What Is Christian Fish Symbolism?

The Christian fish symbol called 'Ichthys' from an ancient Greek word for 'fish.'

Early Christians adopted the fish symbol as a secret marker to distinguish other believers and safe meeting places during a time of persecution by the Roman government. The simple outline fish symbol occasionally features a cross for the eye or is filled with the Greek letters for the word fish ("ΙΧΘΥΣ"), which is how the fish symbol got the name "Ichthys." Modern Christians continue to use Ichthys as a symbol of faith.

History

Early Christians used the fish symbol to determine friends from foes.

Early Christians faced persecution from Rome for not following the beliefs of the government. They adopted the fish symbols as a way to determine allegiance and mark meeting places and tombs. When meeting strangers, early Christians might draw one arch of the fish symbol in the sand. The stranger would draw the other arch to show she was a Christian as well.

Significance

The fish symbolized more than allegiance to the church. The Greek letters ΙΧΘΥΣ can be read as an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, God's son, savior." Fish also played a role in the story of Christianity. Jesus told his followers--many of whom were fisherman by trade--he would make them "fishers of men," meaning he would teach them to bring people to the Christian faith. Fish appear in many Bible stories including the story of feeding 5,000 with two fish and five loaves.

Modern Use

Today, Christians continue to use the Ichthys. It is used much the way a cross symbol is used--to show one is a devoted Christian. Most commonly, Christians affix small, silver fish bumper stickers to their vehicles. The fish symbol can also be seen on Christian products and worn as jewelry.

Controversy

Many historians believe the fish symbol had pagan roots prior to being used by the early Christians. Ichthys may be related to ancient goddesses such as Aphrodite, Isis and Delphine. Some modern Christian believe that the fish symbol should not be used because of it's ungodly roots. On a separate note, other Christians believe no symbols or adornments should be used in the expression of faith.

Parodies

Many parodies of the Christian fish symbol have been created. The Darwin fish is most popular and features a fish with added legs and the word "Darwin" inside. Other parodies range from devil fish to dead fish to shark-shaped fish with words like "lawyer" written inside. The Darwin fish can often be seen eating or defacing the Christian fish.

References

• The History of the Ichthus: The History of the Ichthus
• Christian History: What Is the Origin of the Christian Fish Symbol?
• Albatrus.org: Origin of the "Christian" Fish Symbol
• Eureka4you.com: The History of the Christian Fish Symbol

Resources

• Christian Symbology