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* http://www.crivoice.org/symbols/chrismon.html |
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Revision as of 22:25, 9 November 2006
- This article is about Christian symbolism. For the German Lutheran magazine called "Chrismon", see Chrismon (magazine).
A chrismon is a form of Christian artwork specifically intended to symbolize aspects of the Person, life or ministry of Jesus Christ and the life, ministry or history of the Christian Church through a single image, emblem or monogram. The term "chrismon" comes from the Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma", meaning "monogram of Christ". By definition, the literal monogram of Christ is the more commonly named "Chi Rho", which is the Greek letters Χ ("chi") superimposed upon Ρ ("rho"). Often, the Ρ is formed to look like a shepherd's crook and the Χ like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as shepherd of his flock, the Christian Church.
Chrismons can be found in all sizes, any sort of construction, and are used in numerous applications. Perhaps most commonly, chrismons are used to adorn liturgical devices and Christmas trees, where they are made from various materials ranging from needlepoint to woodwork and metalwork. They can also be found as decorations in and outside of christian church buildings and homes, and even found on gravestones and personal stationary.
Many of these symbols have histories dating back to the earliest times of the Church. ("Monogram of Christ". New Advent.)
Other examples of common chrismons
These are just some examples of the scores if not hundreds of common, historical chrismons. This page needs public domain images as exemplars.
Ship on open waters - represents the community of the Christian Church
Anchored Cross - a Christian cross shaped like an anchor, symbolizing the steadfast faithfulness of God
Pomegranate - the fruit is the Church and the seeds are its members
Seashell - (the water of) Baptism
Trefoil or Triquetros - a three-pointed knot symbolic of the Trinity
Star of David - Christ Jesus' heritage as a descendent of King David
Butterfly - the immortality of the soul
Phoenix - rebirth, resurrection and new life
Crown - Christ the King
Alpha and Omega - These Greek letters, Α and Ω respectively, together are a reference to Jesus Christ's self-description in Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Though they can be found on a chrismon by themselves, they are often added to the ChiRho monogram.