Catholicism Explained: Catholic Symbols And Gestures

Catholicism explained: catholic symbols and gestures

The Roman Catholic Church maintains many ancient traditions. This article explains some of the symbols and gestures that the church uses in accordance with those traditions.

The Roman Catholic Church exists in nearly every country on Earth, ministering to millions of worshippers worldwide. In addition to the original Latin, the Catholic Mass is served in hundreds of languages. However, even if a Catholic travels to a foreign country, where he or she is unfamiliar with the language, some gestures and symbols remain universal. These similarities make the unfamiliar, familiar.

* Symbols *

Ashes

Every year, on the Wednesday following Palm Sunday, Catholics receive the ashes of the previous year's palms as a blessing, traced into the form of a cross on their foreheads. These ashes symbolize the dust from which humankind came, and the dust to which we all shall return, a concept familiar to many people through the phrased "ashes to ashes, dust to dust." By using the ashes of the previous year's palms, the ashes come to symbolize both the joy of Christ's entry into Jerusalem and the regret over His sacrifice. Ashes were once a symbol of both penance and mourning. At the time Christ lived, both were expressed by sitting in dust and ashes, as well as placing dust and ashes on one's forehead.

Cross

The cross is a powerful Christian symbol, not limited to Catholics. It represents the cross upon which Christ died. The cross is present all around the church's interior: on the altar cloth, in the Stations of the Cross, and even on the priest's vestments.

Crucifix

The Crucifix differs from the cross, in that it depicts the image of Christ being crucified, rather than that of the empty cross. The addition of His figure to the empty cross is intended to emphasize His human nature, which enabled him to suffer physical pain and death.

Not all crucifixes are identical. Depending on the mission of the church, the depiction of Jesus may evoke various emotions ranging from sorrow, to fear, or to awe. However, the purpose of the crucifix remains the same: to remind Catholics of the price Christ paid for humanity's redemption.

Incense

Catholics use incense during important services to symbolize the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven. One of the gifts traditionally associated with the Magi was frankincense. This aromatic resin was part of the traditional incense associated with the Old Testament Temple of Solomon. Frankincense represents the continuity of faith between the Old and New Testaments.

Monstrance

A monstrance is a kind of vessel intended to display the consecrated Host to the Catholic faithful. One important part of the Catholic Mass is the Elevation of the Host. The monstrance "elevates" the Host when the priest is unable to do so.

There are two kinds of monstrance. The one most Catholics are familiar with is that which is seen inside the church. This type of monstrance is usually displayed on an altar, or is stored in a tabernacle. The monstrance is usually gold- or silver-plated. Most often, the monstrance has a sun-like appearance, topped by a cross. The Catechism of 1913 recommended this appearance, because the monstrance represents the light of Christ, the "sun of righteousness."

Symbolism exists not just in these things, but also in the written word of the church, itself. The parables of the New Testament are symbolic, rather than literal, teaching lessons through the actions of the people who move through them. Just as the sharing of communion is symbolic of the Last Supper, but is only part of the Mass, none of the symbols are intended to be viewed or used alone, but make up the whole of the Catholic experience.

* Gestures *

Bowing

Catholics often bow or kneel during prayer. At times, they bow as they pass the altar or pray before a painting or statue. Neither the bow nor the prayer is symbolic of worshipping the structure, the painting, or the statue. Rather, the bow is a display of respect for what the altar represents, or for the person represented by the image.

Genuflection

The definition of genuflection is literally, 'to bend the knee.' In the Catholic Church, genuflection is an act of reverence, a sort of minor prostration in which the person touches the floor with the right knee while bending the left knee. In addition, the Catholic makes the sign of the cross while genuflecting. Genuflection is a relatively new form of devotion, added to the church practices during the Middle Ages. Formal recognition of genuflection did not come until 1502, although it was some time before priests were expected to genuflect as part of the Consecration.

Sign of the cross

There are actually three signs of the cross in the Catholic Church. All of them represent the same thing, which is the Cross that Jesus died upon.

The first sign of the cross is that which most people are familiar with, the gesture with which the Catholic faithful cross themselves. The symbolism of this gesture is twofold: first, the sign of the cross asserts the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and second, it affirms the doctrine of humanity's redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Catholics start the gesture their foreheads (In nominee Patris), touch their chests (et Filii), and then touch the left shoulder followed by the right (et Spiritus Sancti). This gesture is seen many times during Mass and in private prayer. It may have come from medieval practices, symbolizing Jesus' coming to earth from Heaven, His descent into Hell (the left being associated with evil) and Ascending to sit at the right side of God, the Father.

The second sign of the cross is that which the priest uses to bless the congregation. This gesture is also large, and is inscribed in the air in the direction of the congregation. The priest makes this gesture several times during Mass and during other rituals of the church.

Finally, there is the small sign of the cross, which the priest or deacon will inscribe on the book of the Gospel using his thumb before it is opened and read, after which he repeats the gesture on his forehead, lips, and breast. The Catholic congregation also makes this triple gesture immediately before the reading of the Gospel.

Using Holy Water Entering and Leaving the Church

Catholics bless themselves with holy water while entering a church. Not only does this gesture contain the symbolism of signing themselves with the cross, it also is an act of symbolic purification. This practice was known to be in common use during the second century and may go back to the Jewish rite of purifying oneself before entering the Temple.

Holy water is blessed water, containing a measure of salt. The salt itself has a symbolic meaning: water purifies and salt preserves from decay. The church combines them, to preserve the faithful from relapsing into sin after having their sins washed away. Catholic priests use a solemn prayer to ask protection from the powers of darkness to bless holy water. At times, water is blessed for certain purposes, such as baptism. Holy water is used to bless the congregation (the Asperges, or "sprinkling") on Sunday, and to anoint the recipient during the Sacrament of the Sick.

The Catholic faith is long-standing and complex. Although these are some of the symbols and gestures, almost every action made or item used in the faith has deep symbolic meaning. Most Catholic churches have resources to answer any questions you might have and welcome visitors to their services.

Source: http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/catholicworship_syxi.htm

The Importance of Catholic Symbols

The content of this section of the website provides information on Catholic Symbols. The meanings, origins and ancient traditions surrounding Catholic Symbols date back to times when the majority of ordinary people were not able to read or write and printing was unknown. When Christian religious ceremonies were conducted entirely in Latin. Foreign or written words were therefore inappropriate for conveying the Christian message to the majorities. However the Catholic Symbols which were adopted enabled people, who adhered to the same Catholic Christian religion, could understand the meaning of a symbol regardless of understanding the written word or whatever country they were in. The use of Catholic Symbols made it possible for everyone to understand the figures and the messages which were portrayed in Christian art or in the images and objects included on stained glass windows or the actual architecture of Catholic Churches.

Catholic Symbols - Significance and Representations

Catholic Symbols use signs and emblems to teach and present various concepts of the Christian religion. They also add elements of mysticism to the Catholic Christian religion. Catholic Symbols or, symbolism, provides clear graphic illustrations which represent people, saints and items of religious significance. Understanding the significance of Catholic Symbols and symbolism enables a fuller understanding of Christian Art and Architecture and what the symbols of faith represent in the Catholic religion.

Catholic and Christian Symbolism in the Medieval Bestiary - Significance and Representations

A Bestiary was a medieval book (usually illustrated) with allegorical descriptions of real and fabled animals. These descriptions, which included a description of various birds and animals and even plants, were often full of Christian and Catholic symbols and symbolism and contained a moral or religious lesson or allegory.

Source: http://www.catholic-saints.info/catholic-symbols/Catholic Symbols

By MM Del Rosario

Since the earliest times, the concept of symbolism has appeared in every human culture, social structure and religious system. Signs and symbols play a vital role in all of the world's religions as object on which thoughts and prayers can be focused.

Symbols point a way through the spiritual world, they act as badges of faith, teaching tools and aids on the journey towards an understanding of complex philosophies.

See all 9 photos

CRUCIFIX

The crucifix is a Cross with the figure of the body of Jesus Christ attached to it. This is a very common Catholic symbol. it is placed on or above the altar where the Eucharist is celebrated.

A crucifix often has the letters INRI written across the top.

These letters are short for a Latin phrase which translates as "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

These are the words in which Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea ordered to be written over the cross in which Jesus Christ was crucified.

A crucifix is a symbol of sacrifice.

ALPHA AND OMEGA

These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.

In the book of revelation 22:13, Christ refers himself as the Alpha and the Omega, that is the first and the last.

Christ is the beginning and the end of all creation. The Alpha and Omega symbols are used at various times in the Church liturgical year.

THE CROSS

The most famous and widespread Christian symbol is the Cross. It is found wherever there is a Christian presence.

In Roman times, the Cross was seen as an instrument of torture and public humiliation. Criminals were put to death on cross.

For Christians however, the Cross became a symbol not only of Jesus' death but also of his Resurrection.

THE SACRED HEART

The Sacred Heart is a symbol of the love of Jesus for all of humanity. The heart is a symbol of love. When depicted as the Sacred Heart it is shown as pierced with a cross and thorns twisted around it.

This shows the depth of Jesus love. He was prepared to suffer and die for all people. His love is eternal.

IHS AND CHI-RHO

The letters IHS often appear on liturgical items, building plaques and gravestones and sacred vessels. IHS is a shortened form of the Greek word for Jesus.

The letters X and P are often used as another symbol for "Christ". The first two letters of Christ's name in Greek are X and P. In the Greek alphabet X equals CH and P equals R.

Also known as the CHi-RHO cross, the letters are usually inscribed one over the other sometimes enclosed within a circle becoming both a cosmic and a solar symbol.

THE FISH

One of the oldest Christian symbols was the fish. It was used by Christians to identify themselves, often in times of persecution. It is often found in the Roman catacombs, secret meeting place when the Christians were persecuted by the Romans for their faith.

It is based on the acrostic, of the initial letters of the Greek words for Jesus Christ. To understand this symbol you need to know what is the meaning of the acronym.

The Greek word for fish is ICHTHUS. This is an acronym for Jesus. Iesous CHristos THeou Uios Soter - this translates as "Jesus Christ, Son of God , Saviour."

Christ also referred to his apostles as "Fishers of Men" while the early Christian fathers called the faithful pisculi (fish).

THE DOVE

The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was baptised by John the Baptist, a dove descended on him (Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10).

The dove is sometimes depicted with an olive branch in its mouth, as a symbol of peace. It also symbolises God's grace.

Do you remember Noah's story, God had sent a great flood and after the rain stopped, Noah sent out a dove to search for dry land, it returned carrying an olive brach from the Mount of Olives, a symbol of God's forgiveness.

THE LAMB