Medieval symbolism 2

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With Seven Seals embodies the destiny of man, but nobody can read it. Symbol of knowledge, teaching, life, predestination.

Scala
It symbolizes obedience to Christ.

Scepter
Symbol of power. With the crown - the triumphant power of Christ over all the creatures.

Sun

Symbol of Christ, immortality and resurrection.

Mortar and pestle
  
These pharmaceutical instruments have been used as an emblem of two saints, Cosmas and Damian.

Chests
Three chest - a symbol of the magi who came to see the newborn baby Jesus. Represent three of their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Beehive
The symbol of eloquence.

Ear
The symbol of treachery and passion of Christ. At the same time - a symbol of birth. Early Christians believed that Jesus was conceived by the Virgin Mary, when the pigeon touched her ear. Many pictures of Madonna on her shoulder near the ear sits a dove.

Torch
Symbol of Christ's passion and betrayal, but in the scenes of Christmas can mean Christ, Light of the World.

Flag

Christian flag invented Charles Overton in 1897. Red cross means faith, love of God to man and the promise of eternal life. Blue - loyalty. White - purity, innocence and peace.

Fountain
Symbol of spiritual life and salvation. Also, one of the attributes of the Virgin Mary.

Skull

It first appeared in paintings in the IX century. Symbol of death and physical, and spiritual, as well as the vanity of all earthly things. Lying at the base of the cross means the skull of Adam, a reminder that all Adama will die, but Christ will remain alive.



Creatures and animals


Lamb (Lamb)
 
Symbol of Christ, pure victims, and simultaneously a symbol of Christianity. Lamb with the banner stands for the elevation of Christ over death, with the cross - suffering. Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes in the paintings of the Apocalypse means the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb on a hill, from which four rivers flow down - is the church over the four rivers of paradise or the four Gospels. Lamb with sheep - Christ and his disciples.

Angel

The word means "messenger" and therefore symbolizes the message of the angel of God, or his presence. Head with wings - underlines the importance of incorporeal, angelic child - "sinlessness". The figure of a man with wings - a symbol of the archangels, or St. Matthew. Sometimes nude with wings mean time. In this case, it can be hand scythe, an hourglass or a crutch, pointing to old age.

Butterfly
  XXI)
The emergence of butterflies from the dead chrysalis symbolizes the resurrection. Often portrayed in the hand of the infant Jesus.

Ox
Symbol of strength, service and patience. In the art of the Renaissance is sometimes represented by the Israeli people. The winged ox - a symbol of St. Luke, one of the apocalyptic animals.

Raven

The symbol of the devil because of the black plumage and habits to feed on carrion. But sometimes - the symbol of the solitary life of a hermit.

Dove
 
The symbol of the Holy Spirit, as well as the purity and peace. Seven pigeons around the Christ or the Virgin - the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Gryphon
 
This creature with a lion's body and eagle's wings symbolizes those who persecuted Christians. But on the other hand griffin - a symbol of the Savior.

Gus
The symbol of vigilance.

Dolphin
The most common "fish" in Christian art, the symbol of resurrection and salvation. As an excellent swimmer, may carry the souls of the dead in another world. Together with the anchor or boat means a Christian soul, that Christ leads to salvation. Sometimes the dolphin represents Christ himself, since these animals often swim, escorting ships.

Unicorn
  
A symbol of purity and innocence: a unicorn could not catch no hunter, but he went to the virgin, laid her head on her knees and fell asleep. Allegory of the Annunciation, as often depicted next to the Virgin Mary.