Baptism is a sacrament in Christianity that symbolizes the washing away of sins and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit. Different Christian denominations use different symbols and rituals in their baptism ceremonies, but some common symbols include:
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Water: Water is the primary symbol of baptism and is used to symbolize the washing away of sins and the new life that the person is entering into through their faith in Jesus Christ.
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Oil: Oil is often used in baptism as a symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is often placed on the person's forehead during the ceremony as a reminder of the presence of the Lord in their life.
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Light: Light is often used in baptism as a symbol of the light of Christ that illuminates the darkness of sin and death. A candle, often called the baptism candle, is lit from the Paschal candle, and the person being baptized may hold the baptism candle during the ceremony.
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White Garment: A white garment, often a Baptismal Robe, is given to the person being baptized as a symbol of the new life and purity that they are entering into through their faith.
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Sign of the Cross: The Sign of the Cross is a symbol of the Holy Trinity and is often made on the person's forehead during the baptism ceremony.
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Godparents: Godparents are chosen to stand as witnesses during the baptism ceremony and to support the person being baptized in their spiritual journey.
All of these symbols are used to remind the person being baptized and the community of the promises they have made and the gifts they have received through baptism, and to remind them of the role they will have in the church community.
