Objects as Symbols in Religious Art

An apple in a woman’s hand, for example, will easily identify the woman as Eve. Without writing a word, the symbol reminds us of the Genesis story that explains how humans lived in paradise, sinned and lost paradise, and needed Jesus to bring them salvation so they might enter paradise again.

A key, easily identifies a male image as Saint Peter. Maybe it’s because I grew up at Saint Peter in Chains Catholic Church, but the words “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18) come as easily to my memory as my name. “Church” doesn’t just mean a building. In its truest sense, the Church is people. It was up to Peter to teach and remind the people of all that Jesus taught and did; that is, to open up the faith to them. A key on a holy card may also symbolize spiritual powers, confession and absolution. The book is the knowledge of Jesus Peter holds.

A flame can represent the Holy Spirit. In images of the Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to Mary and the Apostles in the Upper Room, the Holy Spirit was described as “tongues of fire” according to the Bible (Acts 2:3) that hover over each of them. The Holy Spirit is more commonly symbolized as a dove, and a flame used as a sign of fierce devotion and love of God. A flame near the head of a person indicates Divine Inspiration in their work.

A shell symbolizes a pilgrim because shells were used to hold food and water when necessary while traveling.

A basket represents charity towards the poor.

An ark represents the Church, the vessel or “way” believers need to travel to heaven.

An ark and rainbow symbolize Noah and the covenant God made with him.

A palm is an ancient sign of victory. Palms were also used as instruments of torture and indicate martyrdom.

A skull symbolizes a hermit because hermits contemplate human mortality.

Other symbolic objects Catholics in particular may be familiar with are the weapons used to torture or kill the martyrs.

Arrows—Saint Sebastian was shot with arrows. When he didn’t die, the Romans bludgeoned him to death.

Gridiron—Saint Lawrence was burned to death on a gridiron over a hot fire.

Up-side-down Cross (usually shown with crossed keys)—Saint Peter was crucified in the head-down position because he said he wasn’t worthy to be sacrificed as Jesus had been.

Purses and battle ax—Saint Matthew, a tax collector (purses of money) turned Apostle, was beheaded.

On Thursday we’ll talk about my favorite set of symbols–numbers. I hope you drop by.

God bless.