2. Christian Symbol The main symbol of Christianity is the Cross. Sometimes an image of Jesus is on the cross, this is called a crucifix, it represents Jesus dying on the cross. A cross without Jesus’ image on reminds Christians that he also rose from the dead. The cross represents the death of Jesus. Jesus was crucified on a cross by the Romans at the request of the Jewish religious leaders. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross pays the penalty for their sins (the things people do that goes against what God wants).

3. Hindu Symbol The main symbol for Hinduism is called Aum (Om). ‘Aum’ is actually a single syllable (a syllable is a single sound or tone that can be recognised within a word). ‘Aum’ is said to be the most powerful word ever spoken and is the word used by Brahman, to create the whole universe. ‘Aum’ is the most holy sound in Hinduism and is said as a mantra (chant) when a Hindu starts to meditate (concentrate strongly on their religion).

4. Buddhist Symbol The main symbol for Buddhism is known as the Dharma Wheel or the Eight Spoked Wheel. Buddhism is based on the Dharma (teachings) of Siddhartha Gautama who was the first Buddha (Enlightened One). The wheel represents the cycle of life, Samsara, being birth, life death and re-birth (reincarnation). Each of the spokes represent one of the ‘Eight Fold Path’. This is the Buddha’s teachings as to how to break Samsara and reach the state of Nirvana.

5. Sikh Symbol The main symbol for Sikhism is called the Khanda. Despite being made up of four weapons, Sikhism is a very peaceful religion and weapons must only ever be drawn in self defence. The centre symbol is a double sided sword called a Khanda it symbolises God’s knowledge and power. The circle is called a Chakka and is another weapon but here it represents the continuous unity of God. The two swords that cross over at their handles are called Kirpans. They represent the spiritual power (Piri) and political power (Miri) that Sikhs believe their God has over the world

6. Jewish Symbol The main symbol for Judaism is known as the Star of David. The six points, plus the centre, remind Jews of the number ‘7’ which is considered symbolic of God’s holiness in Judaism. E.g. the 7 days of God’s creation. The Star of David (or Magen David) is represented by two equilateral triangles placed upside down on top of each other. For Jews, King David was a ‘man after God’s own heart’ in other words he wanted what God wanted. David’s symbol reminds Jews to keep focused on what God would want them to do.

7. Islamic Symbol The symbol generally accepted as representing Islam is known as the Crescent Moon and Star. The Ottoman Empire once ruled over the whole of the Muslim world. Its capital was Constantinople which was seen as the point where East meets West and so the symbol was seen as representing the East and the main belief of the East, Islam. This symbol existed long before Islam It was used by the city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and today called Istanbul, a city in Turkey) The five point star is now seen by some as representing the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’ the five formal acts of worship required of all Muslims.

8. Religious Symbols Religious symbols are more than just images to help you recognise the religion, they actually have meanings to them and represent beliefs within those religions. ChristianityIslam Hinduism Buddhism Sikhism Judaism Can you name the symbols below and link them with the correct religion? Cross/Crucifix Crescent Moon & Star Dharma Wheel Aum (Om) Star of David Khanda

9. Task: You will be given work sheets with rectangles on. You must create a game of ‘Snap’. For each religion use one box to draw the religious symbol and another to write the name of the symbol. E.g… Cut them out and play the game with the person next to you saying ‘Snap’ whenever two linking cards are laid down. Finally, stick all the cards in your book keeping the correct religious, symbols and names together.