Symbols at the Missions
The missions are full of Christian symbolism. As you undertake your pilgrimage look for some of these common symbols.
Shells
The seashell, especially the scallop shell, is the symbol of baptism and rebirth. Baptismal fonts are often shaped like a scallop or are decorated with one. Shells are also associated with pilgrimages, guiding pilgrims along the way towards their destination and commonly worn by those who embark on such a journey.
Wheat
Wheat is a symbol of life, abundance and fertility and may be associated with the lifecycle of birth, death and resurrection. As a cereal grain, its seeds are ground into flour and used as the main ingredient for bread and by extension for the Eucharist. Jesus is called the Bread of Life.
Grapes
Grapes are eaten as fresh fruit or dried. They also are crushed into juice, which can be fermented into wine. In the Christian tradition grapes and wine represent the cleansing Blood of Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent his blood, shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Wine also is used in the mass during the Eucharist.
Pomegranates
The pomegranate is a symbol of resurrection and life everlasting. It can also be a symbol of the Church as the many seeds symbolize the many believers – from many, one (unity in Christ).
Candles
Candles as a source of light are a symbol of warmth, wisdom and safety. In Christianity, candles may represent Christ as the light of the world. They also may represent human life and resurrection.
Dove
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and can be seen used in this way at Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose.
Crucifix
The crucifix is a depiction of the cross with Jesus crucified upon it, and is a central symbol in Christianity.
Triangles
A triangle is used to symbolize the trinity, the union or oneness of Godhead expressed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Wounded Heart
The heart is a symbol of love and devotion. A heart wounded or pierced with swords represents the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the sorrow she endured during her lifetime.
Anemone
These flowers are depicted in scenes of the Crucifixion. In the early days of the Church, the three leaves of this plant were used to symbolize the Trinity.
Rays
The rays shown emanating from the sun represent the Holy Spirit, God’s activity and presence, and His grace.
Rope
The San Antonio Missions were founded by members of the Franciscan Order, and you can find many Franciscan symbols along El Camino. This knotted rope, found at the front entrance of Mission Concepción represents the corded rope belts worn by Franciscan priests. These belts, called cinctures, have three knots, symbolizing the three cornerstones of the Franciscan Order: poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Crown of Stars
The crown with twelve stars is often used in the depictions of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her as Queen of heaven. The reference for the crown with twelve stars comes from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Clouds
Clouds symbolize the divine presence. An example of a cloud used in this way is the dove on clouds in the retablo at Mission San Jose.
Angels
Angels are spiritual beings of heavenly residence employed by God as the ministers of His will. The name angel comes from the Greek angelos which means messenger.
Acanthus Leaves
Acanthus leaves are used to symbolize immortality and the resurrection while acanthus leaves with thorns are equated with ideas of sin, punishment and repentance.
Cross
The cross is the distinctive Christian symbol, illustrating the instrument of Jesus’ death. There are many different forms of crosses. Most common is the Latin cross found above the missions. Sometimes, even the mission buildings themselves take the form of a cross. For example, when seen from above, Mission Concepción’s nave and transept form a cross.
Heart with Crown of Thorns
A heart with a crown of thorns represents Christ’s suffering on the cross, and the love he had for us. During the crucifixion Christ felt His wounds to His depth of his heart. After His resurrection the thorns are transformed into a crown of victory.
Shells
The seashell, especially the scallop shell, is the symbol of baptism and rebirth. Baptismal fonts are often shaped like a scallop or are decorated with one. Shells are also associated with pilgrimages, guiding pilgrims along the way towards their destination and commonly worn by those who embark on such a journey.
Wheat
Wheat is a symbol of life, abundance and fertility and may be associated with the lifecycle of birth, death and resurrection. As a cereal grain, its seeds are ground into flour and used as the main ingredient for bread and by extension for the Eucharist. Jesus is called the Bread of Life.
Grapes
Grapes are eaten as fresh fruit or dried. They also are crushed into juice, which can be fermented into wine. In the Christian tradition grapes and wine represent the cleansing Blood of Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent his blood, shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Wine also is used in the mass during the Eucharist.
Pomegranates
The pomegranate is a symbol of resurrection and life everlasting. It can also be a symbol of the Church as the many seeds symbolize the many believers – from many, one (unity in Christ).
Candles
Candles as a source of light are a symbol of warmth, wisdom and safety. In Christianity, candles may represent Christ as the light of the world. They also may represent human life and resurrection.
Dove
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and can be seen used in this way at Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose.
Crucifix
The crucifix is a depiction of the cross with Jesus crucified upon it, and is a central symbol in Christianity.
Triangles
A triangle is used to symbolize the trinity, the union or oneness of Godhead expressed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Wounded Heart
The heart is a symbol of love and devotion. A heart wounded or pierced with swords represents the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the sorrow she endured during her lifetime.
Anemone
These flowers are depicted in scenes of the Crucifixion. In the early days of the Church, the three leaves of this plant were used to symbolize the Trinity.
Rays
The rays shown emanating from the sun represent the Holy Spirit, God’s activity and presence, and His grace.
Rope
The San Antonio Missions were founded by members of the Franciscan Order, and you can find many Franciscan symbols along El Camino. This knotted rope, found at the front entrance of Mission Concepción represents the corded rope belts worn by Franciscan priests. These belts, called cinctures, have three knots, symbolizing the three cornerstones of the Franciscan Order: poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Crown of Stars
The crown with twelve stars is often used in the depictions of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her as Queen of heaven. The reference for the crown with twelve stars comes from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Clouds
Clouds symbolize the divine presence. An example of a cloud used in this way is the dove on clouds in the retablo at Mission San Jose.
Angels
Angels are spiritual beings of heavenly residence employed by God as the ministers of His will. The name angel comes from the Greek angelos which means messenger.
Acanthus Leaves
Acanthus leaves are used to symbolize immortality and the resurrection while acanthus leaves with thorns are equated with ideas of sin, punishment and repentance.
Cross
The cross is the distinctive Christian symbol, illustrating the instrument of Jesus’ death. There are many different forms of crosses. Most common is the Latin cross found above the missions. Sometimes, even the mission buildings themselves take the form of a cross. For example, when seen from above, Mission Concepción’s nave and transept form a cross.
Heart with Crown of Thorns
A heart with a crown of thorns represents Christ’s suffering on the cross, and the love he had for us. During the crucifixion Christ felt His wounds to His depth of his heart. After His resurrection the thorns are transformed into a crown of victory.
Shells
The seashell, especially the scallop shell, is the symbol of baptism and rebirth. Baptismal fonts are often shaped like a scallop or are decorated with one. Shells are also associated with pilgrimages, guiding pilgrims along the way towards their destination and commonly worn by those who embark on such a journey.
Wheat
Wheat is a symbol of life, abundance and fertility and may be associated with the lifecycle of birth, death and resurrection. As a cereal grain, its seeds are ground into flour and used as the main ingredient for bread and by extension for the Eucharist. Jesus is called the Bread of Life.
Grapes
Grapes are eaten as fresh fruit or dried. They also are crushed into juice, which can be fermented into wine. In the Christian tradition grapes and wine represent the cleansing Blood of Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent his blood, shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Wine also is used in the mass during the Eucharist.
Pomegranates
The pomegranate is a symbol of resurrection and life everlasting. It can also be a symbol of the Church as the many seeds symbolize the many believers – from many, one (unity in Christ).
Candles
Candles as a source of light are a symbol of warmth, wisdom and safety. In Christianity, candles may represent Christ as the light of the world. They also may represent human life and resurrection.
Dove
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and can be seen used in this way at Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose.
Crucifix
The crucifix is a depiction of the cross with Jesus crucified upon it, and is a central symbol in Christianity.
Triangles
A triangle is used to symbolize the trinity, the union or oneness of Godhead expressed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Wounded Heart
The heart is a symbol of love and devotion. A heart wounded or pierced with swords represents the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the sorrow she endured during her lifetime.
Anemone
These flowers are depicted in scenes of the Crucifixion. In the early days of the Church, the three leaves of this plant were used to symbolize the Trinity.
Rays
The rays shown emanating from the sun represent the Holy Spirit, God’s activity and presence, and His grace.
Rope
The San Antonio Missions were founded by members of the Franciscan Order, and you can find many Franciscan symbols along El Camino. This knotted rope, found at the front entrance of Mission Concepción represents the corded rope belts worn by Franciscan priests. These belts, called cinctures, have three knots, symbolizing the three cornerstones of the Franciscan Order: poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Crown of Stars
The crown with twelve stars is often used in the depictions of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her as Queen of heaven. The reference for the crown with twelve stars comes from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Clouds
Clouds symbolize the divine presence. An example of a cloud used in this way is the dove on clouds in the retablo at Mission San Jose.
Angels
Angels are spiritual beings of heavenly residence employed by God as the ministers of His will. The name angel comes from the Greek angelos which means messenger.
Acanthus Leaves
Acanthus leaves are used to symbolize immortality and the resurrection while acanthus leaves with thorns are equated with ideas of sin, punishment and repentance.
Cross
The cross is the distinctive Christian symbol, illustrating the instrument of Jesus’ death. There are many different forms of crosses. Most common is the Latin cross found above the missions. Sometimes, even the mission buildings themselves take the form of a cross. For example, when seen from above, Mission Concepción’s nave and transept form a cross.
Heart with Crown of Thorns
A heart with a crown of thorns represents Christ’s suffering on the cross, and the love he had for us. During the crucifixion Christ felt His wounds to His depth of his heart. After His resurrection the thorns are transformed into a crown of victory.