What does IHS mean?

Like JMJ this is shorthand, in this case for the Holy Name of Jesus. In Greek the letter we represent as “e” is not the short “e” of Greek or English, but the “h” (eta), a longer “e” sound. Thus, IHS represents the first three letters of Jesus. This will often be seen in art, on vestments and in other sacred uses. A feast day in honor of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 3rd.