religious symbolism and iconography: Quick Facts

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Photos

Charles Sprague Pearce: Religion

Antelami, Benedetto: Deposition from the Cross

Gold dharma wheel with eight spokes flanked by two gold deer statues on the roof of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, against a clear blue sky.

Coello, Claudio: Adoration of the Holy Eucharist

Colorful idol of Goddess Durga with ten arms, holding weapons and riding a lion, displayed on a decorated platform at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, India.

A Hindu woman in a blue sari stands with hands clasped in prayer before a tulsi (holy basil) plant growing in a decorated stone planter at an ancient temple.

murti of the god Ganesha

ground-level view of Stonehenge

The Bahai House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, features an ornate white domed structure with arched windows, landscaped gardens, and a reflecting pool in front.

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Topics

bagua liturgical colours Saint Anthony’s cross bog dobro Greek cross Latin cross lingodbhavamurti ray Saint Andrew’s cross number symbolism Feast theology scripture confession of faith orthodox Christianity Hoodoo Scientology Judaism

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Key People

Mircea Eliade

Mircea Eliade

Romanian religious historian and author