Chrismon

/ˈkrɪzˌmɑn/ noun

Definition

A monogram or symbol combining the Greek letters Chi and Rho (☧), representing the name of Christ in early Christian art.

Etymology

From Greek 'chrismon' meaning 'anointing', combining with the abbreviation symbol for Christ's name. This symbol became standardized in early Christian iconography and the term emerged from ecclesiastical scholarship.

Kelly Says

The chrismon is basically the original Christian emoji—Constantine saw it in a vision and put it on the shields of his soldiers, and now it's the coolest-looking ancient symbol that still gets used on church decorations today.

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