|
Christian Symbolism
The definition and the meaning of Symbols or Icon in early religious art forms. A Catholic sign or icon, such as the
Unicorn 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 Unicorn 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. It
was in reality a two-horned animal; but the exact reference
of the word so rendered (reem) is doubtful. Some have
supposed it to be the buffalo; others, the white antelope,
called by the Arabs rim. Most probably, however, the word
denotes the Bos primigenius ("primitive ox"), which is now
extinct all over the world. This was the auerochs of the
Germans, and the urus described by Caesar (Gal. Bel., vi.28)
as inhabiting the Hercynian forest.
The Definition and Meaning of the Unicorn as
a 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
Unicorn? The Unicorn is an imaginary creature represented as
a white horse with a long horn growing from its forehead.
The unicorn mentioned in the Scripture was probably the urus
which was the Hebrew name of a horned wild animal, the Urus.
In King James's Version it is called unicorn; in the Revised
Version, wild ox. The Unicorn Christian Symbol represents of
purity and of feminine chastity. The unicorn is therefore
often used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The mythical
unicorn liked living in solitude and is therefore also
associated with life in a monastery and with hermits.
Reference to the Unicorn Christian Symbol in
the Bible
The Easton Bible Dictionary
provides the following definition, meaning and emblem for
the Unicorn Christian Symbol in the Bible.
Described as an animal of great
ferocity and strength (Num. 23:22, R.V., "wild ox," marg.,
"ox-antelope;" 24:8; Isa. 34:7, R.V., "wild oxen"), and
untamable (Job 39:9).
Found in an Assyrian inscription
written over the wild ox or bison, which some also suppose
to be the animal intended (comp. Deut. 33:17; Ps. 22:21;
29:6; 92:10).
|
