Can you explain the significance of the symbol of the cross with lines around it in religious iconography?

The symbol of the cross with lines around it, known as a nimbus or halo, is commonly used in religious iconography to represent holiness, divinity, and spiritual enlightenment. It is often depicted around the heads of saints, angels, and other revered figures in Christian art to signify their elevated status and connection to the divine. The halo serves as a visual reminder of the presence of God's grace and light shining through these sacred beings.