This design embodies a harmonious fusion of Bauhaus principles and rich Christian symbolism. The clean lines and geometric abstraction reflect the Bauhaus emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and the beauty of pure form. This approach strips away ornate decoration to reveal the essential, much like how faith often seeks to cut through complexity to find core truths.
At the center, we see the Greek Orthodox cross enclosed in a circle, a powerful Christian symbol representing Christ’s eternal nature. This central element anchors the design, much as faith anchors the believer’s life.
Why the Greek Cross? I married into a Greek Orthodox family and I was drawn to this cross when I first saw it in the Cathedral here in Cape Town. I love the simplicity and symmetry, plus the circle represents eternity and God’s endless love.
Radiating outward, the seven-pointed star structure evokes multiple layers of Christian significance: the seven days of creation, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the divine perfection often associated with the number seven in biblical numerology. This radial symmetry also echoes the Bauhaus interest in balance and harmony, creating a visual representation of order emanating from a divine center.
The interplay of lines creates a sense of movement and light, reminiscent of Christ’s words, “I am the light of the world.” This dynamic quality aligns with the Bauhaus concept of form following function – here, the function is to inspire and illuminate the viewer’s spiritual path.
By reducing complex theological concepts to essential geometric forms, this design achieves what the Bauhaus movement strived for: clarity, purposefulness, and accessibility. It invites contemplation while remaining visually striking, proving that modernist design principles can beautifully convey timeless spiritual truths.
This symbol stands as a testament to how contemporary design can respectfully reinterpret and revitalize traditional religious iconography, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern aesthetic sensibilities.
