Symbols... are they important?

How many of us remember times when we walked in to a Church (our parish or one we visited) and saw some strange items either hanging from the ceiling or displayed someplace prominent? I know I have. I wonder sometimes if the goal is to look pretty or to mean something. When I began doing Liturgical Planning I remember learning that if a symbol has to be explained… it shouldn’t be used. It should stand on its own. I never fully got that. Ok, I understand that if nobody will get it, then why do it? But, sometimes if someone mentions it in a homily or in a parish bulletin, then it will fully make sense and then for the season (like Lent) the symbol does matter. One of my favorites was for Lent. Each week we were supposed to bring in a rock and place it up front. To an outsider or to a congregation not told anything, it would mean nothing. But, we were told that the rock would symbolize the hardness in our hearts that we were willing to give up to make room for love. Each week, we gave up more hardness of heart. It was pretty powerful. So, I do like symbols, even if they have to be explained sometimes.

But, I wonder in our own lives outside of a Church what symbols we use to help us remember, or to focus, etc. Many people us a cross, crucifix, candle, rosary, statue, picture, advent wreath, etc. I wonder how often we see these things and don’t even notice them… they become part of our every day. I also wonder if we see things and remember that someone special gave us that rosary, or crucifix and it is them and not the meaning that we see. Are they symbols anymore if we don’t see the thing it is to symbolize? I remember a neighbor of my parents who would talk often about being a Christian woman while waving her huge crucifix necklace at us. Those were usually the times she was not being very Christian in my opinion. Do we flaunt symbols to make a statement and is that what we want to do? I do have some things in my home that I put out to make a statement to all who come to my home. Yes, I am Catholic. The symbol may be valid then since for another who sees it symbolizes my faith.

What about other things that we see as symbols? I have a “Deathly Hallows” necklace I wear all the time. (For those who do not know, that is a symbol from Harry Potter) First of all, let me explain what it meant in the Harry Potter story. There is a vertical stick if you will that stands for the “Elder Wand” said to be the most powerful wand. There is a small circle standing for the “Resurrection Stone” said to bring people back from the dead. And, finally there is a triangle surrounding both, which stands for the “Cloak of Invisibility” which when worn makes the wearer invisible. In total, it is the deathly hallows and is said to make the one who has all three invincible. It is a fictional story and I get that. But when I got it from my daughter (I am a big HP fan!) I saw something else. The most powerful is God, the resurrection is Jesus His Son, and the surrounding protector is God the Spirit. And yes, together they give you everlasting life in abundance! Is this then a religious symbol? Does it mean Harry Potter, my daughter’s gift, or my faith? I believe the answer is yes to all! At times I see my faith and smile with the knowledge of having an amazing faith. At times I smile remembering my daughter and her gift. At times I remember the movie. And, yes even at times I just see a piece of jewelry.

For me I guess, anything can be a symbol of anything and those symbols can change meanings. So, when I look out at the ocean I treasure all of it from the beauty, the fun times playing in the waves, the times on the water in a boat, the power of nature, and also the power of God in my life. The power to change things, but gentle enough to hold in my hand and drip through my fingers. I enjoy seeing things through other things. And I use many things to connect me with God and my faith.

What do you think? Do you have special symbols in your life? Are they “traditional ones” or some that are special to you? Let me know what your favorite symbols are in the comment section. Then like and share this post with others. The more we share ideas the better we will develop our own deep faith experiences.