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You are in a car, and your gaze is on a strange symbol in the back of a vehicle: a stylized fish. Simple decoration? Not at all. This little drawing has a very precise meaning and a fascinating story. If you've ever wondered what it stands for, here's everything you need to know.
Ichthys: a symbol from antiquity
The fish you see on some cars is nothing dying. This is the symbol Ichthys, a Greek term that means... fish. But that is not all: Ichthys is also an acronym used by early Christians to represent Jesus Christ.
(Ichthys) breaks down as follows:
I for Iêsous (Jesus)
Ch for Christos (Christ)
Th for Theou (of God)
Y for Yios (Sh)).
S for Sôtêr (Savior)
Thus, this simple fish actually contains a profession of Christian faith that goes back more than 2,000 years.
Why is this symbol found on cars?
Originally, Ichthys was used by Christians persecuted during the Roman Empire to recognize each other discreetly. Today, it has become a sign of religious affiliation that some believers proudly display on their vehicles.
Those who stick this sticker on their car want to express their faith in a sober but meaningful way. It is also a way of conveying a message of peace and respect on the road.
An impact on driving behaviour?
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