The acronym IHS is a Christogram that represents the name of Jesus Christ. It is a monogram derived from the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus, ΙΗΣΟΥΣ.
Origins of IHS
The IHS monogram has origins dating back to the 1st century AD during the time of the early church. It is first found in the Book of Kells, an ornately illustrated manuscript of the four gospels created around 800 AD. The IHS abbreviation became more widely used after St. Bernardine of Siena popularized it in the 15th century by using the IHS Christogram as the seal of the Franciscan order.
Since the 15th century, IHS has been a popular symbol to use in Christian iconography, architecture and decoration. It can be found in many churches and cathedrals carved into altars, pulpits, lecterns and stained glass windows. The Jesuits adopted the IHS as their official emblem in the 16th century, along with the accompanying motto “Iesus Hominum Salvator” which translates to “Jesus, Savior of Men.”
Meanings Behind IHS
The IHS Christogram represents Jesus’ name, but also carries deeper theological meaning:
– IHS stands for the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek – ΙΗΣΟΥΣ (Iesous).
– It reminds us that Jesus is the incarnation of God as mentioned in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
– The name of Jesus holds power and authority as Philippians 2:10 states: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
– IHS points to Jesus as the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Savior (Luke 4:18-21).
– The abbreviated name IHS reflects the divine nature of Christ encapsulated in human form. As 1 Timothy 3:16 says: “He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
Alternate Meanings
While IHS predominantly represents the name of Jesus, some variations of the meaning have also developed over time:
– Iesus Hominum Salvator (“Jesus, Savior of Men”) – Popularized by the Jesuits, this Latin phrase suggests Jesus as humankind’s redeemer.
– In Hoc Signo (Vinces) (“In This Sign You Will Conquer”) – According to a legend, Constantine I saw these words as part of a vision along with the IHS symbol right before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. The phrase implies victory over enemies by the power of Christ.
– Isis Horus Serapis – Some claim the monogram is derived from the first letters of three Egyptian gods, though this is not widely accepted.
– In His Service – A loose English interpretation of IHS for modern use.
Uses of IHS in Art & Architecture
The IHS monogram has been used extensively in Christian art and architecture for many centuries:
– The Book of Kells (c. 800 AD) – An illuminated Gospel manuscript containing the first known use of the IHS monogram.
– Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380-1444) – Popularized the IHS Christogram in his preaching and used it as the seal for the Franciscans.
– Jesuit Emblem (1500s) – The Jesuits officially adopted IHS with the motto “Iesus Hominum Salvator.”
– The Gesù Church in Rome – The mother church of the Jesuits with IHS prominently displayed on the façade.
– Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) – A Baroque sculptor who made extensive use of the IHS monogram in his church interiors.
– Mission San Xavier del Bac (1700s) – A Spanish Catholic mission church in Tucson, Arizona with the IHS emblem displayed on the façade.
– Fordham University – A Jesuit university in New York City whose seal bears the IHS Christogram at the center.
– Church of the Gesu in Montreal – A 19th century Jesuit church with the IHS symbol carved above the main entrance.
– Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Turin – Dedicated to the Shroud of Turin, with vault decoration bearing the IHS monogram.
The widespread use of the IHS monogram in churches and artwork has made it one of the most recognizable Christograms throughout Christian history. It remains an iconic symbol representing the name and divinity of Jesus Christ.
IHS in Protestantism
Despite its origins in Catholicism, the IHS monogram has also been used by some Protestant denominations:
– Anglicans and Episcopalians may display the IHS symbol to represent their shared heritage with the Catholic church. It appears on some Anglican saints’ days in the Book of Common Prayer.
– Lutherans have used it to show their link to orthodox Catholic traditions prior to the Reformation. Martin Luther himself even chose to keep the IHS on some Reformation-era artwork.
– Methodists utilize the IHS emblem to highlight their origins in the Anglican tradition. It is incorporated into the seals of some Methodist universities and organizations.
– Presbyterians and Reformed churches generally avoid using the IHS monogram due to their rejection of Catholic icons. But it can occasionally be found in some older Presbyterian architecture.
– Baptists, Evangelicals, and non-denominational Protestants largely refrain from displaying the IHS Christogram due to theirPuritan-like objection to religious symbolism and Catholic associations.
Although Protestants broke from Catholicism, the IHS retains its connection to early church history. Some Protestant denominations thus carefully use the ancient Christogram to honor their heritage while distinguishing their doctrines.
Criticisms & Controversies
Despite its longstanding use within Christianity, the IHS monogram has also come under scrutiny at times:
– Protestants have vilified it as a Catholic icon and “popish” idolatry during the Reformation era and at times since. Puritans and some evangelicals today still equate it with idol symbolism.
– Anti-Catholic sentiment led some Americans to fear alleged Jesuit (IHS) conspiracies against the young United States in the 19th century. The Know Nothing party opposed immigration of Catholic IHS Jesuits.
– Secular skeptics question the validity of the Constantine / “In Hoc Signo Vinces” origin legend of the IHS symbol. Some doubters dismiss it entirely as a mythical fabrication.
– Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code popularized false claims that IHS derived from the Egyptian deities Isis, Horus, and Serapis rather than Jesus. This theory is rejected by knowledgeable scholars.
– Modern pagans and New Agers occasionally try to co-opt IHS as a general spiritual symbol apart from its true meaning in Christian tradition. This leads some Christians to avoid it.
While still widely used in Christianity today, the IHS monogram has faced periods of controversy and rebuke from various quarters over the centuries. But most faithful believers recognize its true place honoring Jesus Christ.
IHS in Everyday Use
Beyond formal religious art and architecture, the IHS monogram also appears in more mundane everyday Christian items:
– Jewelry – Necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and pendants with the IHS emblem are popular faith-based accessories.
– Apparel – Christian-themed clothing items like T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts frequently feature the IHS symbol.
– Car Decals – IHS vinyl stickers and magnets can adorn car bumpers, windows, and license plates.
– Home Décor – Wall art, plaques, crosses, figurines, pillows and other Christian-themed home items use the IHS monogram.
– Greeting Cards – IHS appears on Christian Christmas cards, birthday cards, sympathy cards and more.
– Smartphone Cases – Protective phone cases often display IHS amongst various inspirational emblems.
– Checks & Money – Some Christians order custom checks and money orders with spiritual symbols like IHS.
– Stationery – Christian note cards, notepads, bookmarks, and business cards sometimes incorporate the monogram.
From T-shirts to smartphone cases, jewelry to money, the IHS emblem can be readily found gracing a wide variety of everyday items for devoted Christians.
Conclusion
The IHS Christogram has an ancient legacy spanning over a millennium within traditional Christian symbolism. While its exact origins may never be known for certain, it clearly represents the holy name of Jesus Christ according to the mainstream of Christian tradition. Throughout changing times over centuries, the three simple letters IHS have steadfastly pointed towards the divinity, sacrifice and salvation embodied in the Son of God – a meaning sure to endure for generations to come.