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The cross -

The Latin cross, also referred to as the Western cross, is undoubtedly the most recognizable emblem in Christianity. Embraced by Christians worldwide, it has significant literal and metaphorical symbolism attached to it.

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The cross -

But not all Christian denominations adopt the crucifix (where Jesus is depicted on the cross). This is especially true for Protestants, who see the Catholic crucifix as a focus on Christ's death rather than his resurrection.

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The Russian Orthodox cross -

The Eastern cross has two additional pairs of crossbeams in comparison to the Western cross. The top beam is where the sign "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" is placed. The second beam corresponds to where Christ's arms were positioned, while the bottom one symbolizes Christ's footrest.

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The Russian Orthodox cross -

The positioning of the lower beam is influenced by the destiny of the two thieves who were crucified alongside Jesus. One (St. Dismas) ascended to heaven, while the other one (Gestas) descended to hell.

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The ankh -

The ankh, known for symbolizing life in ancient Egypt, was later adopted by Christians who also began using it as a symbol as well.

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The ankh -

Its resemblance and meaning were associated with another Christian symbol: the staurogram. So, it was an easy adaptation.

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The staurogram -

The staurogram, also known as the monogrammatic cross, symbolizes an abbreviation of the Greek words for cross and crucifix, stauros and stauroō. It is a motif of two letters that together, form one symbol. It predates other crucifixion imagery by 200 years.

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The alpha and omega -

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and omega, symbolize Jesus and God, respectively, as the beginning and the end.

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The alpha and omega -

The symbol represents God's endlessness. In Revelation 21:6, God states,  “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life."

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The Chi Rho -

The symbol originated in 312 CE, during a Roman conflict between Maxentius and Constantine. Soldiers of Constantine appeared in battle with this symbol, which featured the Greek letters chi and rho.

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The Chi Rho -

According to legend, Jesus supposedly advised Constantine that victory would be assured if his soldiers donned the symbol, which includes the initial two Greek letters for "Christ". Even today, the Chi Rho retains its significance as a Christian emblem.

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The ichthys -

Ichthys is a Greek word meaning "fish," but the letters are also an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

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The ichthys -

The symbol resembling a fish formed by intersecting arcs is widely recognized globally, often seen on bumper stickers. But this was once used as a covert sign for Christians to identify each other during times of persecution. It was commonly found in hidden places of worship, like catacombs.

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The triquetra -

The triquetra, also known as the Celtic knot, is associated with paganism. However, Christianity also adopted it, particularly during the Celtic revival in the 19th century.

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The triquetra -

The triquetra represents the Holy Trinity, comprising God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

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The dove -

The Holy Spirit, symbolized by a dove, appeared when pagan Frankish King Clovis was baptized a Christian. But this was not the first time the dove was used to represent the Holy Spirit.

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The dove -

It had already done so during the baptism of Jesus, as detailed in Matthew 3:16: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." The dove is still regarded as a sign of goodness and purity.

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The Eye of Providence -

The symbol commonly called the All-Seeing Eye, the Eye of Providence, is often linked to the Freemasons. However, it is important to note that its origins lie in Christianity.

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The Eye of Providence -

According to Sirach 23:19, "the eyes of the Lord are 10,000 times brighter than the sun." This concept has been depicted in various Christian art pieces, especially during the Late Renaissance era.

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The Eye of Providence -

One example is Italian painter Pontormo's 1525 artwork 'Supper at Emmaus.'

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The inverted cross -

The inverted cross, often linked to the occult and Satanism, is in fact a Christian symbol.

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The inverted cross -

This symbol represents the crucifixion of St. Peter in Rome, where he was executed upside down.

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The sand dollar -

According to legend, Jesus left behind this type of sea urchin as a tool for evangelization purposes.

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The sand dollar -

It is believed that the holes found on sand dollars symbolize the wounds endured by Christ during his crucifixion. Additionally, their floral form is said to resemble the Easter lily, which is a symbolic representation of the Resurrection.

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Agnus Dei -

Agnus Dei, which means "Lamb of God" in Latin, refers to the symbolic connection between Jesus and the lamb found in certain passages of the Bible. One such instance can be found in John 1:29: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" 

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Agnus Dei -

In Revelation 7:10, a significant reference is made: "And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"

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Gye Nyame -

This symbol is widely recognized in West Africa and, like many other Christian symbols, it has origins in paganism.

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Gye Nyame -

Originally used by the Akan people of Ghana to symbolize their own deity, the representation later expanded to become a symbol associated with the Christian god.

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The Ihs -

This historic symbol for Jesus is a shortened version of the initial three letters of his name in Greek.

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The Ihs -

The origins of the Ihs can be traced back to the 1st century CE. 

Sources: (Grunge) (Learn Religions) 

See also: The world's quirkiest churches

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