Transcript Slide 1

Christian Symbol
The main symbol of Christianity is the Cross.
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).
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.
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 the most holy sound in Hinduism
and is said as a mantra (chant) when a
Hindu starts to meditate (concentrate
strongly on their religion).
‘Aum’ is said to be the most powerful word ever spoken
and is the word used by Brahman, to create the whole
universe.
Buddhist Symbol
The main symbol for Buddhism is known as the Dharma
Wheel or the Eight Spoked Wheel.
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.
Buddhism is based on the Dharma (teachings) of
Siddhartha Gautama who was the first Buddha
(Enlightened One).
Sikh Symbol
The main symbol for Sikhism is called the Khanda.
The circle is called a Chakka
and is another weapon but
here it represents the
continuous unity of God.
The centre symbol is a
double sided sword called a
Khanda it symbolises God’s
knowledge and power.
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
Despite being made up of four weapons, Sikhism is a very
peaceful religion and weapons must only ever be drawn in
self defence.
Jewish Symbol
The main symbol for Judaism is known as the Star of
David.
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.
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.
Islamic Symbol
The symbol generally accepted as representing Islam is
known as the Crescent Moon and Star.
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.
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.
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.
Can you name the symbols below and link them with the
correct religion?
Christianity
Cross/Crucifix
Islam
Crescent Moon & Star
Hinduism
Aum (Om)
Buddhism
Dharma Wheel
Sikhism
Khanda
Judaism
Star of David
Religious Symbols
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.