The Symbols for the Holy Spirit
There are many symbols for the Holy Spirit within the Bible and Christian artwork throughout the Church’s history.
Here are the three most common Catholic symbols for the Holy Spirit:
Breath or Wind - The Hebrew word “ruah” means breath, air, or wind. There is a wind from God in the very first verse of the Bible in the Book of Genesis (Gn 1:1). Later Jesus breaths on his Apostles and says “receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
Dove - The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus Christ like a dove after his Baptism. This also connects to the dove that Noah sent out after the flood in the Book of Genesis.
Fire - The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in tongues of fire during Pentecost in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:3).
There are other lesser symbols for the Holy Spirit including:
Water - This refers to the Baptism of the Spirit through Jesus Christ. This is the water that pours out of the side of the crucified Christ and gives us new life in the Spirit.
Oil - Priests, prophets, and kings were anointed with oil in the Old Testament. Likewise, the early Christians used sacred oil in anointing as well. The the oil of the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Cloud - The cloud that led the Israelites in the Book of Exodus is also seen as the Holy Spirit of God on earth.
Finger - God wrote the Law on the Ten Commandments with his finger (Ex 31) and later writes the law on our hearts (2 Cor 3:3).
Light - A ray of light or a candle can also refer to the Holy Spirit lighting our way. The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a ray of light descended upon the Virgin Mary in paintings of the Annunciation.
Seven - Sometimes seven flames, doves, or rays of light are used to refer to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is 11:2)
Nine - Nine flames, lamps, candles, etc. refer to the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).
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