is broken and shared, becomes a means of bonding human beings together. This is the sign Jesus used to describe Himself as the "Bread of Life." Following His command, in faith we take and eat this Bread, His Body, and become one with Him.

Coat of Arms

A Coat of Arms or Family Crest has long been a symbol of a family's identity and values. Originally used to identify warriors dressed in armor, each knight chose symbols and colors to represent his family or clan. These family crests or coats of arms have been passed down throughout generations. However, most of us are not directly connected with these ancestors, or the symbols of yesteryear are not representative of who our family is today. You will make your own personal crest based on the values and principles important to you now and for years to come.

Ontario A black bear, representing Ontario's abundant and varied wildlife, stands upon a green and gold wreath. Supporting the Shield on the left is a moose; a deer supports the Shield on the right. Early settlers and colonists relied heavily upon both these animals for food and clothing. The Motto, UT INCEPIT FIDELIS SIC PERMANENT, means 'Loyal she began - Loyal she remains'.

Barbados On the Golden Shield of the Arms carries two Pride of Barbados flowers (the National Flower) and the Bearded Fig Tree (Fiscus Citrifolia) of which was common at the time of its settlement and was where Barbados got its name. (A Portuguese reference: "Los Barbados" which means "the bearded ones" a name given from a species of the Bearded Fig-Tree.) On either side of the shield are the supporters, on the right is a dolphin symbolic of the fishing industry and on the left is a pelican which represents a small island named Pelican Island existing off Barbados and which is now incorporated into the Deep Water Harbour Development. At the top of the shield is a helmet and above that mantling on a wreath is the arm and hand of a Barbadian holding (2) crossed pieces of sugar cane symbolic of the Sugar Industry.

Ireland

Examples: