10 Common Symbols Of Sacrifice
Are you looking for some common symbols of sacrifice?
Sacrifice refers to the act of giving up something that is desired to be retained, particularly with the intention of obtaining or accomplishing something else, or to aid another person.
In Christianity, sacrifice is a crucial aspect in a believer’s journey towards living in the presence of God. Jesus sacrificed His life for the world. It is through sacrifice that the world can attain the worthiness to dwell in His presence and experience eternal life.
Throughout history, countless individuals have made profound sacrifices, relinquishing everything they possessed in pursuit of this divine connection. This act of giving up something cherished or valued is always connected to a loftier purpose or a broader benefit.
There are symbols that serve as reminders of the profound and selfless act of sacrifice for religious, moral, and humanitarian reasons. Here are some common symbols associated with sacrifice.
10 Common Symbols Of Sacrifice
1. Cross
While the meaning of the cross can vary among individuals, for the majority of Christians it symbolizes the ultimate act of sacrifice and the promise of salvation.
According to Christian beliefs, Jesus willingly endured great suffering and death on the cross, which served as a sacrificial act to redeem the sinful world. His resurrection three days later further affirmed this redemption.
The cross, due to its pivotal role in these events, holds great importance as one of Christianity’s central symbols, embodying myriad things, including Christian faith and sacrifice.
2. Chalice
In some Christian tradition, the flaming chalice symbol represents a couple of things.
The chalice symbolizes the concept of liberating oneself from the constraints of dogma enforced by hierarchical structures, emphasizing inclusivity and the involvement of everyone.
The flame, on the other hand, serves as a symbol of sacrifice, used in commemoration for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of religious freedom.
During the Last Supper, Jesus used a chalice as the figurative container for his Blood, which makes it a Christian symbol of sacrifice.
The chalice is still used today in holding sacramental wine in the celebration of the Eucharist, which is done in remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus made to redeem the world.
3. Candle
Candles symbolize many things that encompass various aspects of life, including birth, death, romance, and sacrifice.
Each time a candle is lit, a fraction of it diminishes. The solid wax transforms into a liquid state, with a portion of it evaporating into vapor.
The remaining wax endures, awaiting its turn to be consumed during the next burning. This cements the candle as an apt representation of sacrifice.
Lighting candles is regarded as a sacred practice across numerous faith traditions. These flickering flames symbolize the radiant light that guides us through life’s darkest moments, embodying the holy illumination of the spirit of truth.
In China, candles symbolize a spirit of selflessness as they radiate light to illuminate others. In other cultures worldwide, candles have served as an enduring means of illumination.
4. Red Poppy
The red poppy holds significant symbolism in Christianity, representing the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Additionally, its association with World War I carries connotations of sacrifice. It is used as a symbol for Remembrance Day, originating from a heartfelt poem called “In Flanders Field” penned by a brigade surgeon during the war.
This dedicated medical professional was deeply moved by the sight of vibrant red flowers flourishing amidst the desolation of a battle-scarred field.
The red poppy’s connection to sacrifice can also be traced back to the Roman poet Virgil, who mentioned the poppy in his epic poem “Aeneid,” written around 25 BC.
5. Hyssop
Hyssop has been mentioned several times in the Bible.
We read about Moses giving instructions to the Israelites to apply the blood of a lamb on their doorposts as a means to protect them from the 10th and ultimate plague.
The hyssop branch is also mentioned as being used for ceremonial cleansing of sin.
To mark the culmination of this ritual, the soldiers partake in the symbolic act of offering him sour wine as Jesus Christ hangs on the cross by dipping a branch of hyssop into the drink.
Back in Biblical times, bathing in hyssop was a personal ritual for the cleansing of sin.
The hyssop bloom has many symbolic meanings in the language of flowers, representing timeless themes of sacrifice, repentance, health, and humility.
6. Pelican
For countless centuries, the pelican has been a great symbol of selflessness and sacrifice. It stands alongside venerated creatures like the lion and the phoenix when we speak of noble animals that represent exemplary moral virtue.
According to legend, there was a mother pelican who would pierce her own breast during periods of famine.
As a proof of her selflessness, she let her offspring feed on her own flesh and blood to ensure their survival.
This act of sacrifice, willingly made even at the expense of her own life, has been passed down through generations.
7. Male Emperor Penguin
Due to its extraordinary reproductive behavior and parental duties, the male emperor penguin is commonly seen as a symbol of sacrifice.
Male emperors exhibit a unique approach to egg incubation, differing from other birds. Rather than sitting on the eggs, they stand and safeguard them. Balancing the eggs on their feet, they use a feathered skin called a brood pouch to shield the eggs from the elements.
This enduring commitment to protecting and nurturing their young, sacrificing their own well-being in the process, has established the male emperor penguins as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and parental devotion in the animal kingdom.
Their exceptional selflessness and prioritization of their offspring’s needs reflect the essence of sacrifice and the willingness to place others before oneself.
8. Feathered Serpent Pyramid
In Mayan culture, human sacrifices were made in the belief that it nourished the gods. Without these sacrifices, the sun would no longer rise and the world would come to an end. Those sacrificed were also believed to hold an honored position in the afterlife.
During the 1980s, archaeological discoveries within the Feathered Serpent pyramid at El Castillo – in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula – unveiled compelling evidence of human sacrifice.
The remains of over 100 warriors were found in a kneeling position, their hands bound behind their backs, suggesting that they met their demise within the pyramid.
Since then, this pyramid has been associated with sacrifice as well as militarism and rulership.
9. Knife
Knife is a tool that’s overflowing with symbolic meaning – from liberation and betrayal to division and separation, as well as danger, martyrdom, and sacrifice.
In Buddhism, the act of cutting with a knife symbolizes deliverance, akin to severing the chains of ignorance.
In Christianity, the knife symbolizes the act of sacrifice and martyrdom. The Bible also uses knives to denote mortality and devastation.
10. Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a powerful symbol of selfless sacrifice, honoring individuals who have bravely served their country during times of conflict and have either died or sustained injuries in the line of duty.
In the US military, the Purple Heart symbolizes a profound honor. The Purple Heart medal is bestowed upon American soldiers who have made significant personal sacrifices or the ultimate sacrifice while fulfilling their duties.
Such sacrifices can include harm sustained from an ammunition, shrapnel, or any other projectile originating from enemy action.
Injuries incurred from enemy-laid mines or traps, as well as those caused by enemy-deployed chemical, biological, or nuclear agents, are also recognized as qualifying for the Purple Heart award.
