The Most Common Graphic Design Logo? The Hidden Meaning behind Common Religious Logos
Although few people would see the connection between the Coca-Cola logo and the Christian cross, many religious symbols are indeed logos. Like corporate logos, they exist to communicate key information about the religion’s values and history, while giving followers and prospective converts a symbol around which to rally. You are likely seeing religious logos everywhere: on places of worship, religious books, and even on jewelry and apparel. Here are ten religious logos that you see around you almost every day, along with their meaning and the subconscious message that these logos send.
Although few people would see the connection between the Coca-Cola logo and the Christian cross, many religious symbols are indeed logos. Like corporate logos, they exist to communicate key information about the religion’s values and history, while giving followers and prospective converts a symbol around which to rally. You are likely seeing religious logos everywhere: on places of worship, religious books, and even on jewelry and apparel. Here are ten religious logos that you see around you almost every day, along with their meaning and the subconscious message that these logos send.
This
is perhaps the best known religious symbol on the planet because of its
simplicity. Although the Christian cross represents that cross on which
the religion’s leader was put to death, it is also a common symbol that
predates Christianity. The cross represents the unity of two opposite
lines, and in some early religions represented fire as it can be seen as
two sticks being rubbed together. Although the graphic design logo is
associated primarily with Jesus Christ, as you can see it has
significance that goes beyond this meaning.
2. Star of David Logo Design
As
the name suggests, legends date this graphic design logo back to the
one used on the shield of the Jewish King David. According to the
legend, the young king did not have enough metal for a full shield and
instead stretched leather across two triangular metal frames, creating
the hexagram shape now associated with the religion. The six points
combined with the center have particular numerological significance to
adherents of the religion, but the universal symbolism is easy to
interpret. The triangle is a symbol of strength, as it is the strongest
shape in geometry. By entwining the two triangles, the impression is of
strength and connection.
3. Muslim Crescent Logo Design
The
star and crescent of this graphic design logo hail back to Ottoman
times, which was the establishment of the first Muslim empire. As such,
they are an expression of the strength of this religion and culture. In
general, celestial symbols such as the star and moon suggest lofty
aspirations as well as the presence of a deity, both of which are
important in this and many other religions. This symbol is both
culturally significant and transcending.
4. Hindu Omkar Logo Design
The
Omkar is a symbol of the syllable ‘Om’, which is significant in the
Hindu religion as well as many other Asian religions. This word is
written in Sanskrit in this symbol, which is the language used for
sacred Hindu writings. This graphic design logo defies description,
using none of the archetypical shapes and symbols seen in other
religions, which establishes Hinduism as fundamentally different from
other world religions, a positive impression for modern people who are
always looking for something different and better.
5. Buddhist Lotus Flower Logo Design
The
lotus flower represents many things to Buddhists and other Asian
cultures, including the purity and symmetry that are universally
associated with blossoms. Because the petals unfold and eventually give
birth to fruit, the lotus flower and other flowers represent the growth
and unfolding of the self, as well as one phase of life giving way to
another. This graphic design logo is heavily symbolic to Buddhists while
also an attractive image for any religion to portray.
6. Shinto Torii Logo Design
To
an outside, the Torii appears to be a gate or entryway, which is a
symbol of entering new places and encountering new beginnings. The Torii
indeed is the gate that is at the entrance of Shinto temples. The
rectangular shape is commanding, implying that people who enter this
religion are encountering an authority. Because believers associate the
Torii with the line between secular and spiritual, the impression given
by this religious graphic design logo is both accurate and compelling.
7. Sikh Khanda Logo Design
The
Sikh Khanda features several symbols that are important to the religion
as well as one more commonly recognized symbol. First, the graphic
design logo is in a generally circular shape, with the circular Chakkar
in the center, which shows the harmony and all-encompassing nature of
the religion and culture. In the center is the double edge sword, a
common symbol in this warrior culture. The two swords on either side
represent the dual nature of the guru that leads the religion.
8. Taoist Taiji Logo Design
This
religious graphic design logo is commonly known as the Yin and Yang.
The circle is a symbol of unity, while the dark and light symbolize the
marriage of opposites, such as male and female, dark and light. The
small circles of opposite color within the larger color sides represent
that all things have a little bit of their opposite characteristic. It
is impossible to see the symbol of Taoism without understanding the role
that duality plays in this religion.
9. Zoroastrian Faravahar Logo Design
The
graphic design logo of the Zoroastrian religion hails back to one of
the most common symbols of the Persian Empire in which the religion was
founded. It features a winged disc, with the wings representing
closeness to God and the circle being a common symbol of unity and
inclusiveness. The man featured in the symbol is Ashur, an Assyrian God
who carries a bow and arrow to denote the warrior-spirit of the ancient
Persians. This symbol incorporates the history of this religion with
archetypical symbols.
10. Baha’i Nine Pointed Star Logo Design
The
Baha’i religion associates the number nine with perfection and
spirituality. The word Baha’i in its native language also adds up
numerologically to nine, adding to the significance. Because the star is
a symbol of the heavens, a nine pointed star makes great sense as a
religious emblem and a graphic design logo for this religion.
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