chrismons

chrismons

What symbols mean

Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Drive, Boardman, features a tree decorated with Chrismons, which are symbols for Christ. Chrismon is a combination of Christ minus the letter T and the “mon” from monogram.

Bell: A bell calls people to worship ... sounding forth the word of God.

Butterfly: Symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Chalice: Symbol of the blood of Christ and sacrament of Holy Communion.

Chi Rho: The Greek words for Christ are Chi, which is an X, and Rho, which is P.

Christmas Rose: Symbol of the Nativity. It is a white hardy rose that blooms at Christmas. Betty Thompson also used this design to honor her mother, whose first name was Rose.

Cross Pattee: The design resembles the Maltese cross.

Crown: Symbol of Christ the King.

Dove: The dove symbolizes innocence and purity. It signifies the Holy Spirit who appeared at the baptism of Jesus.

Fish: A secret sign used by early Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus.

Harp: Symbol of music rendered in praise of God.

IHS: A monogram for Jesus’ name in Greek.

Jerusalem cross: Five crosses represent the wounds of Jesus when he died on the cross and how the Gospel has been carried to the four corners of the world.

Lamb: Jesus is known as the lamb of God. The lamb symbolizes Christ and his sacrifice.

Lamp: Symbol for the word of God.

Manger: The nativity of Christ.

Open Bible: Symbolizes the word of God.

Sand dollar: The markings recall the life of Jesus. On the top side of the shell, there is an outline of an Easter lily. At the lily’s center is a five-pointed star representing the Star of Bethlehem. Five narrow openings represent the four nail holes and spear wound made in the body of Christ. On the reverse side is the outline of a Christmas poinsettia. When the shell is broken, inside are five little birds called the doves of peace.

Shell with drops of water: Symbol of Christ’s baptism.

Star, Epiphany: The five-pointed star, which was followed by the Magi to the manger where Christ was born, symbolizes the Christmas season.

Star of David: The six-pointed star recalls the six days of creation.

Triangle and circle: The equilateral triangle has three equal sides, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The circle relays the eternal nature of the Trinity.