The Olympic Games Symbols 2012 Will Be a Very Special Period in the World of Sport in Britain with the Olympic Games Being Held in Londonlondon

RE Ideas

Autumn Term Tymor 2011

Ann Eleri Thomas, Ysgol Gynradd Machynlleth.

The Olympic Games Symbols 2012 will be a very special period in the world of sport in Britain with the Olympic games being held in LondonLondon.... Personal :- Find the symbol for the Olympics and find out its significance / meaning (research on the website)

Is having a special logo on an What is the purpose of symbols item of clothing important to and emblems? you? Why? Does it make you Do people recognise symbols? feel better than the person who doesn’t have one ? Christianity:- Symbols are important in every religion. How many of these symbols are Christian symbols? (Discuss in your group / with a partner/and give reasons.Report back to the class)

Discuss What are the Christian symbols ? Are there any more? What do they mean ?

1 These symbols are all religious symbols. To which religion do they belong?

Make a table and place the correct symbols in the appropriate columns.

Christianity Islam Judaism Sikhism Hinduism Buddhism

Can you add more symbols to the columns?

Find out the meaning of these symbols. Report back to the class.

Why do different religions place symbols of their religion outside their places of worship? If you go to worship does it make a difference where you go ? Placing a symbol outside a place of worship could create problems too. Why do you think?

2 The Sikh’s Symbol

Nishan Sahib / The Khanda

This is the Sikh’s symbol. This symbol is seen on the banner outside the Gurdwara. As you see, it is made up of three other symbols – the Khanda, the Kirpan and the Chakkar. Find out which symbol is the Khanda, the Kirpan and the Chakkar and what is their importance to the Sikh.

Cut out the shapes carefully and design your own Sikh symbol. Stick this on yellow coloured paper.

3 Islamic SymbolsSymbols.... Even though there is no real religious significance to the moon and star, this is the Islamic symbol and we often see it on the dome of the mosque, on patterns inside the place of worship and on the flags of Islamic countries.

The moon is important in Islam because the Muslim calendar / important dates follow the phases of the moon e.g. when the new moon appears this is when Ramadan begins. The appearance of the new moon, after a period of darkness, is a sign of hope.

The 5 points of the star represent the 5 Pillars of Islam. According to the Qur’an the star is one of the signs Allah.

The Islamic symbol is very often seen on the flags of Islamic countries. Look for flags with this symbol on them. Is it an Islamic country ? Is Islam the main religion? Show these countries on a map of the world.