Christian symbolization varies in interpretation for spiritual meaning. These are common dictionary definitions for many Chrismon symbolization.
For more information, please refer to the links provided toward the bottom of this page.
The earliest Monogram of Christ is the Labarum, also known as Constantine's Cross, the Chrismon, the Christogram and the Chi-Rho. The Roman emperor Constantine I used the Labarum symbol on his shield. After his conversion to Christianity, the labarum was used a symbol of Christianity. In pre-Christian Greece it signified a good omen. It also represented the Chaldean sky god.
Todays' Chrismons are emblems and symbols interpreted in Christian tradition, within Christian theology, or folk-religion and used to by Christians to teach about Christianity. Many of these emblems, figures or ideas were adopted from other cultures and merged into Christian culture. Chrismon symbols can be pictoral figures, metaphorical emblems or literary allusions, geometric shapes, or colors with specific meaning in the context of Christian art or worship.
You can find more definitions for these Christian Symbols in the Color Me! section of Paper Chrismons for Children!
Angels Chrismon
A typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, especially in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. A representation of such a being, especially in Christianity, conventionally in the image of a human figure with a halo and wings. In Christianity, the last of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology. From the highest to the lowest in rank, the orders are: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations or dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels.
Cross Chrismon
An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times. Often Cross refers to the upright post with a transverse piece upon which Jesus was crucified. There are many variations of Christian Crosses.
Chi Rho Chrismon
Chi (or khi): pronounced: k
, k
. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. Rho (rh
). The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet, and is of Phoenician origin [chi χ + rho first two letters of Greek Khrstos, Christ.] A combination of the Greek letters Chi and Rho (kr, k A monogram and symbol for Christ, consisting of the superimposed Greek letters chi (χ) and rho (ρ), often embroidered on altar cloths and clerical vestments. Also called Christogram.
Chrismon ornaments are primarily used around the Christmas season to decorate Christmas Trees, and are constructed out of various materials: paper, cloth, beads with ribbon or string, and are traditionally a combination of the colors gold and white.
These Chrismon definitions are very general. Sources include:
