“Fish” on the trunk of a car: what does it mean and why do drivers stick this symbol on their cars?
18 June 03:59
The “fish” sign on a car is not just an interesting element of your car’s decoration. It is a symbol that can have several different meanings.
Contents:
- What does a “fish” on a car mean?
- Why is a fish symbol stuck on the trunk of a car?
It’s not uncommon to see a sticker or metal sign in the shape of a fish on the back of a car. It turns out that such stickers can carry a hidden meaning. At the same time, there is no consensus on the meaning of this symbol online. [ Komersant has collected the most popular theories about the meaning of this symbol.
What does the “fish” on the car mean?
The fish symbol is called “ichthys”, which means “fish” in Greek and is an acronym for the following Greek words:
- Ίησοὺς – Jesus
- Χριστὸς – Christ
- Θεoὺ – Son
- ῾Υιὸς – God
- Σωτήρ – Savior.
It is believed that this symbol originated in the Roman Empire, when it served as a secret designation of Christian societies.
According to some accounts, the “fish” symbol was used as a tool for recognizing “their own”. In particular, when meeting a stranger, one Christian would draw one arc on the ground, and the other would draw another to make a drawing resembling the silhouette of a fish. In this way, Christians could safely recognize each other.
Instead, nowadays this symbol is used mainly as an amulet to protect drivers from possible accidents or other troubles on the road.
Stickers depicting the fish are sold in a number of European countries, the United States, as well as in Ukraine and other CIS countries.
At the same time, a fish with the inscription “DARWIN” or “SCIENCE” has a completely different meaning and indicates that the driver of this car is a supporter of the theory of evolution or a religious skeptic.
Depending on the additional elements that can be depicted next to the main symbol, such a sticker can have different meanings. For example, if you see a fish on a hook or a fish and a fishing rod, it may indicate a passion for fishing and outdoor activities.
Why is the “fish” symbol stuck on the trunk of a car?
The “fish” symbol on a car can have several different interpretations:
1. Religious significance. Some drivers use this symbol to indicate their affiliation with the Christian community;
2. Amulet. A significant majority of modern drivers consider this symbol to be a kind of amulet that should protect the driver and passengers from accidents, troubles on the road and help maintain mental balance while driving;
3. Personal or cultural expression. Sometimes, a fish-shaped sticker is a way to express your own beliefs, views, or lifestyle.
Author: Olya Yushko
