Early Christian Symbolism: Part II
By Mary McCall
Let me begin by announcing this is a Purple Post. Amanda Kelsey did such a beautiful job with the heather-covered field on my cover that I’ve decided to declare November Purple Month. On any blog post I do this month that you respond to, leave your e-mail. I’ll be doing a drawing for a .pdf copy of Highland Treasure for each blog three days after it’s posted. In addition, I’ll save all the names and on December 3rd, I’ll do a drawing for a gift basket. I’m not very good at doing like the Romans. There’s no getting used to the time change here and my internet time is limited, but I will get back to make replies.

The earliest literary reference to the fish as Christian symbol was made by Clement of Alexandria, who advised Christians to use a dove or fish as their seal. Tertullian wrote (in "De Baptismo") "But we, being little fishes, as Jesus Christ is our great Fish, begin our life in the water, and only while we abide in the water are we safe and sound." Also used as a Christian symbol was the dolphin, most often as a symbol of the Christian himself rather than Christ, though the dolphin was also used as a representation of Christ -- most often in combination with the anchor symbol ("Christ on the Cross"). During the reign of Diocletian, a common form of persecution/death for martyrs was to have an anchor wrapped around their neck and then toss them in a lake. In the catacombs, the final resting places of martyrs are marked with the method of death. It is common to see anchors, flames, axes, crosses, etc. carved into the stone.

Dove: symbol of the Holy Ghost and used especially in representations of our Lord's Baptism and the Pentecost. It also symbolizes the release of the soul in death, and is used to recall Noe's dove, a harbinger of hope.





Apocalypse 4:2-3:
And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold there was a throne set in heaven, and upon the throne one sitting. And he that sat, was to the sight like the jasper and the sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
We’ll look at more next time and eventually get into how some of these symbols led to development of heraldry. Until next time, happy reading and writing!
Mary
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Can the Highlands survive a gifted soul with a tendency toward mischief?
Leonce MacPherson became chieftain after an unknown Norman slaughtered his father and clansmen. For two years he’s raided Northumbria seeking vengeance while a dream woman promises the return of his great sword, stolen in the massacre.
After escaping an abusive father, Lady Hope Nevilles, unknowingly the Gifted MacKay of her generation, has lived with animals for friends in wild Northumbria. She longs to flee to her mother’s native Highlands and find a place away from capture and torture.
When her father steals Leonce’s son, Hope takes that as a sign to journey to the Highlands. She returns the boy and the great sword to Leonce, who recognizes her as his dream siren. When he tricks her into marriage, will she keep her vow to kill herself rather than submit to any man? Can she learn to trust as her father's sin haunt her future? When she learns the truth of her ancestry and gifted spirit from a clan enemy, will Leonce accept the news, or will distrust and jealousy doom their fragile union?
You can visit Mary at www.marymccall.net or http://marymccall.wordpress.com/
6 comments:
Hi Mary and Eliza :-)
More goodies to add to my notes.
I feel like I'm taking a mini-class!
hope you're having a good time on your vacation. How wonderful to be able to visit the seat of the Vatican.
Thanks for the contest. Please enter me in it-- my address is rebelatheart@bellsouth.net
Julie
Hi Mary,
This was a very interesting post. The Pelican and the rainbow were new to me and I found that very interesting to read.I already have an autographed copy of Highland Treasure and absolutely loved Leonce and Hope.:)But I'd love to be put in for the basket :)
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
Wonderful post, Mary. I was familiar with all of the symbols you mentioned except for the peacock. Fascinating! Highland Treasure sounds delightful. I know it's going to be a MUST READ. All the best to you and safe travels!
Hi Mary! What a wonderful post!!! You do learn something new every day! There were a few of the symbols that I had never seen before!! Highland Treasure sounds like a wonderful read!! Best of luck!!
Andrea
Thank you for another interesting post on symbols. Now I know what my peacocks represent, among other things.
HIGHLAND TREASURE sounds like a book that I will really enjoy. I seek out books set in the Highlands. The clan clashes wounded many people's souls as well as their bodies. Lady Hope is someone I can relate to.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
I have to admit, I'd never heard of the Dolphin, Peacock or Pelican symbols..fascinating insight!
Thanks for explaining all the symbols.
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