Symbols of Lent

Symbols of Lent 

Our Christian tradition is rich in symbols. To name but a few, we have the star, symbolizing Christ’s birth; the cross, symbolizing His life, death and resurrection; the fish, symbolizing the early Christians’ faith in Jesus. During Lent, we use symbols that relate to the themes of the season - the themes of repentance, renewal, hope, and joy. Following are some of our Lenten symbols:

Ashes symbolize death and grief as well as the unworthiness and repentance we feel because we have not lived up to being the person God intends us to be. But out of the ashes of our past we can, with God’s help, be renewed spiritually and journey to a new life of faith and trust. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our journey.

Colors are symbolic. Violet signifies suffering and sorrow; white, purity and glory; green, growth and hope of eternal life; pink or rose, joy.

A bare branch symbolizes Jesus’ death on a wooden cross. It also reminds us that out of seeming lifelessness comes new life, both in nature and in the resurrection.

The butterfly dramatically symbolizes new life and is commonly used to help children begin to understand the meaning of Easter. Out of a dead- looking cocoon emerges a new creation, free and radiant.

Salt is necessary to sustain life and is a symbol of wholeness. We use salt as a preservative to keep food wholesome. We also use it as a flavoring that permeates the whole of whatever is added to it.

Water has always been a symbol of cleansing and life-giving in the Church and is commonly associated with Baptism. In Scripture, Jesus speaks of Himself as the “life-giving water” (John 4:14), the one who quenches our spiritual thirst.

Light is a universal religious symbol which reminds us that Jesus is the light who shows us the way. “I am the light of the world,” (John 9:5) Jesus tells us. "He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Seeds symbolize the emergence of new life. Seemingly lifeless seeds grow and flower. Like the emerging butterfly, the emerging plant symbolizes the new life that follows Christ’s death and resurrection.

Palm branches symbolize Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the Sunday before His crucifixion. The branches remind us that there are both triumphs and defeats in our lives but that if we maintain our friendship with God, we will ultimately triumph.

The Easter lily, with its waxy flowers shaped like trumpets, symbolizes the glory of the risen Lord and the joy of the faithful who believe in God’s promise of a new life.

Young children do not understand the meaning of symbols. They do, however, value what we value. Our attitudes toward the use of symbols at home and in church prepare children to seek a deeper meaning as they grow older.


~February 2015 Concord