Consider the difference between a sign and a symbol. A symbol points beyond itself, while a sign does not. A Christmas tree is a sign of Christmas. A cross, however, is a symbol of the risen Christ and is probably the most powerful symbol in all religious life.

Both signs and symbols are graphical presentations but people often use them interchangeably. The main difference between the two is that a sign is a language on its own and it is used to communicate something to people. It is broader term and symbol comes under it.

The difference between a symbol and a sign is that a symbol can convey a deeper and more complex meaning than a sign. A sign is an indicator or marker for something very specific, very concrete and, in general, unambiguous in meaning.

Signs can be anything that point to something else, words, objects, and actions. Symbols are special signs that go beyond just “pointing” to something. Symbols are part of what they point to, but not all of it.

Symbols have three main characteristics that distinguish them from simple signs: symbols may have more than one meaning; symbols are intimately linked with what they represent; and symbols evoke more than one kind of response from us.

Signs are usually tangible objects that represent an important, abstract idea, e.g. traffic lights. Their meaning is widely understood and usually unmistakable. Symbols on the other hand, are usually more complex and may have multiple or layered meanings that are closely connected to a particular culture.

The word sacrament means “a sign of the sacred,” which is fitting as they are all outwards signs from God to us. Not only are they signs, they’re also celebrations of a continued journey and relationship with God, teachings to help live out His word and ceremonies to show devotion to Him.

What are the symbols of the 7 Sacraments?

• Baptism. Water, holy oils, white garment, Easter candle, white candle for newly baptized.
• Confirmation. Chrism for anointing, Fire, & Holy Spirit.
• Eucharist. Bread & wine.
• Reconciliation & Penance. Stole.
• Anointing of the Sick.
• Holy Orders.
• Matrimony.

A universal symbol, the egg is associated with new life, birth, fertility, resurrection and the potential for growth.

The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and renewal. It symbolizes the start of a new life.

Doves symbolize both peach and love. They are pretty much the universal symbol for harmony. The dove was singled out to represent passion because Greek mythology related the small, white bird to Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus).

The dove is undoubtedly the animal that is most closely related to faith, from the moment when this bird appeared to the Virgin Mary when she became pregnant. Since everyone knows how children are made, there is no doubt that the dove symbolizes the faith that God found a different way.

The dove was singled out to represent romance because Greek mythology associated the small, white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus).

Certain animals such as crows, cats, owls, moths, vultures and bats are associated with death; some because they feed on carrion, others because they are nocturnal. Along with death, vultures can also represent transformation and renewal.

The Phoenix is the mythological bird that rises from its own ashes, just as you can rise out of the depths of depression, your ashes. (“Ashes” is a bonus symbol of depression for you.)

Chrysanthemum