Religious and Secular Symbols in the World

Religion acts as a set of symbols that performs a distinctive function: they persuade us that there is a direct connection between our view of world and how we ought to live, or how we are supposed to live. By formulating concepts we begin to adopt these concepts as general order of existence. Symbols can demonstrate a heritage or any type of religion. Religion representation involves the usage of exclusive signs by a specific belief which explains everything that is related to its psyche and traditions, counting epitome, natural phenomenon and events the art that is developed on that ground over that phase (Ellwood, 1993). Mankind finds comfort in these symbols as to identify there humanity in which they are found.
The Christian Cross is one of the most common signs of Christianity. The Cross can be communicated in many different messages or symbols. We are going to look at the cross as a focal and general symbol, as well as a secular symbol.
The cruciform is an example of the cross as a focal symbol. Jesus figure being nailed on the cross in both his hands and feet, with a ring of thorns build like a crown on his head. For many Christians, it has become the foundation on how the world works: you must die before you can have a rebirth. People who consider themselves Christians have adopted the idea as the crucifixion as the prerequisite for resurrection, meaning death before new life.
On the other hand, the cross can be considered a general symbol as well. The cross is relevant in many religions. The cross can be considered a general symbol in Buddhism heritage. For example, the Mandala symbol which is a Buddhism spiritual or ritual symbol that represents the universe and universe been consisting of four corners.
Not only can the cross be discussed as a focal or general symbol, but the cross can be considered as a secular symbol as well. For example, the cross is used as a sign for roads we drive today. The cross which is located inside a diamond shape sign let the drivers know that the road is running north, south, east, and west.
The Ichthys or fish symbol is also another form of Christianity. The Christian fish symbol consists of two intersecting arcs that trace the outline of fish. Early Christians used these symbols to themselves as followers of the highest power Jesus Christ. Many followers of Christ are identified by this because many of them were actually fishermen or had a profession of fishing. Fish frequently appeared in Christ ministry. For example, in the bible Mark 1:17 says, “Come, follow me Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men”. The missionary of Christians you could say is symbolized by the Ichthys, which is considered a secondary symbol of Christianity.
The fish symbol can also been as a secular symbol. For example, the Darwin fish symbol. This symbol is made somewhat similar to the Christian symbol (Ichthys). The symbol is of a fish with Darwin in its body with legs on the fish. People who have this stickers are called Atheists. Atheists see life differently than Christians. This society uses this symbol to refute scientifically unsubstantiated religious claims. Atheists believe in evolution, and that human progress can best be achieved through scientific method, rational or open inquiry.
The Islamic or Muslim religion is recognized by a symbol of a star and crescent. This symbol however is thousands years older than Islam. The people of Siberia and Central Asia used these symbols in their worship of the sun, moon, and sky Gods. The symbol is considered a secondary specific symbol. For example, the crescent and moon was adopted as the symbol to represent or honor the goddess of Diana. Now it’s very important to know that Islam had few traditional symbols back in the days. The symbol didn’t become affiliated with the Muslim society until the year of 1453. Since the beginning of time, “The Star of David”, also known as the Shield of David has been recognized or symbolized with Judaism. This symbol is considered a focal symbol. The earliest known Jewish star dates back to the 6th century B.C. The symbol consists of six-pointed star (hexagram), made of two interlocking triangles. The six pointed figure of David is considered as a focal symbol to Jews. The symbol is conveyed as God’s rule over the divine universe in all six directions: north, east, west, and south, down and up. There was a time also when the Star of David was used in a secular way back in the past. For example, the Star of David was used as symbol of Holocaust, when the Nazis force the Jews to wear identifying yellow stars. So however we view or see stars, whether it be a blue flag waving on a proud flag or any other form we can conclude that the Star of David stands as a reminder of the Jewish heritage. The Buddha eyes otherwise known as wisdom eyes, look out from four directions to symbolize the omniscience meaning all-seeing of Buddha. Right in between the eyes of Buddha where the nose will be located is a curly symbol shape like a question mark. This symbolizes unity of all things, as well as the one way to reach enlightenment through the teachings Buddha. While directly above this mark is another eye which is said to be the third eye, symbolizes the all-seeing wisdom. For example, in every stupa in Nepal, are a set of giant pair of eyes staring out from four sides. The Buddha eyes otherwise known as wisdom eyes, look out from four directions to symbolize the omniscience meaning all-seeing of Buddha. This is a focal symbol as well, as the Buddha image. In conclusion, there are so many religious and secular symbols in the world that one can go on and on about. Symbols whether it been religious or secular can be associated with different religions and mean something totally different and then there are some that had different terminology but means almost the same. All religions use their modern and older signs as symbols to build or form unity of a culture which represents ethical values, reflection of wisdom, and customs of civilization. In addition this representation encourages people or promotes the harmony among whom so ever decide to follow, which keeps people molded, sheltered or devoted to a specific culture. Lastly religion and secular symbols are expressed frequently throughout the world today, whether it been from a cross to the stars to the moon we can be expressed as symbols in any form a person or individual chooses to use them.