UPDATE: Religious Symbols
Cole Wyeth
Source: Casey
Confidence: Low-Mid
Relevant Background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix
From Wikipedia:
The crucifix is a principal symbol for many groups of Christians, and one of the most common forms of the Crucifixion in the arts. It is especially important in the Catholic Church, and is also used in the Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches, Eastern Orthodox Church, and in most Oriental Orthodox Churches (except the Armenian Church and Syriac Church).[3][4][5] The symbol is less common in churches of other Protestant denominations, and in the Assyrian Church of the East and Armenian Apostolic Church, which prefer to use a cross without the figure of Jesus (the corpus).[6][7]
According to Casey, the crucifix is generally more common in Orthodox branches of Christianity. This seems to be born out by the above quote. Of course, an ordinary cross without the emaciated Jesus is sort of the standard choice for Christians (at least everywhere I have traveled).
I also recommend looking into the various types of prayer beads
- among Christians, the most common type seems to be the Catholic
rosary, but there are others. Also, prayer beads are used in several
other religions (notably, they are not common in Judaism), and the types
seem fairly straightforward to distinguish in many cases. This deserves
to be divided up into its own sections eventually.
Silver Ring with Gemstone / Engraving -> Islamic Religion and/or Culture
Source: A friend (who was wearing one)
Confidence: High
Relevant Background: https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/wearing-rings-and-gemstones-in-islam-philosophy-and-benefits
According to the source:
Most if not all Muslims agree that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) wore at least one ring, and this is something that is followed by Muslims all over the world.
As a result, it is so common for (male and female) Muslims to wear a ring that this is considered a sign of their religion. Gold is not permitted, but silver is widely permitted (brass and iron are more disputed). Sometimes rings have Arabic calligraphy (presumably the blockier Kufic script is common, as in other forms of Islamic jewelry). This usually seems to perform a religious function. There is not agreement on which hand the ring should be worn on, though it may be possible to guess more detailed information this way:
In Shia Islamic tradition, according to one narration, wearing a ring on the right hand is one of the signs of the believers
(Unfortunately it is not clear that this rules out other sects)
Gemstones
are also common, particularly aqeeq (also called an agate). Depending
on the color, gemstones are supposed to convey various benefits
(apparently this is a superstitious function with religious elements).
....So those are my latest entries.
Since I haven't heard from any of you in awhile: have you encountered any interesting facts that belong on the list? Let me know by proposing your own entry!
Best,
Cole