What Does The IHS Monogram Mean? - Aleteia

Home » What Does Ihs Stand For » What Does The IHS Monogram Mean? - Aleteia

Maybe your like

Edition Englishfacebooktwitter-xfacebookPrayPrayNewsletterNewsletterAleteia AppAleteia AppAdvertisingAdvertisingSearchSearchDonatelogo-blue-print-headerlogo-blue-print-headerLeo XIVNewsLifestyleSpiritualityInspiring StoriesVoices & ViewsIssues & ImplicationsTravel✕SpiritualityseparateurCreated with Sketch.What does the IHS monogram mean?IHS Crucifix

Romanus too | CC

whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnativenativePhilip Kosloski - published on 05/15/17 - updated on 08/29/23whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnativeThe ancient IHS symbol permeates Christian art all over the world.

It is extremely common to walk into a Catholic church and see the letters IHS etched on a crucifix or prominently featured in a stained glass window. What do they mean?

Contrary to popular belief, the monogram does not stand for "I have suffered," "Jesus Hominum Salvator" or even "In Hoc Signo." IHS is more appropriately called a "Christogram," and is an ancient way of writing the word "Jesus Christ."

Dating all the way back to the third century, Christians shortened the name of Jesus by only writing the first three letters of his name in Greek, ΙΗΣ (from his full name ΙΗΣΟΥΣ). The Greek letter Σ (sigma), is written in the Latin alphabet as an "S," resulting in the monogram being commonly represented as ΙΗS.

In the early centuries of the Church it was a secret symbol, often etched on tombs of Christians. Then in the 15th century, Saint Bernadine of Siena went on a preaching campaign to promote reverence to the Holy Name of Jesus and encouraged Christians to put IHS on the doorways of their homes. A century later in 1541 St. Ignatius adopted the monogram to represent his newly founded order, the Society of Jesus. The symbol now permeates Christian art all over the world.

Read more: What is the Apostolic Pardon and why is it important? Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Subscribe for free Terms and ConditionsTags:Jesus ChristNewsletter

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Subscribe for free Terms and ConditionsTop 101What exactly is going on in the Book of Revelation?What exactly is going on in the Book of Revelation?2Fulton Sheen and 3 amazing stories of Our Lady of LourdesFulton Sheen and 3 amazing stories of Our Lady of Lourdes3An Olympic gold moment that all moms can relate to!An Olympic gold moment that all moms can relate to!4Could Joe Wilson become the next millennial saint?Could Joe Wilson become the next millennial saint?5Mediterranean shipwreck kills two babies, dozens moreMediterranean shipwreck kills two babies, dozens more6Vatican OKs beatification of Archbishop Fulton SheenVatican OKs beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen7Here’s your checklist for a spiritually fruitful LentHere’s your checklist for a spiritually fruitful LentSee MoreDaily prayerAnd today we celebrate...Prayer for the MorningMeditation of the DayPrayer for the EveningOur Lady of Lourdes

Tag » What Does Ihs Stand For