Christian Symbols Page 3

HIBISCUS The hibiscus signifies true feminine beauty and thus in Christian art is often used in c onjunction with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

FLUER-DE-LIS This is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. A stylized form of the lily, it conveys an impression of the Annunciation, and of purity as a virtue.

CROSSED FISH The fish used as a secret sign by early persecuted Christians. Crossed fish is also the symbol of St. Andrew, recalling his original occupation in Galilee, and his call to become a fisher of men.

CROWN OF THORNS AND NAILS This is a symbol of our Lord's passion, suffering, and humiliation. Matthew 27:29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand.

OPEN BIBLE The open Bible refers to the word of God and indicated that the Bible is accessible throughout most of the world. The knife laid across the open Bible is the symbol used to represent the apostle St. Bartholomew who is said to have been flayed alive.

SCALLOP SHELLS The scallop shell is suggestive of the water used for Christian baptism.

CROSS AND ORB The cross attached to an earth represents Christ's conquest and dominion over the world and its sin.

HOLLY The rich green leaves and bright red berries of the holly shrub are associated with Christmas.

CROSS & FLAME The Cross & Flame is the official symbol of The United Methodist Church.

BELL The bell needlepoint kneeling cushion is the oldest symbol of our heritage at Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church. It is mounted in a special tower at the southeast corner of our Sanctuary. It's original use was on an "old iron horse" coal and wood-burning locomotive. We obtained the bell in the 1800's and it hung in the belfry of our first Church building in 1903. This building was destroyed by the hurricane of 1926 but the bell remained unharmed. At this time it was given to another Methodist Church in the area but it was returned to us 48 years later.

PALM BRANCHES AND CROSS The last symbol in our needlepoint collection is of palm branches and a cross. The palm denotes victory and heavenly reward. With a cross its meaning is victory through Christian living. No photograph is available at this time.

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