Symbolism

[SalixIncendium]

Throughout the ages, people have used symbols to represent their belief, principles, and ideologies. Many of these symbols can be found to be used for different (and in some cases even conflicting) beliefs, principles, or ideologies.

What symbols does your religion or form of spirituality use? What do they represent? Do they have inherent power in and of themselves? If your belief uses multiple symbols, which do you identify with the most and why?

 

[Kemosloby]

There are different kinds of symbolism. Symbolism is a writing style used to suggest indirect meaning. That type is more significant in Christianity.

sym·bol·ism
ˈsimbəˌlizəm/
noun

1. the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
   "he has always believed in the importance of symbolism in garden art"
   • symbolic meaning attributed to natural objects or facts.
     "the old-fashioned symbolism of flowers"
   • an artistic and poetic movement or style using symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind. It originated in late 19th century France and Belgium, with important figures including Mallarmé, Maeterlinck, Verlaine, Rimbaud, and Redon.
     noun: Symbolism

 

[sun rise]

As an aside, here's a list of the symbols approved by the US Government for placement on headstones etc Available Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers - National Cemetery Administration

To specifically answer the OP, the heart has wings and is a receptacle of Divine Love and thus powered by the One to take us to God.

 

[SalixIncendium]

As an aside, here's a list of the symbols approved by the US Government for placement on headstones etc Available Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers - National Cemetery Administration

Wow! There have been more than a few additions since I looked at this 10 odd years ago. Unfortunately, I don't really identify with just one. I doubt they allow multiple emblems.

 

[arthra]

What symbols does your religion or form of spirituality use? What do they represent? Do they have inherent power in and of themselves? If your belief uses multiple symbols, which do you identify with the most and why?

Well Baha'is use a Calligraphic rendering of what's called in English the Greatest Name of God and this is found in a brief essay by a Mr. Faizi which I'll attach at the end of this post. The Greatest Name is "Ya Baha'ul'Abha" (which translated into English is "Oh Glory of the All Glorious") and a shortened form is "Allah'u'Abha" (translated: "God is Glorious"). We use "Allah'u'Abha" as a greeting or salutation and we also often use the calligraphic rendering as a "Ring Stone Symbol" that is inscribed on rings or medallions:

Explanation of the Symbol of the Greatest Name