Symbols of Christian Art in the Middle Ages

Essay text:

The following are examples of symbolic colors and their meanings: * Black: symbolic of death or loss * Blue: the color of the sky, is symbolic of heaven, may also be used to symbolize truth * Brown: symbolic of spiritual death and degradation * Green: the color of plant life, used to represent the triumph of life over death * Purple: symbolic of penitence and mourning, is also the color of royalty * Red: the color of blood, symbolic of passion * White or silver: symbolic of purity, innocence and holiness * Yellow: symbolic of divinity, may also be used to symbolize corruption and degradation The following are examples of symbolic animals and their meanings: *Butterfly: symbolic of the Resurrection * Cat: symbolic of lust and laziness * Dove: symbolic of the Holy Spirit, also purity and peace * Fish: symbolic of Jesus * Lion: symbolic of Jesus * Ox: symbolic of strength, service and patience * Peacock: symbolic of immortality, resurrection * Stag or deer: symbolic of piety or devotion *Unicorn: symbolic of purity and of feminine chastity The following are examples of symbolic plants and their meanings: * Acacia: symbolic of the soul's immortality * Bramble: symbolic of the purity of the Virgin Mary * Carnation: a red carnation symbolizes love, pink is a symbol of marriage * Clover: symbolic of the Trinity * Elm: symbolic of dignity and faithfulness...