Doubtlessly, Christian wall art is an effective way of adding a touch of life and color into your home, while celebrating your chosen faith. From bible verses to biblical scenes and symbols, Christianity is gradually finding its way into the interior decorative patterns of every Christian home. For some time, crucifixes and angels are the most popular religious symbols that people, both new and old to the Christian faith, are inclined to purchase. Only a few Christians knew about the fish symbol and how is relates to Jesus Christ. Today, however, we are once again becoming more aware of the significance of this simple combination of a pair of arcs to our faith.

The Fish In Early Christianity The fish was preferred by early Christians as a symbol of their faith. It is often associated with Jesus Christ since he had more than once mentioned the word in his teachings, and he did enlist several fishermen as his disciples and collectively called them “fishers of men.” It is also used to symbolize the act of baptism, which was done in bodies of water in Jesus’ time. Christians preferred this subtle symbol to the more obvious sign of the cross to save themselves from persecution.

The Fish And Christian Persecution Early Christians thought of using the fish as a symbol to hide the fact that they are Christians to their persecutors. During the time when Christianity was viewed as a grievous crime, a man of the faith would draw a single arc on the sand to distinguish between a Christian and non-Christian acquaintance. He would draw a downward arc on the sand, and if the other person completes it with a second arc going upward, he would know he’s in good company. To a non-Christian, the single arc meant nothing, and was thus ignored.

The Fish In Modern Christian Wall Art

The fish has long been recognized as a symbol of Christianity and often appeared on bumper stickers on its own, or alongside the more popular symbol of the cross. Sometimes, it would also have the word “ICHTUS” written within the joint arcs. This word is the Greek word for “fish” and is used as an acrostic to a Greek phrase that translates to “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior”. Now that Christianity is no longer persecuted, the more obvious name “Jesus” can also be seen written within the symbol.

Simplicity In Christian Wall Art The fish symbol provides a simple, yet very effective way of representing your Christian faith. I personally do not like too many colors and knick-knacks on my walls. I prefer minimal artistic representations that bear a subtle, but often deeper impact on what my faith means to me. While most people view the cross as a sign of salvation, I am one of those that couldn’t help associating it with the violence of Jesus’ death. The fish, however, provides a more peaceful view of what Jesus’ life meant. This type of Christian wall art also serves as a reminder of his teachings, and how it always comes down to one general idea: that is, for us to become “fishers of men.”

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