The MDiv story

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Now If only I could figure out what that peacock is all about. This one was in front of St. Thomas' tomb

Jesus and the peacock's at St. Thomas

Mary, always there to inculturate

St. Thomas Church

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Peacock: As a symbol of immortality (even St. Augustine believed the peackock's flesh to have "antiseptic qualities" and that it didn't corrupt), the peacock became a symbol of Christ and the Resurrection. Its image embellished everything from the Catacombs to everyday objects, like lamps, especially in early Romanesque and Byzantine churches. (The peacock, for obvious reasons, was also used as a symbol for pride, too); 2:41 AM
Unknown said...: Peacock: As a symbol of immortality (even St. Augustine believed the peackock's flesh to have "antiseptic qualities" and that it didn't corrupt), the peacock became a symbol of Christ and the Resurrection. Its image embellished everything from the Catacombs to everyday objects, like lamps, especially in early Romanesque and Byzantine churches. (The peacock, for obvious reasons, was also used as a symbol for pride, too); 2:47 AM
Unknown said...: Early believers used a far wider variety of symbols to celebrate and share their faith. They appropriated (in much the same Christians appropriated the festival of Oestre) symbols from other religions and traditions. The symbols were adopted and adapted to convey a new meaning. Many of their symbols focussed on the Risen Christ:Early Christians (prior to 313AD) used a number of symbols including:
Peacock: Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality. This came from an ancient legend that the flesh of the peacock did not decay. It is also associated with the resurrection of Christ because it sheds it old feathers every year and grows, newer, brighter ones each year. If the peacock is portrayed drinking from a vase it symbolizes a christian drinking the waters of eternal life. In addition the ” multitude of eyes” upon its stunningly beautiful fan tail, suggested the all seeing eye of God.; 2:47 AM

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