What's Your Calling: Religious Symbols 2 Quiz

Answer: Judaism

While the Star of David may be the best known symbol of Judaism, the menorah is actually the oldest symbol of the religion. God commanded Moses to construct a menorah, a seven-branched candle holder, in Exodus 25:31-40. Scriptures say that the menorah was burned daily, from evening until morning, with olive oil that was fresh and consecrated. King Solomon had lampstands made for the Temple in Jerusalem; they were, however, removed to Babylon after King Nebuchadnezzar's army took the Jewish people into Babylonian Captivity.

The menorah that was consequently constructed for use in the Second Temple was taken to Rome in 70 AD and placed in the Temple of Peace in Rome, a building made with funds that were generated by the sack of Jerusalem. It became lost after the Vandals sacked Rome in 455.

The menorah is also closely related to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which is associated with rebuilding the temple after the return from Babylonian Captivity. The central light in the lampstand represents God, and the other six lights represent branches of human knowledge.

Answer: Islam

Arabic calligraphy is one of several forms of Islamic calligraphy; the oldest form of Arabic calligraphy is called Kufic. Originating in the late 600s in Iraq, it was the main script that was used to copy the Qur'an until the 11th century. Muhammad was fearful that his followers would revert to idol worship after his death. Consequently, no one was ever allowed to recreate his image, and the drawing of images of humans and animals was strictly forbidden. Calligraphy became a type of art that was used for decoration with a religious theme.

For example, along with the sword that is found on the modern flag of Saudi Arabia is Arabic calligraphy that says, "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet". Why the sword? It is placed under the calligraphy as a sort of underline to emphasize the importance of the words.

Answer: Kemetism

Taken from the word "Kemet", the common name for Egypt, Kemetism is also called Egyptian Neopaganism. During the 1970s there was a revival of the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians; practices vary depending on the preferences of each particular group of adherents. Also known in ancient times as the "wadjet", the Eye of Horus symbolizes power, protection, and good health. Horus, the sun of Osiris and Isis, was pictured as a falcon god in the ancient mythology.

After Osiris was murdered by his evil brother, Set, Horus fought with him for his father's throne and lost an eye.

The eye was recovered and eventually Horus offered it to Osiris, hoping that it would bring his father back to life. Since that time it has been the symbol of sacrifice, protection, and healing.

Answer: Druidism

The oldest surviving detailed description of druids comes from Julius Caesar's "Bellum Gallicum", which was written during the 50s BC during his invasion of Gaul. He said that they, along with the nobles, were the two highest social classes in the region and were mostly associated with religious and judicial events. One of the aspects of their religious responsibilities included human sacrifice, which was the punishment for those found guilty of stealing or other crimes.

This priestly class was not only evident among the Celts in ancient Gaul, but also was present in the British Isles and Ireland.

The triple spiral, also called a seven-branched candle holder, represents three bent human legs, as seen on the flag of the Isle of Man; in ancient times the triple spiral was very common throughout the Mediterranean area and is considered to have been a pre-Celtic symbol. Believed to have symbolized motion or life energy, as well as life-death-rebirth or spirit-mind-body, after the advent of Christianity, it was used to represent the Trinity.

Answer: Christianity

Although the cross is probably the most-recognizable Christian symbol in the world today, the fish, or ichthys, was used first. "Ichtyus" was an acronym, which in English means "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour". Early Christians, amidst intermittent persecution, used it as a secret symbol to identify churches, tombs, and other Christians. Of course, there are several references to fish and fishermen in the New Testament. Peter and Andrew, along with some of the other Disciples, were fishermen, and in Mark 1:16-18 Christ promises that "I will make you fishers of men".

There is also the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with "five small loaves and two fish" (John 6:1-14).

Answer: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote that the Angel Moroni first visited him on September 21, 1823, and several times thereafter. Moroni, who was described by Smith as an "angel of light", visited him and told him where to find the golden plates, from which Smith then translated the text of the Book of Mormon.

Many other early followers of the church also said they saw the angel. Mormons believe that Moroni is the son of the prophet Mormon who had originally started engraving the golden plates; Moroni finished the task after his father died. Before his death, Moroni buried the plates.

After he died Moroni became an angel and was given the responsibility of guarding the plates before revealing them to Joseph Smith.

The symbol of Moroni blowing a trumpet is seen on many items related to the LDS Church.

Answer: Norse Polytheism

In Norse mythology, Mjölnir was the hammer of Thor, the god of thunder. The creation of the hammer by two dwarfs, Sindri and Brokkr, was completed during a bet they made with Loki. Loki bet the brothers his head that they couldn't create something more beautiful than the items, like Odin's spear Gungnir, that were made by the Sons of Ivaldi. Due to Loki's machination, Mjölnir ended up with a short handle that could only be employed with one hand; it became, nevertheless, associated with Thor and was his primary weapon.

The sound of his hammer striking a foe was equated with the sound of thunder during a storm. Many of Thor's followers choose to wear this particular charm during the Viking Age.

Answer: Hinduism

The name "swastika" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "health luck, success, prosperity". Its earliest appearance in Asia dates to c. 3000 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization, however, its use was not confined to that area. It is also found in ancient Mesopotamia, Persia, and even Troy. An important symbol in Hinduism, the use of the swastika dates back at least to the Vedic Period on the Indian subcontinent.

It was used as a greeting, placed on the doorways of homes, and drawn in a variety of geometric styles. Different meanings are conveyed depending on how the swastika is drawn; the clockwise symbol represents the sun, and the counter-clockwise symbol, called the sauvastika, represents not only the night, but also karma and other ideals. The swastika is also an important symbol in Buddhism and Jainism.

Answer: Baha'i

Considered to be a mixture of many different religions, Baha'i was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 1863. He taught that God would send a prophet, such as Christianity had Christ and Islam had Muhammad; eventually he told that he was God's prophet. Followers advocate unity - the unity of God, world peace, and gender equality.

The number nine is frequently used in Baha'i symbols, and the nine pointed star represents unity and perfection. It is believed to be the numerical representation of the word "Bahá'", which means "glory" or "splendor" in Arabic.

Answer: Pythagoreanism

Founded by the great mathematician Pythagoras, Pythagoreanism dates back to the 6th century BC. Followers led a strict life based on intellectual pursuit, devoting themselves to the study of the philosophers of the time. Music, numbers, arithmetic, geometry, harmony, and cosmology were some of the topics that were explored.

The tetractys, which forms a triangle resembling the way ten bowling pins are arranged, is believed to have been designed by Pythagoras and said to be the "perfect number", holy and divine. Each of the dots represents a particular idea; the first four that form the base stand for unity, power, harmony, and kosmos.