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The Surprisingly Spiritual Meanings Behind Some Of The Emojis On Your Phone

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Carol Kuruvilla
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Religion Reporter, HuffPost

You may not know it, but your cell phone is basically an interfaith melting pot.

If you look closely at the emojis on your emoji keyboard, you'll find an amazing amount of religious diversity. Every major world religion, from Chinese philosophy (☯) to Atheism (βš›) to Judaism (✑) is represented in some way.

According to Jeremy Burge, the founder of Emojipedia, this religious diversity is an intentional goal for the Unicode Consortium, a global organization that is in charge of Unicode Standard and governs the development of internationally recognized emojis.

Burge told The Huffington Post that some religious icons (such as the Latin and Orthodox Crosses and the Wheel of Dharma) were part of the Unicode Standard even before emojis were added in 2010. Last year, in an effort to get even more inclusive, the Unicode Consortium added a Kaaba, a mosque, a synagogue and a more general "place of worship" emoji.

"Given the church was already included, which is arguably a Christian church given the cross on it, having other places of worship made sense," Burge told The Huffington Post in an email.

Since emojis were first created in Japan, many of the symbols you'll find on your phone will have connections to Japanese spirituality (like the symbol for the Japanese Ogre πŸ‘Ή and Children's Day 🎏 )

Read on to discover the surprising spiritual meanings behind some of the emojis on your phone's keyboard.

Places of Worship
Apple
Unicode includes emojis of a church, synagogue, mosque and a Shinto shrine. There's also an icon that symbolizes a generic place of worship.
Mt. Fuji
Apple
Mt. Fuji has been a sacred Shinto site for centuries. The mountain is associated with a deity named Konohanasakuya, the Blossom Princess. Shinto shrines are scattered around the base and along the pathways up to the summit of the mountain.
Dove of Peace
Apple
The dove is an ancient symbol of peace in a number of traditions. This particular dove is carrying an olive branch, which links it to the Biblical story of Noah and the flood. When a dove returned to his ark with an olive branch in its beak Noah took it as a sign of God's favor, a sign that the waters were receding from the earth.
Kaaba
Apple
The Kaaba is a sacred shrine located in Mecca, a city in western Saudi Arabia. A pilgrimage to Mecca is the fifth pillar of Islam. All able Muslims are encouraged to make the trip at least once in their lifetimes. Many believe Abraham and his son Ismail built this shrine -- some believe that a Black Stone at one corner of the structure was placed there by Adam, the first man.
Moyai
Apple
These giant Moyai (or moai) statues are found on Easter Island, Chile. Many scholars believe they were created by the ancient people to honor ancestors or other important figures.
Prayer Beads
Apple
Prayer beads (or malas) are a part of a number of religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. They are traditionally used to count repetitions of prayer or mantras. This particular set appears to be a Buddhist or Hindu mala.
Japanese Imperial Dolls
Apple
These emperor and empress dolls are associated with Japan's Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day or Girl's Day), which falls on March 3. In ancient times, people used to participate in ceremonies that transferred spiritual impurities to paper dolls, which were then dropped in a river and washed away, taking bad luck with them. Today, Japanese families with young daughters celebrate by displaying elegantly crafted dolls in regal attire.
Carp Streamer
Apple
In Japan, families fly carp streamers on May 5 to bring good luck to children on a holiday called Kodomo no hi, or Children's Day. In Japanese folklore, carp are said to be strong and courageous fish because they swim upstream and through waterfalls. The streamers symbolize parents' desire for children to also become strong and brave.
Crystal Ball
Apple
The crystal ball has a long spiritual history. Research suggests that the Celtic Druids of ancient Britain, Ireland and Gaul used crystals as tools for meditation and divination.
Japanese Ogre
Apple
This is not just your average scary face emoji. This is a Namahage, a mythical Japanese demon. Every year, local men in Japan's Akita prefecture put on coats made of straw and wear these frightening red masks. Then they travel from house to house with a "naughty and nice" list that parents helped them create. Roaring and stamping, they'll enter the house to cajole kids into being good students and working hard. The namahage are given refreshments and drinks, then sent on their way. The ancient tradition is believed to bring good luck for the new year.
Tengu
Apple
This is another scary and mischevious supernatural being. The tengu is a Japanese goblin that is often depicted in temples or shrines. Some consider them to be the reincarnated spirits of people who were proud and vain during their lifetimes.
Trident
Apple
A trident is a spear that is often used as a symbol for the Greek God Poseidon, the god of the sea.
Person With Folded Hands
Apple
This character is used when talking about prayer (or when giving a high-five). The image formerly had a yellow burst of light shining between the two hands, according to Emojipedia, but that was removed in the latest version.
Zodiac Symbols
Apple
Today's Unicode includes all 12 signs of the Zodiac. It even has this symbol, Ophiuchus, which some people believe is the 13th sign in the Zodiac. The name is Latin for "serpent bearer," and the symbol is often associated with healing.
Menorah With Nine Branches
Apple
This menorah has nine lit candles and is a symbol of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Symbols Of World Religions
Apple
Unicode also includes generic symbols that represent the world's biggest religions. The Om symbol and the Wheel of Dharma are often used to represent Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The Latin cross represents Christianity, while the Orthodox cross is specifically used by the eastern Christian traditions. The Atom is a symbol that atheists have adopted to represent their community. The Yin Yang symbol represents Taoism and Chinese philosophy. The crescent moon and star represents Islam and the Star of David represents Judaism.

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