Symbolism in Christian Liturgical Elements

Curtain (Thirasheela)

visualize opening of heaven, a separation between heaven and earth

Thronos (Table/Throne)

represents tomb of Christ, the table of life

Cross (Sleebo)

represents the Lord's sacrifice (horizontal is us to people, vertical is god to us)

Candles

12 candles represent the 12 disciples, 1 candle in the middle to represent Christ

Tablitho (tablet)

blessed with Holy Mooron, without the tablitho HQ cannot be celebrated, symbolizes cross on which Christ was crucified

Virikootam (tricolor spread)

covers tablitho, red = universe, green = world, white = Holy Church

Chithola (Altar covering)

divided into 3 parts to represent the Holy Trinity

Dargo (step)

step in front of the Thronos used by the celebrant only after the Nicene Creed from the Anaphora onwards

Casa (Chalice) & Peelasa (Paten)

used to hold the bread (paten) and the wine (chalice)

Kaukbo (star)

star that covers the paten, represents the star of the Nativity

Kablono (cover)

used to cover the paten and the chalice, represents the cloth that covered Christ in the tomb

M'Shamshonitho (bowl)

used to mix water and wine, celebrant washes fingers with this

Tharvodo (spoon)

used to give out HQ, represents the tongs that the angel used for the burning coal in Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6)

G'mourtho (cushion)

pillow used to place spoon on, represents the sponge the soldiers used to give Christ the sour drink on the cross

Sussefo (sossappa/veil)

used to cover paten & chalice; represents the stone rolled over the tomb of Christ and shows that there is a divine mystery

Censer

4 chains → Father, Son's Manhood and Divinity, Holy Spirit

12 bells → 12 disciples

72 links per chain → saints, prophets, martyrs

Bottom cup → womb of St. Mary

Burning Charcoal/Incense → sinners sins are burning and forming the children of God through the Holy Spirit, the prayers are rising to Heaven

Marbasa (fans)

represents the presence of angels the 'fluttering of their wings'

Gospel Stand (evangelion)

where the Gospel is read, known as the 'second thronos'

Bread & Wine

bread made out of leaven, wheat, salt, flour, and olive oil. Traced back to the very first bread. The Body and Blood of our Lord