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The Definition and Meaning of the Stork as
a Catholic Christian Symbol
Catholic Christian symbolism in art provides a clear graphic illustration which
represents people or items of religious significance. What is the definition and the meaning of the
Stork? The stork is one of several species of large wading
birds of the family Ciconid, having long legs and a long,
pointed bill. The word 'stork' derives from the Heb. hasidah,
meaning "kindness," indicating thus the character of the
bird, which is noted for its affection for its young.
Storks are harbingers of spring and
enemies of snakes. The Stork Christian Symbol represents
holiness and vigilance and is symbolic of the Annunciation
to Mary that she would bear the Christ child.
Reference to the Stork Christian Symbol in
the Bible
The Easton Bible Dictionary
provides the following definition, meaning and emblem for
the Stork Christian Symbol in the Bible.
It is like the crane, but larger in
size. Two species are found in Palestine, the white, which
are dispersed in pairs over the whole country; and the
black, which live in marshy places and in great flocks. They
migrate to Palestine periodically (about the 22nd of March).
Jeremiah alludes to this (Jer. 8:7). At the appointed time
they return with unerring sagacity to their old haunts, and
re-occupy their old nests.
In Job 39:13 (A.V.), instead of the expression "or wings and
feathers unto the ostrich" (marg., "the feathers of the
stork and ostrich"), the Revised Version has "are her
pinions and feathers kindly" (marg., instead of "kindly,"
reads "like the stork's"). The object of this somewhat
obscure verse seems to be to point out a contrast between
the stork, as distinguished for her affection for her young,
and the ostrich, as distinguished for her indifference.
Zechariah (5:9) alludes to the beauty and power of the
stork's wings.
It is in the list of birds forbidden
to be eaten by the Levitical law (Lev. 11:19; Deut. 14:18).
Christian Symbolism
The definition and the meaning of Symbols or Icon in early religious art forms. A Catholic sign or icon, such as the
Stork Christian Symbol, is an object, character, figure, or color used to
represent abstract ideas or concepts - a picture that
represents an idea. A religious icon, such as the Stork Christian Symbol, is
an image or symbolic representation with sacred
significance. The meanings, origins and ancient traditions
surrounding Christian symbols date back to early times when the
majority of ordinary people were not able to read or write
and printing was unknown. Many were 'borrowed' or drawn from early pre-Christian traditions.
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