50+ Sacred Symbols of the Catholic Church

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Learn why these religious symbols are so important
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Catholicism is known for its iconography, but if you aren’t Catholic or are new to the religion, you may not know what all these symbols mean. We spoke to Catholic priest Fr. Scott Bailey to teach you all about the most common Catholic religious symbols and their meanings. Keep reading to learn more.

Common Symbols of Catholicism

An illustration depicting common Catholic religious symbols
  • Cross/Crucifix: Reminds believers that Jesus died for the sins of the world
  • Crossed Keys: Represents the keys to Heaven Jesus gave St. Peter
  • Fish: An ancient symbol Christians used to recognize each other in secret
  • Lamb: Symbolizes Jesus, innocence, and purity
  • Sacred Heart: Symbolizes Jesus’s divine love
1

Alpha and Omega

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  1. Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
    These letters have been used by Catholics since the 4th century as symbols that express their confidence that God is infinite and eternal. In the book of Revelation 1.8, 21.6, and 22.13, Christ refers to himself as the alpha and the omega—the first and the last. This symbolizes that Christ is the beginning and end of all creation.[1]
    • These letters are used at various times in the Church’s liturgical year.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Fr. Scott Bailey is a Catholic priest based in Denver, Colorado, where he serves as a pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish. He runs the church’s YouTube page, where he creates content explaining Catholicism.

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2

Altar

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  1. The altar is the central focus point in a Catholic church. It is a symbol of Christ, as it is the place where the sacrifice of the cross is made present and reencountered.[2] It is also the table of the Lord to which Catholics are called to celebrate Mass, which Fr. Bailey explains is the central act of Catholic worship.[3]
3

Ambo

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  1. An ambo is a raised platform where the Word of God is read or proclaimed.
    It is a central piece of church furniture and is often located next to the altar, which symbolizes the connection between the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. It serves as a reminder of the importance of praying and studying the Bible.
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4

Ashes

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  1. Ashes are used to demonstrate penance. Catholics receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads at the beginning of Lent. This symbolizes penance and the desire to reform their life. This tradition originated in the penance of the Old Testament of sackcloth and ashes, as seen in places like Jonah.[4]
5

Bread, Wheat, and Grapes

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  1. These foods symbolize the Eucharist.
    In the Eucharist, bread is changed into the Body of Christ, and wine is changed into the Blood of Christ, explains Fr. Bailey.[5] Wheat and grapes are the main ingredients of bread and wine, so they’re a symbol of the miracle that occurs at every Mass.[6]
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6

Candle

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  1. Candles symbolize the light of Christ. Before electricity, churches relied on candles to light a room. Their light is also symbolic of the light of Christ, as the Lord said Christians must be a light to the world and bring the good news. At baptism, Catholics are given a lighted candle to symbolize this.[7] There are also a few specific types of candles that are important Catholic symbols:
    • Altar candles are placed near the altar and are always lit during Mass to signify that Christ is the light.
    • Paschal candles are lit at the Easter Vigil to symbolize the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who dispels the darkness of death.
7

Chalice

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  1. The chalice represents the cup used at the Last Supper.
    The chalice is a cup used during Mass to hold the wine before the Consecration and the Blood of Christ after the Consecration. It is a symbol of Jesus’s sacrifice and eternal life. Before He died, He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).[8]
    • Fr. Bailey says that receiving from the chalice is optional: “A person can choose to receive it or not… The minister says, ‘The Blood of Christ,’ the recipient says, ‘Amen,’ and then takes a small sip.”[9]
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8

Chi-Rho

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  1. The Chi-Rho symbol consists of the first 2 letters of Christ’s name in Greek. The symbol appears as an X and P superimposed on each other, but they’re actually Greek letters. In the Greek alphabet, X equals “CH” (pronounced “kye”) and P equals “R” (pronounced “roe”). This symbol was used by the Roman emperor Constantine on his flag as a sign of his devotion to Christ.[10]
9

Circle

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  1. A circle symbolizes God’s eternity.
    A circle has no starting or ending point and is one continuous flow. In a religious context, a circle represents the idea that God is eternal, without a beginning or end, and that He flows outside of time.[11]
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10

Crosier

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  1. A crosier is a staff that resembles a shepherd’s crook. It is carried by bishops to signify their pastoral and authoritative role in the Church. The 3 parts of the crosier have specific meanings. The hook draws in strays, the staff provides support, and the point corrects the reluctant or lazy.[12]
11

Crossed Keys

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  1. Crossed keys are known as the Keys of Heaven.
    Christian art often depicts a pair of keys that overlap, creating an X. They represent the keys that Jesus promised to St. Peter, empowering him to take action in leading the institution of the Church. St. Peter was the first Pope, and the keys now symbolize the Pope’s authority. They’re often used in ecclesiastical heraldry, papal coats of arms, and as symbolic images in holy places.[13]
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12

Cross/Crucifix

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  1. The crucifix symbolizes Jesus’s sacrifice. The crucifix (a cross with the figure of the body of Jesus Christ attached to it) is perhaps the most common symbol of the Catholic faith. It represents sacrifice and atonement since the Bible states that Jesus died for the sins of the world.[14]
    • There are many types of crosses used in Christianity. Check out our “Types of Crosses” article to learn more!
13

Cross of St. Andrew

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  1. The X-shaped cross represents St.
    Andrew’s crucifixion. According to legend, St. Andrew was crucified on a cross that was on its side. Therefore, the X, or Cross of St. Andrew, has come to represent him. It is often featured on flags and medieval heraldry, including the flag of Scotland.
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14

Crown of Thorns

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  1. The crown of thorns represents Jesus’s suffering. Roman soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’s head to ridicule him as a king and cause him physical pain. However, the crown also symbolizes Jesus’s ultimate victory and redemption, showing that he was willing to bear human suffering to break the curse of sin.[15]
15

Dove

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  1. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
    According to Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10, when Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, a dove descended on him.[16] The dove is also a symbol of peace because in Genesis 8:1-12, Noah sent out a dove in search of dry land after the flood. After the rain stopped, it returned carrying an olive branch, which was a sign of God’s forgiveness.
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16

Eagle (St. John)

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  1. The eagle is the symbol of St. John’s gospel. This comes from Revelation, in which one of the four creatures is an eagle. The symbol is associated with John because his gospel is more lofty and theological than the other three. Like an eagle, it “soars” to higher spiritual heights.[17]
17

Eye of God

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  1. The Eye of God is a reminder that God is everywhere and sees everything.
    In old churches, you will often see an eye in the sanctuary. This reminds believers that God is always watching and sees everything one does, whether good or evil. It encourages people to think of God and do things that are likely to please Him.[18]
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18

Fire

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  1. Fire often symbolizes the Holly Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit came to the apostles at Pentecost in tongues of fire, resting over their heads. Fire is also a symbol for zeal, like when someone is “on fire” for Christ.[19]
19

Fish

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  1. The fish symbol was a secret way for Christians to identify each other.
    The fish is one of the oldest Christian symbols, often used by Christians to identify each other in times of persecution. The Greek word for fish is “ichthus,” which is also an acronym for Jesus. The symbol might have also been chosen because Jesus called the disciples “fishers of men,” creating an analogy in which men are fish to be caught for God.[20]
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20

Good Shepherd

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  1. Jesus is often depicted as a shepherd meant to lead His followers. Jesus is often called the good shepherd because he told the parable in the gospels comparing Himself to a shepherd. Catholics, and Christians in general, are meant to be like sheep by following Jesus and being docile. As the good shepherd, Jesus will never lead His followers anywhere harmful.[21]
21

Halo

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  1. Halos represent holiness.
    A halo is a ring of light that surrounds a person’s head. In Catholic art, it’s often depicted above saints’ heads to differentiate between those who are saints and those who are not. The light represents the grace of God, which is strongly present in a holy person’s life.[22]
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22

Holy Water

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  1. Holy Water represents purification, new life, and God’s blessings. Holy Water is blessed water that is distributed for pious use. It is one of the key aspects of Baptism and is a sacramental, or a symbol approved by the Church for the edification of its members. It is effective for warding off temptation and is located at the entrance of every Catholic church.[23]
23

IHS

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  1. IHS is a shortened form of the Greek word for Jesus.
    The Greek word for Jesus is IHΣΟΥΣ. The letters IHS often appear on liturgical items in Catholic churches, building plaques, gravestones, and sacred vessels. The idea is that if these letters are visible in many places, people will be constantly reminded of Jesus and pray to him.[25]
    • The symbol was popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena in the 15th century.
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24

Incense

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  1. Incense is used at Mass as a blessing. The smoke that rises from the censor toward the ceiling symbolizes Catholics’ prayers rising up toward God. Incense was used in both the Old and New Testaments as part of the liturgy.[26]
25

INRI

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  1. INRI is an acronym for “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum.”
    This Latin phrase translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” and was the inscription that Pilate placed above Jesus’s head at the Crucifixion. The entire phrase is too long to write on a small cross, so it’s often shortened to “INRI.” Many modern crucifixes feature the phrase as a reminder that He is king.[27]
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26

Lamb

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  1. The lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ. In John 1:35-36 and Revelation 5:6-14, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God. The Old Testament also makes several references to sacrificial lambs, making the symbol more meaningful when it represents Jesus in the New Testament. The lamb also symbolizes innocence and purity, as Christ was innocent and pure in his life and death.[28]
    • The phrase “the Lamb of God” is always used in the liturgy of the Mass.
    • The lamb is sometimes depicted with a flag, which symbolizes Christ’s victory over death in his resurrection.
27

Lily/Fleur de Lis

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  1. The lily represents purity and innocence.
    In Catholic circles, the lily is often pictured with Mary or St. Joseph because they are considered great examples of these virtues. The fleur-de-lis is a fancy depiction of the lily that was popularized by the French as a symbol for Mary.[29] The lily also sometimes symbolizes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as lilies bloom from seemingly dead bulbs.
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28

Lion (St. Mark)

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  1. The symbol of St. Mark’s gospel is a winged lion. In the book of Revelation, one of the four creatures is a lion. The symbol is associated with St. Mark because his gospel begins with John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness. His proclamation of Jesus was compared to a lion roaring the coming of the Messiah.[30]
29

Miter

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  1. A miter is the tall, pointed hat worn by bishops.
    Bishops wear these hats during liturgical celebrations to symbolize their authority. The two peaks represent the Old and New Testaments, and the two back lappets (ribbons) symbolize the need to uphold both the spirit and letter of the Bible.[31]
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30

Monstrance

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  1. A monstrance is a sacred vessel used to display the Eucharistic host. Monstrances are typically made of gold and silver and display the host for public adoration or processions. It is typically surrounded by a sunburst-like design, which symbolizes Christ’s glory shining outward.[32]
31

Oil

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  1. The Church uses holy oil to anoint.
    There are 3 kinds of holy oil: Chrism, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of the Catechumens. These oils are blessed every year by the bishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. In the Old Testament, oil was used to anoint those appointed to special ministry, such as priests, prophets, and kings. They’re also used for baptisms, and play an important symbolic role in the Church.[33]
    • Chrism Oil is used at baptisms, confirmations, and holy orders.
    • Oil of Catechumens is used at baptisms.
    • Oil of the Sick is used to anoint the sick and pray for their recovery in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
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32

Olive/Olive Branch

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  1. Olives and olive branches symbolize peace. When Noah sent out a dove to determine if he could safely exit the arc after the flood, the dove brought back an olive branch to show that the waters had abated. Since doves are associated with the Holy Spirit, olives and olive branches represent the peace that the Holy Spirit brings.[34]
33

Ox (St. Luke)

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  1. A winged ox is the symbol of St. Luke’s gospel.
    In the book of Revelation, one of the four creatures is an ox. The symbol is attributed to Luke because an ox was an animal that was sacrificed. In his gospel, Luke emphasized sacrifice and the priesthood of Christ. The ox reminds us of the eternal and high priesthood of Christ.[35]
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34

Palm Branch

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  1. Palm branches represent Christian victory over sin and death. Palm branches historically symbolize victory, peace, and eternal life. According to the gospels, when Jesus entered Jerusalem before His death, the faithful were waving palm branches. Palm branches are often associated with and featured in paintings of martyrs.[36]
35

Peacock

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  1. Peacocks symbolize eternal life.
    The ancient Greeks believed that the flesh of peacocks didn’t decompose after death, so they became a symbol of immortality. The “eyes” on a peacock’s feathers also symbolize the all-seeing God. The early Church adopted the peacock as a symbol to represent the belief in eternal life in Heaven with God.[37]
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36

Pelican

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  1. Pelicans represent Christ’s passion. It may sound strange, but medieval Europeans noticed that pelicans were very attentive to their young and would let their young drink their blood when no food was available. This symbol now serves as a metaphor for Christ, who poured out his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.[38]
37

The Pope

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  1. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church.
    “The Pope is also a very visible symbol of Catholicism,” explains Fr. Bailey. “He is the chief shepherd of the Church, a final arbiter on matters of doctrine, and a symbol of unity to ensure that we continue to teach what the Church has always taught.”[39]
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38

Sacred Heart

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  1. The Sacred Heart is depicted as a flaming heart. It is typically shining with divine light, pierced by a lance, encircled by a crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. It is also sometimes shown in the chest of Jesus Christ. The wound, thorns, and blood represent Jesus’s crucifixion, and the flames represent the transformative power of divine love.[40]
39

Sanctuary Light

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  1. The sanctuary light is a light that burns near the tabernacle.
    It indicates the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and serves as a perpetual beacon where the Eucharist is reserved. Its constant flame represents Christ’s eternal presence, love, and adoration.[41]
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40

Shell

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  1. Shells are sometimes associated with baptism. In ancient paintings, a shell was often used to pour the water during a baptism. It is also sometimes associated with St. James and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, likely because there are many seashells on the shores of the area.[42]
41

Ship

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  1. Ships often represent the Church.
    Like a ship on a stormy sea, the Church is often battered by the whims of the world, but still remains strong. This is some of the oldest imagery of the Church and likely derives from the times Jesus rode on a boat and calmed the seas.[43]
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42

Snake/Serpent

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  1. Snakes are often used to depict the devil. In the book of Genesis, the devil appears in the form of a snake or serpent to Adam and Eve in order to tempt them. Additionally, Mary is often portrayed as crushing a snake beneath her feet to symbolize her part in the defeat of Satan.[44]
43

Tabernacle

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  1. The tabernacle is a cabinet that holds the Blessed Sacrament.
    The Blessed Sacrament is the consecrated bread that becomes the Body of Christ. It is reserved in a tabernacle so it can be distributed to the sick and dying. The tabernacle fosters adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the faithful.[45]
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44

Three-Leafed Clover

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  1. Three-leafed clovers, or shamrocks, represent the Trinity. This symbol originated with St. Patrick in Ireland. It has 3 separate, distinct petals, but is one single leaf, just as the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) has 3 separate and distinct persons but is also one being.[46]
45

Tree of Life

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  1. The Tree of Life represents eternal life and God’s presence.
    The Tree of Life is mentioned in Genesis 2, Proverbs (3:18, 11:30, 13:12, and 15:4), and Revelation (2:7 and 22:2, 19). It was originally located in the Garden of Eden and intended to grant immortality, but its access was blocked after humanity’s sin. It is later restored in Heaven, where its fruit and leaves are said to provide healing and sustenance. Because of this, it symbolizes the eternal fellowship with God for those who overcome sin.[47]
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46

Triangle

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  1. The triangle is a simple representation of the Trinity. In a Catholic (or Christian, in general) context, a triangle may represent the 3 aspects of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is 3 persons, but only one God, just as a triangle has 3 points but is only one shape.[48]
47

Triquetra

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  1. The triquetra is an early symbol of the Trinity.
    The triquetra is a Celtic knot that features 3 interwoven arcs of equal length. Like the triangle and the three-leafed clover, these arcs signify the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The interconnectedness of the symbol represents the unity in the Trinity.[49]
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48

White Garments

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  1. Catholics wear white after baptism. Newly initiated Catholics are clothed in white garments to signify that they are new creations in Jesus Christ. The color white is associated with purity, innocence, and rebirth. White is also the liturgical color for joy and is used during special celebrations like Easter and Christmas.[50]
49

Wine

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  1. Wine becomes the Blood of Christ.
    Wine is a sign of the goodness of creation that is presented at Mass. Through Consecration, wine becomes the Blood of Christ. Jesus shed his blood for humanity’s sins, so consuming the consecrated wine is a central act of worship and a way for Catholics to participate in the sacrifice of Christ and receive spiritual grace.[51]
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50

Winged Man (St. Matthew)

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  1. The winged man is the symbol of St. Matthew’s gospel. This symbol originated with the book of Revelation, in which one of the four creatures is a man. The symbol is associated with Matthew because his gospel deals with the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. It begins with the genealogy, showing the human ancestry and true humanity of Jesus.[52]
51

The Word of God

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  1. Jesus is the physical embodiment of God’s message to humanity.
    John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” At the Eucharistic Liturgy, when the Word of God is proclaimed, Christ is present and speaks to the gathered believers.
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References

  1. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  2. ↑ https://www.archspm.org/what-are-the-symbols-of-the-eucharist-and-what-is-their-meaning/
  3. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.usccb.org/resources/Why+Ashes.pdf
  5. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.archspm.org/what-are-the-symbols-of-the-eucharist-and-what-is-their-meaning/
  7. ↑ https://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/signs-and-symbols/
  8. ↑ https://www.archspm.org/what-are-the-symbols-of-the-eucharist-and-what-is-their-meaning/
  9. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  2. ↑ https://heritage-history.com/site/hclass/catholic_knowledge/worship_tradition/symbols/shapes.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/crosier-religion
  4. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  5. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  6. ↑ https://www.gotquestions.org/crown-of-thorns.html
  7. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  8. ↑ https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=228
  9. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201112-the-eye-of-providence-the-symbol-with-a-secret-meaning
  10. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  11. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  12. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  13. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210623-the-halo-a-symbol-that-spread-around-the-world
  14. ↑ https://tandirection.com/pursuit-of-perfection/understanding-the-spiritual-power-of-holy-water/
  15. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ https://www.catholicherald.com/article/columns/what-does-ihs-mean/
  17. ↑ https://adoremus.org/2012/02/holy-smoke-the-use-of-incense-in-the-catholic-church/
  18. ↑ https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-do-the-abbreviations-inri-and-spqr-stand-for
  19. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  20. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  21. ↑ https://stmarktampa.org/why-a-winged-lion
  22. ↑ https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/miters
  23. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/monstrance
  24. ↑ https://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/signs-and-symbols/
  25. ↑ https://www.gotquestions.org/olive-tree-Bible.html
  26. ↑ https://aleteia.org/2022/10/18/why-is-st-lukes-symbol-an-ox-or-calf/
  27. ↑ https://www.nashvillecatholic.org/news/posts/why-palms-the-significance-of-palm-branches-on-palm-sunday
  28. ↑ https://www.stcatherinercc.org/single-post/peacocks-in-sacred-art
  29. ↑ https://www.archspm.org/what-are-the-symbols-of-the-eucharist-and-what-is-their-meaning/
  30. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
  31. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  32. ↑ https://dhs.edu/sanctuary-lamp/
  33. ↑ https://localcatholicchurches.com/resource/catholic-symbols/
  34. ↑ https://www.jesuswalk.com/christian-symbols/ship.htm
  35. ↑ https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-snakes.html
  36. ↑ https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-a-tabernacle
  37. ↑ https://aleteia.org/2025/03/17/the-trinity-and-st-patrick-a-powerful-teaching-for-today/
  38. ↑ https://www.gotquestions.org/tree-of-life.html
  39. ↑ https://www.detroitcatholic.com/voices/ancient-symbols-of-the-most-holy-trinity
  40. ↑ https://www.detroitcatholic.com/voices/ancient-symbols-of-the-most-holy-trinity
  41. ↑ https://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/signs-and-symbols/
  42. ↑ https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/why-grape-wine
  43. ↑ https://fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/explore-our-collection/highlights/context/sign-and-symbols/the-symbols-of-the-evangelists

About This Article

Fr. Scott Bailey
Co-authored by:
Fr. Scott Bailey
Catholic Priest
This article was co-authored by Fr. Scott Bailey and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Father Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Father Scott is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he creates a variety of engaging content explaining aspects of Catholicism. He is known for his brief but meaningful sermons, and for making Catholic teaching and spirituality accessible to all. He has a Masters of Divinity from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, an S.T.B. from the Lateran University, and a BA in philosophy from Regis University.  This article has been viewed 1,023 times.
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