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The Importance of Catholic Symbols
The content of this section
of the website
provides information on Catholic Symbols. The meanings,
origins and ancient traditions surrounding Catholic Symbols
date back to times when the majority of ordinary people were
not able to read or write and printing was unknown. When
Christian religious ceremonies were conducted entirely in
Latin. Foreign or written words were therefore inappropriate
for conveying the Christian message to the majorities.
However the Catholic Symbols which were adopted enabled
people, who adhered to the same Catholic Christian religion, could
understand the meaning of a symbol regardless of
understanding the written word or whatever country they were
in. The use of Catholic Symbols made it possible for
everyone to understand the figures and the messages which
were portrayed in Christian art or in the images and objects
included on stained glass windows or the actual architecture
of Catholic Churches.
Catholic Symbols -
Significance and Representations
Catholic Symbols use signs
and emblems to teach and present various concepts of the
Christian religion. They also add elements of mysticism to
the Catholic Christian religion. Catholic Symbols or, symbolism,
provide clear graphic illustrations which represent people,
saints and items of religious significance. Understanding
the significance of Catholic Symbols and symbolism enables
a fuller understanding of Christian Art and Architecture and
what the symbols of faith represent in the Catholic
religion.
Catholic and Christian Symbolism
in the Medieval Bestiary -
Significance and Representations
A Bestiary was a medieval
book (usually illustrated) with allegorical descriptions of
real and fabled animals. These descriptions, which included
a description of various birds and animals and even plants,
were often full of Christian and Catholic symbols and
symbolism and contained a moral or religious lesson or
allegory. Links are provided detailing the information
regarding birds and animals found in the Aberdeen Bestiary.
Catholic Symbols - Information, Meaning and
Definition
The following links provide
access to the history, facts and information with the
origins, meanings and
definitions of Catholic Symbols.
Symbolism in the Medieval
Bestiary -
Significance and Representations
The following links provide
access to the facts and information about the symbolism and
moral, religious lessons and allegories found in the
Aberdeen Bestiary:
Symbols and
Icons associated with Saint Peter ( See above Picture)
The image of the Catholic Saint Peter at the
top of the page illustrates how symbols and icons are
represented in Christian and Catholic Art. Saint Peter is
depicted holding keys, the Keys of St. Peter, a symbol and
an emblem of the Catholic Church which represents the divine
authority invested in the apostle Peter before the death of
Christ. The crossed keys symbol was formerly used as a symbol or
an emblem of the ancient Roman God Janis and the Mithraic God Zurvan
(Iranian) who were both gods of time and keepers of doorways,
and removers of obstacles. The keys were symbols of these
ancient gods and then used as an emblem for Saint Peter. This
symbolism led to the legend of Saint Peter as the bureaucratic
keeper of the "pearly gates."
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