Origin: Christianity Other Names: ? by: magpie The earliest reference to the use of the fish as a symbol for Christians was made by Clement of Alexandria, who indicated that Christians ought to have their seals engraved with a dove or a fish. No reason was given for this, seeing as most Christians of his day were well acquainted with the symbolism behind the Ichthys. But what's up with the fish? For myself, someone quite unacquainted with Christian symbology and mythos, the first thing that comes to mind is the story of loaves and fishes. However, further research on my part brings up the following: "The symbol itself may have been suggested by the miraculous multification of the loaves and fishes or the repast of the seven Disciples, after the Resurrection, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:9), but its popularity among Christians was due principally, it would seem, to the famous acrostic consisting of the initial letters of five Greek words forming the word for fish (Ichthys), which words briefly but clearly described the character of Christ and His claim to the worship of believers: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter, i.e. Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour." (reference: Catholic Encyclopedia: Symbolism of the Fish, Maurice M. Hassett) So there you have it. At least, for the origin of the symbol. But to Christians today, what does it mean? What does it represent? Symbols are not static things, their meanings tend to change over the ages. Again, i'm not really one to talk about it, since i'm not a Christian. However, i do recall that my best friend in high school went through some rituals or something (here i go, displaying my ignorance of Christianity) that allowed her to help deliver the Eucharist. When she was helping deliver the Eucharist as a sacrament, she was instructed to wear a gold pin in the shape of the Ichthys. She was Roman Catholic, however, so i don't know if perhaps there are other meanings that might be ascribed to it. Everything that i've been able to find on the subject indicates that modern Christians view the Ichthys as a symbol that represents their Faith. Aside from that, it's all greek to me.