What does the water in baptism symbolize and what does it mean?

Answer 1

The term is from the Greek baptizo: lit. meaning, "immersing." It is not a symbol or a sign. It is an act of ritual purification for ritual worship. Esp. performing ablutions prior to worship of a deity. There are many ways to be purified or use of a ritual purification; depending on religion/culture. However, the simplest form is used over many cultures; even non religious peoples. For example, when a parent tells a child to wash their hands before they eat.

The water in baptism represents the cleaning away of sin. In Baptism, particularly on babies who haven't committed sin on Earth, Water is used to cleanse original sin, older people who have committed sin on Earth also have original sin washed away as well as the sins they have committed on Earth.

They use it to protect the person been baptized against evil and to spiritually cleanse them.

Catholic Answer Water is used because Our Blessed Lord commanded it, and that is the only way to have a valid baptism. It is usually blessed to dedicate it to God's use and remove any evil influences from it.

Water is used in baptism because that is how Our Blessed Lord commanded it: unless you are born of water and the Holy Spirit.... Further, because of Our Blessed Lord's command that is how the Apostles baptized, and so how the Church has always done it.