Language and Symbolic Arts: Catholic Religious Adornments, Arts and Usage

Language is a tool or strategy for verbal or nonverbal communication between humans that involves the use of signs and symbols such as letters of the alphabet in written form to create words that carry meanings. The use of these words is done in accordance with grammar rules. Every culture, race, or group of people has its own language, symbols, and means of communication. Language allows people to communicate their emotions, thoughts, ideas, and shared experiences. Symbols have a magical element to them that transmits a sense of the sacred while also providing bodily nourishment. Inner energy is harnessed or put to use when working with symbols; one thinks more deeply than usual. These symbols have no value until they are comprehended, and so have no effect on the individual. Religious arts and symbols are so artistic representations intended to assist and encourage people to think on the spiritual. In religious service or liturgy, the Catholic Church makes extensive use of symbolism and art. The Liturgy is a religious manner of life centred on the Eucharistic celebration, or Mass. Its religious arts - places, objects, arts, (icons, pictures), and adornments are dressing or vestments, vessels, and decorations (flowers, vestments seasons and colours). The objective of this article is to explain briefly what language and religion mean. It also attempts to expose to the reader the uses of some of the symbols, arts and adornment in the Catholic Church, noting their possible meaning and how they affect the life of the faithful for spiritual enhancement or growth.