Birds are used as Christian symbols

Birds are used as Christian symbols. In a previous "Did you know?" we mentioned the use of the pelican in Christian art. In general, birds have long symbolized the ascent of the soul to God above material things. Some birds are used as examples of specific virtues or attributes of the Christian soul (or their opposite: vices), while others represent Our Mr.e (i.e. the pelican), Our Lady and saints.

Birds are used as Christian symbols - what are they?

Birds are used as Christian symbols - what are they? There is a legend that the robin he received his red breast as a reward for protecting the baby Jesus from the sparks of a fire, which he took on his chest, while the Holy Family rested during the flight to Egypt. Peacock it is used to symbolize immortality - this from an ancient legendary belief that the peacock's flesh did not decompose. The Roman Catacomb of San Callisto contains a vault, in which Mass could be celebrated, with representations of the peacock decorating it. The thought of spiritual immortality would have been a great consolation for Catholics during the first persecutions.

The blackbird represents the darkness of sin (black feathers) and the temptations of the flesh (its beautiful song). Once, while St. Benedict was praying, the devil tried to distract him, appearing as a blackbird. St. Benedict, however, was not deceived and sent him on his way with the sign of the cross. The Dove it is well known as the symbol of the Holy Spirit, as well as representing peace and purity. It is also used in connection with St. Benedict, St. Scholastica and St. Gregory the Great.

The meanings

The eagle, like the phoenix (which also stands for faith and constancy), it is a symbol of the Resurrection based on an ancient belief that the eagle renews its youth and plumage by flying close to the sun and then diving into the water. (See Psalm 102: 5). Since St. John the Evangelist begins his Gospel by hovering towards the Divinity of Our Lord, the eagle, which flies higher than the other birds, also represents him. (See Ezek. 1: 5-10; Rev. 4: 7) The Phoenix rising from the ashes: detail from the Aberdeen Bestiary

The falcon it has two different uses in art. The wild hawk symbolizes evil thoughts or actions, while the house hawk represents the gentile convert to Catholicism. In the latter sense, it is often shown in the images of the Three Magi. The goldfinch it often appears in images of the Child Jesus. Due to this bird's predilection for thistles and thorns, it has come to represent the Passion of Our Lord. When depicted with Our Lord as a child, the goldfinch associates the Incarnation with the Passion. Saint Peter it is easily identifiable if portrayed with a rooster; but, especially in Maronite art, the rooster is the symbol of the awakening of the soul and of the response to God's grace.

Other meanings

The goose represents providence and vigilance. It is sometimes used in images of Saint Martin of Tours, because one of them showed the people of Tours where he was hiding when they wanted to appoint him bishop. The lark it is a symbol of the humility of the priesthood, because this bird flies high and sings only when it is in flight to Heaven. The owl, in a sense, it represents Satan, the Prince of Darkness; and in another sense, it is an attribute of Our Lord, who came to "give light to those who sit in darkness ..." (Luke 1: 79).

Also the partridge has two meanings. One is for the Church and the truth; but more commonly it represents deception, theft and the devil. The Raven, due to its dark plumage, rough cry and supposed tastes, it sometimes represents the devil; but God seems to have a fondness for them. One was sent to guard the body of San Vincenzo Ferrer; and it is known that the crows fed at least three different saints (San Benedetto, Sant'Antonio Abate and San Paolo the Hermit) while they were in the desert. For this reason, the crow also represents loneliness

Il sparrow, considered the humblest of birds, he represents the last among people. The swallow represents the Incarnation. The stork it is a symbol of prudence, vigilance, piety and chastity. It is also associated with the Incarnation; since, as the stork announces the arrival of spring, the Annunciation spoke of the coming of Our Lord. The woodpecker usually symbolizes the devil, or heresy, who undermines faith and leads man to destruction.