What Do Symbols Tell Us About Beliefs?

1 of 4

RE · My World Quest — full scheme of work · explorer

What Do Symbols Tell Us About Beliefs?

3 more
1/4
For grown-ups

Companion summary

Have you ever wondered why a simple shape or colour can make people feel something really powerful? Symbols appear everywhere in daily life — on buildings, clothing, and ceremonies that matter deeply to communities around the world. The dove is recognised by many different groups as a sign of peace, showing how one image can carry a huge shared meaning. When you finish, try spotting symbols around your neighbourhood and think about what stories they might be telling.

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

Imagine you cannot speak the same language as someone next to you. How could you still share an important idea with them? People all over the world use symbols — pictures or shapes that carry a big meaning — to do exactly this. Think about a red heart shape. You do not need words to know it means love. Religious communities use symbols in the same clever way to show what they believe about life, the world, and what matters most.

💭 Think about this

Can you think of a symbol you see every day? What does it mean, without using any words?

What's next?

Next stop: France

A place you haven't discovered yet

A place you haven't discovered yet

Explore France →