Christian symbolism
Some of the oldest symbols in the Christian church are the sacraments. The number of sacraments is different in each denominations.  All denominations have Eucharist and baptism.  Others which may or may not be used are ordination, unction, confirmation, penance and marriage.  The rites are seen as a symbol of the spiritual change or event that takes place.  In the Eucharist, the bread and wine are symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus. In Roman Catholicism, they become the actual Body of Christ and Blood of Christ through Transubstantiation. This represent salvation brought by the death of Jesus. The rite of baptism is symbolic of the cleansing of the sinner by God. Where baptism is by immersion, it symbolizes spiritual death and resurrection. Different groups believe the sacraments mean different things. Some Protestant denominations think they are only symbolic. Roman Catholics, Orthodox, some Anglicans, and some Lutherans feel that, by the power of God, the sacraments have an actual effect."