Religion is an important part of our society, and around the world. In the homes of many Christians, Catholics, Jews, and Buddhists, there are figurines. These figurines may be different from each other in some ways, but they may all express a common theme: a belief in God. These beliefs are expressed in different ways, and different people are honored for different reasons in these figurines.

Christian Figurines

The most common figurines that may be found in a Christian home might represent the cross, the nativity scene, Jesus, and angels. Jesus is the most highly honored figure in the Christian faith, and it is common for the image of the cross to be displayed as a memory of his death and resurrection. The nativity scene includes the baby Jesus, his mother Mary, and her husband Joseph in a manger. Some more complete sets will have wise men and animals as well. It is most commonly displayed at Christmas time, when the birth of Jesus is celebrated.

Catholic Figurines

In a Catholic home, many of the same images in a Christian home may be found. Jesus is honored as well, and angels may also be displayed. Mary is honored highly, and so figurines of her, besides that of a nativity scene are common. Uniquely Catholic figurines may represent the Pope, nuns, the Saints, and the crucified Jesus on the cross. (Christian images of the cross are without Jesus.)

Jewish Figurines

In a Jewish home, there are images that are quite different. Commonly, figurines in a Jewish home will have the engraved Star of David on them. Figurines of a rabbi, a bar mitzvah boy or a bat mitzvah girl may be displayed. Any figurines of males will have a yamika shown on the head. Jews do not recognize Jesus, therefore there would be no figurines of him.

Buddhist Figurines

Figurines of the Buddha are common as well. There are varied images of the Buddha. Some of them show him as a heavier man, while others show him as a slender man. Most figurines of Buddha will show him sitting with his legs crossed and eyes closed for meditation.

Hindu Figurines

Figurines of many Hindus Gods can be found in Hindu Temples throughout India. Most prominently are Krishna, Radha, Jagganatha, Caitanya, Rama, Vishnu, Laksmi, and Shiva. Often these figurines are placed on a sanctified altar and worshipped daily.

Religious expression comes in many forms. Home decorating is simply one of the ways that people express their faith in God. For Christians Jesus is honored, for Catholics Mary is Honored, and for Jews Moses and God himself are honored. For Buddhists, the Buddha is honored.