Religious Symbols
For more information on the Christian symbols visit http://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/dsp-content.cfm?loadref=36
Host
A host is a Communion wafer, a round piece of unleavened bread used for consecration and distribution at Mass. Jesus is “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”, and his body, offered on the altar of the Cross, is given to us from the altar of the Mass.
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Wine and grapes
Wine was used by Jesus at the Last Supper to represent his Blood, the blood of the covenant, shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Grapes are crushed to make wine.
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Chalice
Jesus used a cup or a chalice as the vessel for his Blood at the Last Supper. It is also used when celebrating the Eucharist.
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Other Symbols
Wheat
The seeds from the wheat is grounded into flour and is the main ingredient for bread. Jesus is the bread of life. A stalk of wheat can be used as a symbol of Eucharist.
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Loaf of bread
Bread is a staple food for the physical life and the Eucharist is the staple food for the spiritual life. A loaf of bread is used to symbolise how the Eucharist nourishes us for our spiritual life.
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Loaves and fishes
Were both part of Jesus’ Eucharistic miracles (Mt 14:17; 15:34; Mk 6:38; 8:6,7; Lk 9:13; Jn 6:9), and they were part of Jesus’ Eucharistic meal with his disciples after the Resurrection (Jn 21:9).
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Basket of loaves
In two of Jesus miracles he uses a basket of loaves to share a meal with his community.
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Pelican
If a mother pelican’s chicks are dying for lack of food, it pierces its own breast to feed its young with its own blood. Likewise, the heart of Jesus was pierced on the Cross and the Blood that flowed out was true drink, and whoever drinks his Blood gains eternal life. The Pelican symbloises what God did to save our sins.
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