Symbolism in the temple Temple (LDS Church)

a doorknob of salt lake temple bearing image of beehive , carrying inscription, holiness lord

many things in temple considered symbolic, clothing worn (those attend temple dress in white, symbol of purity), architecture of building , rooms, ceremonies themselves.

latter-day saint temples constructed several symbolic elements meant represent religious theology. each temple has words holiness lord inscribed on it, same inscription on old testament temple of solomon.

most temples built facing east, direction jesus christ prophesied return. spires , towers on east end of multi-spired temples elevated higher spires , towers on west side same reason, , represent melchizedek, or higher, priesthood.

some temples, such salt lake, chicago, , washington d.c., have triple spires on each side of temple representing 3 different offices in both melchizedek priesthood , aaronic priesthood.

stones carved sun, moon, , earth or star designs placed in ascending order around salt lake temple façade represent latter-day saint belief in celestial, terrestrial, , telestial kingdom, or 3 degrees of glory, in afterlife. however, arranged using description of woman found in revelation 12:1 says , there appeared great wonder in heaven; woman clothed sun, , moon under feet, , upon head crown of twelve stars.

a statue of angel moroni, stands atop temples built after salt lake temple. statue design represents latter-day saint belief moroni angel spoken of in revelation 14.