Origins Of Christian Symbols And Practices

In 313, after winning the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine legalized Christianity. This added a political element to the faith that would linger for centuries. Some became Christians because of the political influence it brought them. If the lord of a manor became a Christian, soon all of the serfs and peasants on the manor had to became Christians as well. These new Christians often felt a longing for the pagan rituals and holidays. The established church fought this at first but gave in by trying to legitimize or Christianize the pagan ways some yearned for. Christmas as well as Easter celebrations have their roots in pagan rituals that were celebrated in the winter and spring. seasons. .This has to be understood when a study of Christian practices is undertaken.

Hot Cross Buns

Cakes or buns were often baked as a special treat on certain holidays. This was true of the Saxons and Egyptians. The word “bun” is thought to be derived from “boun” which was a scared ox sacrificed during the spring equinox. It’s symbol, the horns, were imprinted on special cakes. Later, the horns became a cross. This was a very practical idea because it made the cake easier to divide into equal parts. The Easter buns became a good luck symbol and fishermen often took them on board to protect crew and cargo from shipwrecks.

Fish On Friday

Although pagans considered Friday the luckiest day of the week, that wasn’t so with the early Christians. According to tradition, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit on Friday and Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Each Friday became a memorial of Good Friday. The pagans believed fish was sacred to Aphrodite who was worshiped as goddess of the sea. The Romans dedicated Friday to her (Venus) and in her honor ate fish. It was also thought that meat stimulated the passions and fish was a logical substitute. Having a fish-day was good for the economy as it aided the fishing industry.

Clerical Collar

The clerical collar is a relic of priestly garb known as the Amice. Originally, it was a piece of white linen worn by a priest celebrating Mass. It was tied at the back and was somewhat like a scarf. In Tudor days, it was a white neck cloth. Orators of the day often wore it to protect their throat. Over the years the collar became the way to identify a man of God. The white of the collar symbolized the purity of Christ and the black clothing was to show that he was dead to the world and its temptations.

Halo

The halo also has its roots in pagan days. People often decorated their heads with wreaths to honor the sun god. The halo represented a circle of light that was the mark of the god of the sun. A disc or halo was also placed over the heads of statues as protection against the elements and droppings of birds. An emperor often wore a wreathed halo and it became a symbol of majesty and power. In the Middle Ages the halo was pictured on angels and saints. The halo over the head of Christ usually had a cross attached.

Russian Orthodox Cross

This Russian Orthodox cross, unlike other Christian crosses has an extra bar, always tilted and is known as a three-bar cross. The top bar represents the sign placed above the head of Christ where is written, “King of Glory.” The center bar is where His arms were outstretched and the hands or wrists nailed to the cross. The lowest bar is the footrest which supported the body. The bottom bar is twisted by his sufferings, one side points up to heaven and represents the “good” thief on the cross who accepted Christ as Saviour. The other side tilts downward and to hell, chosen by the other thief on the cross. Another meaning is that on Judgment day, God will send the saved to His right and the damned to His left.

Church Bells

Bells came into use in Christian churches after th 8th century .Bells were appreciated because of the loud sound they made. Initially, the sound was suppose to drive away evil spirits. One Christian writer wrote, “Bells are rung that demons might fear and flee.” There were different occasions for ringing bells. Bells were rung when someone died. Originally, it was thought the sound of the bells drove away evil spirits coming to carry away the departing soul. Bells were rung in times of sickness and natural disasters. The bigger the bell, the louder the gong,and the farther the spirits were compelled to flee.

The Rosary

According to Roman Catholic tradition, while dreaming (1208) the Virgin Mary came to St. Dominic and gave him the Rosary, telling him she wanted people to mediate on the life of Jesus as they prayed. The Rosary is a string of beads helping one keep place as the many prayers are recited. The word Rosary is an ancient word meaning garland, a garden of roses is inferred with these prayer beads. Such a device has also been used by other religions as well. Legend has it the original Rosary was made of Rosewood.