Sacred Symbols from Around the World Quiz

One of the oldest monotheistic religions, Judaism traces its roots to the covenant between God and the patriarch Abraham. Its foundational texts include the Torah, which consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Central to Jewish belief is the idea of a chosen people, bound by a sacred covenant and guided by ethical and moral principles found in the Ten Commandments. Places of worship are synagogues, and Jewish communities celebrate major festivals such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah. The Western Wall in Jerusalem is an important pilgrimage site, reflecting the Jewish people's connection to their history and faith.

The Star of David, also known as the Shield of David, is a prominent symbol in Judaism. Consisting of two interlocking triangles, it is a powerful representation of Jewish identity. Its exact origin is unclear, but the Star of David became widely associated with Judaism in the 17th century. Its symbolism varies, with interpretations including the union of opposites and the relationship between God and humanity. Today, the Star of David is displayed on synagogues, Jewish ritual objects and the flag of Israel.

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is a complex and diverse faith without a single founder, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, rituals and traditions. Hinduism is characterised by the search for spiritual enlightenment and the concept of dharma, or duty and moral responsibility. With sacred texts, including the Vedas and Upanishads, to guide its followers, Hinduism recognises a pantheon of deities, each embodying different aspects of the divine. Major pilgrimage sites such as Varanasi and the temples of Ayodhya attract millions of devotees. Hinduism is predominantly practised in India, where the majority of its adherents live.

The Om symbol is a sacred sound and spiritual icon in Hinduism, often considered to be the essence of the universe. Represented by the symbol shown, it encompasses the fundamental aspects of creation, preservation and destruction. The sound of Om, chanted during meditation and prayer, is believed to connect the individual with the divine. The three sounds of AUM correspond to the three major Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Om symbol is an integral part of Hindu rituals, scriptures and daily life, and serves as a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of the self with cosmic forces. Hindu communities around the world embrace the Om symbol as a universal expression of spirituality.

Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded on the Indian subcontinent by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, is characterised by devotion to one God, equality and social justice. The Sikh scripture, the "Guru Granth Sahib", serves as the eternal guru, guiding followers on the path of righteousness. Sikhism rejects caste distinctions and emphasises service, humility and meditation. The community gathers for congregational worship in Gurdwaras, where the Guru Granth Sahib is revered. Core tenets of Sikhism include the oneness of God, the importance of selfless service (seva) and the pursuit of a truthful life. The majority of Sikhs live in the Indian state of Punjab.

The Khanda is an important symbol in Sikhism, representing the core beliefs and values of the faith. Consisting of a double-edged sword (khanda) flanked by two swords (kirpans) crossed at the hilt and surrounded by a solid ring (chakkar), the Khanda embodies the concepts of God's unity, truth and justice. The double-edged sword symbolises divine knowledge cutting through ignorance, while the crossed swords signify spiritual and temporal power. The chakkar symbolises the eternal nature of God. The Khanda serves as a reminder of the Sikh commitment to justice and the defence of the oppressed.

Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion, was founded by the Prophet Muhammad on the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD. The holy book, the Qur'an, is regarded as the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. Islam emphasises the oneness of God (Allah), the prophethood and the importance of righteous deeds. The five pillars of Islam - profession of faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage to Mecca - form the basis of Islamic practice. Muslims gather in mosques for communal prayers, and Friday is a holy day of congregational worship. With over one billion adherents worldwide, Islam is practised in many different cultures, with the majority of Muslims living in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia.

The Star and Crescent is an iconic symbol associated with Islam, often found on the flags of several Muslim-majority countries. Although not universally adopted by all Islamic nations, the symbol has historical significance. The crescent moon, representing the lunar calendar, and the star are commonly associated with Islamic art and architecture. The symbolism is rooted in cultural tradition rather than religious scripture. The Ottoman Empire played a role in popularising the star and crescent motif, and it has since become a recognisable symbol of the wider Islamic world.

The Bahá'í Faith, a relatively modern monotheistic religion, originated in Persia (now Iran) in the 19th century. Its founder, Bahá'u'lláh, proclaimed the unity of God, the oneness of all religions and the essential harmony of science and religion. The Bahá'í Faith promotes principles such as the elimination of prejudice, the equality of men and women and the establishment of world peace. Its central scripture is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and Bahá'ís gather in Houses of Worship for communal worship and reflection. Some countries, such as India, the United States, Iran and various countries in Africa, have significant Bahá'í communities. Israel, particularly Haifa and 'Akká, has special significance for Bahá'ís as the site of the Bahá'í World Centre, including the Shrine of the Báb and the International Teaching Centre.

The nine-pointed star is an important symbol in the Bahá'í Faith, representing the unity of the world's great religions. Each of the nine points corresponds to one of the major world religions recognised by the Bahá'ís, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, the Bahá'í Faith itself and two other symbols representing as yet unknown future revelations. The symbol emphasises the Bahá'í principle of the essential unity of all religious teachings and the unity of humanity. The nine-pointed star is commonly found in Bahá'í architecture, literature, and art as a visual expression of the Faith.

Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion, is rooted in the teachings of Laozi, as presented in the foundational text, the "Tao Te Ching". Central to Taoist philosophy is the concept of the "Tao", an indefinable and transcendent force that underlies and unifies the universe. Taoism advocates living in harmony with the Tao, emphasising simplicity, spontaneity and the cultivation of inner peace. Yin and Yang, opposites representing female and male, dark and light, are another key Taoist concept, symbolising the interdependence and balance of all things. Taoism is practised mainly in China and other East Asian countries, where it has had a profound influence on culture, art and medicine.

The Yin and Yang symbol is a distinctive representation of Taoist philosophy. It consists of a circle divided into two swirling halves - one dark (Yin) and the other light (Yang) - each with a small circle of opposite colour. The symbol illustrates the dynamic and interconnected nature of the dual forces in the universe. Yin and Yang emphasise the cyclical nature of life, where opposites give rise to each other. It has become a widely recognised emblem, reflecting Taoist principles and influencing various aspects of Chinese culture and philosophy.

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious movement that originated in the United States in the 20th century. It is characterised by an emphasis on individual spiritual exploration, inclusiveness and social justice. Unitarian Universalists do not subscribe to a specific creed, but draw inspiration from a variety of religious traditions, philosophy, science and personal experience. The movement values the inherent worth and dignity of every person and promotes tolerance and acceptance of diverse beliefs. Congregations are autonomous, and the Unitarian Universalist Association provides a framework for cooperation and support among them.

Unitarian Universalism is practiced predominantly in the United States, where it has a significant presence. However, it has also spread to other countries, and Unitarian Universalist communities can be found in Canada, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The Burning Chalice is a symbol widely associated with Unitarian Universalism. It typically consists of a chalice, representing sacred fire or the light of truth, surrounded by an open or extended flame. The image conveys the spirit of transformation, enlightenment and the shared flame of community. The symbol originated during World War II in Europe, where Unitarian Universalists were helping refugees. Today, the Burning Chalice is used in worship services, gatherings, and as a visible emblem of the movement's values.

Founded in ancient India by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 6th century BC, Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that emphasises the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Buddhists seek enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) through ethical behaviour, meditation and wisdom. There are several branches of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, each with different practices and interpretations of the Buddha's teachings. Buddhism is predominantly practised in Asia, with large populations of Buddhists in countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and others. However, Buddhism has also gained followers in Europe, America and other parts of the world through migration and the spread of its teachings.

The Wheel of Dharma, also known as the Dharmachakra, is a fundamental symbol in Buddhism. It consists of a chariot wheel with eight spokes, representing the Eightfold Path - the Buddha's teachings on the path to enlightenment. The wheel symbolises the cyclical nature of existence and the constant turning of the teachings to guide beings towards liberation. The Dharmachakra is often found in Buddhist art, on stupas and in monasteries. Its presence serves as a reminder of the core principles of Buddhism and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.

The Druze are a monotheistic religious and social community that emerged in the 11th century, with roots in Islamic, Gnostic, Neoplatonic and other philosophical traditions. The Druze faith places a strong emphasis on monotheism, reincarnation and the teachings of key figures such as Hamza ibn Ali. The Druze community has a distinct identity and is known for its close-knit social structure. The faith is practised mainly in the Levant region, including Lebanon, Syria and Israel, with smaller communities in other parts of the world.

The Druze star is a prominent symbol associated with the Druze community. The star typically consists of five triangles arranged in the shape of a pentagon, representing the five cosmic principles in Druze theology: intelligence, soul, word, precedent and immanence. The Druze star is a symbol of unity and identity for the community, often displayed in Druze-majority areas and on community buildings.

Scientology is a religious movement founded in the early 1950s by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The movement's teachings are outlined in the book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health", which forms the basis for Scientology's practices. Central to Scientology is the belief in spiritual rehabilitation through a process called auditing and the pursuit of a state called "Clear", free from the negative influences of past traumas. Scientology has faced criticism and legal challenges, and its status as a religion has been a subject of debate in various countries.

Scientology churches and centres can be found in major cities around the world, including the United States, Europe, Australia and parts of Asia. The Church of Scientology has its international headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, USA.

The Scientology logo is a stylised letter "S" that incorporates the ARC triangle. The "S" represents Scientology, and the ARC triangle reflects the movement's emphasis on interpersonal relationships and communication. The logo is commonly used on Scientology literature, buildings and promotional materials.

Christianity, the world's largest religion, traces its roots to the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD. Christians follow the teachings of the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments. Christianity includes several denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, each with its own distinctive beliefs and practices. Central to the Christian faith is the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Christianity is practised worldwide, with the majority of Christians living in the Americas, Europe and Africa.

The cross is a universally recognised symbol of Christianity and has profound theological significance. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and serves as a symbol of redemption and atonement for believers. The most iconic form is the Latin cross, which consists of a vertical post crossed by a shorter horizontal beam. The crucifix, a cross with the figure of Jesus on it, is prominent in Catholicism, while many Protestant denominations prefer an empty cross. The cross is displayed in churches, worn as jewellery and depicted in religious art, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice believed to bring salvation.

Kemetism, also known as Kemetic Reconstructionism or Egyptian Neopaganism, is a contemporary revival of ancient Egyptian religious practices. Followers of Kemetism seek to reconstruct and revive the worship of the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt, drawing inspiration from historical texts, temple inscriptions and archaeological finds. Key deities include Ra, Osiris, Isis and Horus. Kemetism often emphasises a connection with the natural world and the cycles of life, death and rebirth.

Practitioners of Kemetism can be found in various parts of the world, but the movement has a more significant presence in the United States, France and the Czech Republic. It doesn't have widespread institutional structures like some major world religions.

The Ankh is a central symbol in Kemetism and ancient Egyptian religion. Shaped like a cross with a loop at the top, the Ankh represents life, immortality and the eternal cycle of existence. Often depicted in the hands of deities, the Ankh is a symbol of divine power and is associated with regeneration and the afterlife.