Celebrating Sacraments
Chapter 2 – Symbols: Doorways to the Sacred
Signs and Symbols
What are Symbols?
 The word symbol comes from the Greek word symballein, meaning “to throw together”
Broadly speaking, symbols are:
 Observable
 Physical realities that represent invisible qualities or elements
 Therefore, to think symbolically means to take something tangible (something that can be perceived
with our senses) and throw it together with something that has no material, physical form (e.g. an
emotion, concept, or idea)
Why do we need symbols?
 Symbols are used to communicate meaning by helping us see beyond the surface of things
 Unlike signs, symbols may have multiple meanings that communicate different meanings to people from
different places or times
 They help us search for the deeper significance in things
 They help us take that “second look” in order to recognize sacredness in the world around us
 They are “meaning pictures” that serve as doorways to the sacred
 They can evoke a response from our mind, body, emotions, memories, senses, and spirit – our whole
being
Think of a Symbol
a) A symbol to represent fear: _______________________________________________________
b) A symbol to represent love: ______________________________________________________
c) A symbol to represent joy: _______________________________________________________
What Makes a Sign a Sign?
 Sign, as a general term, refers to any object that represents something else
 There are symbol signs and non-symbolic signs
 Simple, non-symbolic signs are objects that have one meaning
What Makes a Symbol a Symbol?
 Like all signs, symbols represent something other than their physical realities; however, they have three
main characteristics that distinguish them from simple signs
Three Main Characteristics of a Symbol
1. Symbols may have more than one meaning
What do each of the following symbolize for you?
a) Rock: _________________________________________________
b) River: _________________________________________________
Celebrating Sacraments
Chapter 2 – Symbols: Doorways to the Sacred
c) Light: _________________________________________________
d) Darkness: ______________________________________________
2. What symbols stand for is connected to what they are
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Symbols have certain meanings associated with them by their very nature
o For example, a rock, because of what it is, has symbolic meanings that are very different from
those of a cat (it is unlikely that we would choose a rock as a symbol for softness and quickness)
We do not force meanings on symbols; we discover meanings
3. Symbols evoke more than one kind of response from us
 Symbols can touch us on many more levels than signs
 They spark a deep response (get us totally involved)
 They touch our heart as well as our head
What does it mean?
 What does it mean to say, “Jesus is the light of the world?” Why would light be used to symbolize
Jesus?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Different Kinds of Symbols
Cultural Symbols
 Symbols that are closely dependent on a specific situation, place or group. The meaning of that symbol
is tied to the situation in which it is used; outside of that situation, it loses its meaning.
 Examples: ___________________________________________________________________________
Universal Symbols
 Symbols that are clearly recognized throughout the world. They are not tied to a specific situation,
group, or place. Their meaning is understood by different cultures.
 Examples: ___________________________________________________________________________
Symbols and the Natural World
 Frequently, universal symbols come from the natural world
 Today, many of us are not in touch with the natural world enough to understand the significance of
nature-based symbols
 For example:
o Objects come ready-made by machines (do we know that hands are symbols of creativity?)
o Medicinal oils come in containers (do we know that oil is a symbol of healing?)
o Food is prepared in microwaves/we order in (do we know that hearth-fire is a symbol of warmth
and nourishment?)