Religious symbolism

Religious symbolism provides an additional means to communicate the underlying message of a religion via symbols, apart from communication by words. Jesus in Mathew 13:13 says, "The reason I use parables in talking to them is that they look, but do not see, and they listen, but do not hear or understand." Symbolism, like parables, clarifies a message to make its meaning more accessible to the mind. It is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. Symbols help create a resonant mythos expressing the moral values of the society or the teachings of the religion.