Saint Barbara fleeing from her Father (detail)
1 2016-04-19T14:50:40-07:00 Joseph Eilbert 852d338b9225be1f80a6a154c936576064be93fa 8532 1 Peter Paul Rubens, ca. 1620 plain 2016-04-19T14:50:40-07:00 Joseph Eilbert 852d338b9225be1f80a6a154c936576064be93faThis page is referenced by:
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Saint Barbara: Symbols
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Explore the rich symbolism associated with Saint Barbara
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The Tower: the three windowed tower, often in miniature and held in the hand, is a reference to Saint Barbara's legend and a symbol of the Holy Trinity. A symbol frequently associated with military engineering emblems.
The Cannon: a modern symbol of Saint Barbara, a reference to her role as patron of artillerymen and a symbol frequently associated with artillery units' emblems
The Peacock Feather: a traditional Christian symbol of immortality due to the belief that peacock flesh does not decay. The peacock feather is frequently associated with Saint Barbara in reference to her home city of Heliopolis. Heliopolis was known as the city of the phoenix, for which the peacock was often substituted.
The Palm: a Christian symbol of martyrdom, in reference to Jesus's entry into Jerusalem.
The Crown: an early Christian symbol of immortality and martyrdom, in reference to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
The Chalice: symbol of the Sacrament, often associated with Saint Barbara in reference to her final wish for the grace of Sacrament. Saint Barbara is the only female saint to be depicted with the communion chalice and wafer.
