World Religions
Hindu Symbols
Aum – 3 sounds, 3 worlds
(earth, atmosphere,
heaven), 3 gods (Brahma,
Vishnu, Siva), 3 scriptures
(Rg, Yajur, Sama)
Trisula –
symbol of
Shiva (creator,
preserver,
destroyer)
(will, action,
wisdom
Lotus – rooted but floating
represented lack of attachment
to surroundings, symbol of
centre of consciousness
(chakras) in the body
Swastika – symbol of good
luck, right hand linked to
sun and Vishnu, left hand
linked to night and Kali
Pratik – symbol of path of bliss
movement, upward triangle for
social service, downward triangle
for meditation, rising sun for
balance, swastika for fulfillment
of spiritual goals
Jewish Symbols
Star of David –
linked to Shield of
David and Seal of
Solomon
Mezuzah – box
and parchment
with Hebrew
letter ‘shin’ for
divine – placed
on doorposts of
house
Menorah – 7 branched
candle in synagogues
representing light
Yarmulke – worn by
Jewish men as a
reverent act to cover
their heads
Chai – symbol of life often
worn around the neck
Hamesh Hand –
protection against the
evil eye
Buddhist Symbols
Dharmachakra – wheel of
law representing the
teachings of Buddha, 8
spokes for the Eightfold
Path, cycle of rebirth
Buddhapada – footprints of
Buddha show grounding of
transcendent, wheel in centre
and often swastika
Buddha Eyes – wisdom eyes,
look 4 directions, ‘nose’ is sign
for 1 or unity, 3rd eye above is
Buddha’s wisdom
Eight Auspicious Symbols:
Parasol – royalty and spiritual power
Golden Fishes – good fortune and fertility
Treasure Vase – spiritual and material abundance
Lotus – mental and spiritual purity
Conch Shell – fame of Buddha’s teachings
Endless Knot – infinite wisdom of Buddha
Victory Banner – victory of Buddha’s wisdom over ignorance
Wheel – teachings of Buddha
Christian Symbols
Fish – used as a symbol
Latin Cross – empty cross
during persecution, linked to
Alpha and Omega – first and
reminds Protestants of the Jesus as a ‘fisher of men’
last letters of Greek alphabet
resurrection while crucifix
symbolizing that God is the
(with body of Jesus) is more
beginning and the end
common for Catholics
Dove – symbol of purity in
baptism of Jesus, linked to
God’s forgiveness through
Noah’s ark
Sheep & Shepherd – God
as the shepherd
protecting the people who
are obedient sheep
Crown of Thorns –
symbolic of Jesus’ death
Islamic Symbols
There are no official symbols of Islam, but there are several images
with a special place in Islam.
Star and Crescent – originally
symbolic of the Ottoman
Empire through which Islam
spread; on several national
flags
Arabic script for Allah
Khatim – 8 pointed star, seal of
the prophets
Shahadatain – Shahda is
Muslim statement of
faith
Shi’a double pointed sword – sword
given by Muhammad to his son-in-law
Ali