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Quote for this week:
“Find joy in simplicity, self respect, and indifference to what lies between virtue and vice. Love the human race. Follow the divine...”-- Marcus Aurelius
Hey people! I love religious symbols and I'm always curious about their meaning, so this week we're looking at different symbols and a bit of trivia with them. I appreciate feedback, so let me know if you enjoyed it or not!
Religious Symbols of The World
This week we're taking a trip around the world to find some common (and uncommon) religious symbols and a little bit about them. Enjoy!
The Chi-Rho (pronounced "KEE-roe"), also known as the Christogram, represents Christ or Christianity. This symbol gained popularity Constantine started using it, and is still popular today.
Yin Yang (also called a Confucian, Neo-Confucian or pan-Chinese symbol) is one of the most common Taoist symbols today. It describes two opposing ends, and the unity of them.
Om (or Aum) is - according to Hinduism - a sacred sound considered a great mantra. The symbol represents several important meanings, and is considered ''essence of the entire universe''.
The official Scientology website explains ''The Scientology symbol is an S imposed over two triangles. The S stands for Scientology. The two triangles represent important concepts in the Scientology religion. The lower triangle is made up of affinity, reality and communication, which together equate to understanding. The top triangle consists of another set of closely interrelated factors — knowledge, responsibility and control.''
This is a very well known Islamic symbol across the world, featuring on country flags such as those of Turkey and Pakistan. The origin of the symbol is not Muslim, contrary to popular belief, and was a polytheistic icon decided on during the spread of Islam
The Star of David is named after King David of ancient Israel, and the symbol has been in use since Middle Ages, and has become a symbol of Israel. Many may remember it as the symbol used by Nazis to identify Jews.
Zen art typically shows the Zen ideals of simplicity. This symbol shows the universe in one simple stroke!
On most Buddhist shrines, there are huge pairs of eyes staring down -- Buddha Eyes (Wisdom Eyes). These are seen so much in Nepal, that they have become a symbol of Nepal! Between the eyes where the nose is supposed to be, there is a curly symbol representing the unity of all things.
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I hope everyone enjoyed our little trip! Which religious symbol is your favourite? What does it mean? Let me know!
The Chi-Rho (pronounced "KEE-roe"), also known as the Christogram, represents Christ or Christianity. This symbol gained popularity Constantine started using it, and is still popular today.
Yin Yang (also called a Confucian, Neo-Confucian or pan-Chinese symbol) is one of the most common Taoist symbols today. It describes two opposing ends, and the unity of them.
Om (or Aum) is - according to Hinduism - a sacred sound considered a great mantra. The symbol represents several important meanings, and is considered ''essence of the entire universe''.
The official Scientology website explains ''The Scientology symbol is an S imposed over two triangles. The S stands for Scientology. The two triangles represent important concepts in the Scientology religion. The lower triangle is made up of affinity, reality and communication, which together equate to understanding. The top triangle consists of another set of closely interrelated factors — knowledge, responsibility and control.''
This is a very well known Islamic symbol across the world, featuring on country flags such as those of Turkey and Pakistan. The origin of the symbol is not Muslim, contrary to popular belief, and was a polytheistic icon decided on during the spread of Islam
The Star of David is named after King David of ancient Israel, and the symbol has been in use since Middle Ages, and has become a symbol of Israel. Many may remember it as the symbol used by Nazis to identify Jews.
Zen art typically shows the Zen ideals of simplicity. This symbol shows the universe in one simple stroke!
On most Buddhist shrines, there are huge pairs of eyes staring down -- Buddha Eyes (Wisdom Eyes). These are seen so much in Nepal, that they have become a symbol of Nepal! Between the eyes where the nose is supposed to be, there is a curly symbol representing the unity of all things.
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Pictures courtesy of ReligionFacts
I hope everyone enjoyed our little trip! Which religious symbol is your favourite? What does it mean? Let me know!
Next Time On Got Faith...
Feng Shui. What are the spiritual aspects of Feng Shui? What are the origins? How can I start incorporating Feng Shui into my home? This, and more next time on Got Faith! Remember to submit your questions and comments, because I love to hear from you. 