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Scallop Shell with Three Drops of Water - a symbol of baptism
- "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit." This symbol is also associated with the Apostle James
the Greater - whose missionary activity took him as far as Spain.
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Crossed Keys - the "keys to the kingdom" were
entrusted to St. Peter, who became the first Bishop of Rome. The
Vatican flag continues this symbolism today. "Whatever ye bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven." (Matthew 16:19) This carving
also includes the X-shaped cross of Peter's brother Andrew. Both were
martyred by crucifixion.
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Pilgrim Staff, Water Bottle, Serpent and Chalice - a lot is
going on in this carving. The staff and water bottle represent James
the Greater, who went forth to convert all nations. The Serpent and
Chalice represent a test of faith for John (James's brother - who was
given poison to drink). John was the only apostle to die of natural causes.
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Tau Cross, Rope and Carpenter's Square - The T-shaped cross,
associated with Philip's martyrdom, foreshadowed the Cross of Christ.
(Ezechiel 9:4). The carpenter's (or architect's) square is associated
with the Apostle Thomas, symbolizing the "building up of
wealth" in Heaven. A thick rope placed around his neck, Mark was
dragged to his death by an angry mob
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Flaying Knife and Fuller's Bat - Gruesome symbols of barbaric
martyrdom. The fuller's club was intended to thicken fabric. It
became the instrument of martyrdom for James the Less (first bishop
of Jerusalem). The flaying knife was used to skin the Apostle
Bartholomew (also called Nathaniel), who was then crucified for good measure.
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Knotted Club and Hatchet - again, more tools of martyrdom. The
knotted club was used to dispatch Jude (brother of James the Lesser).
The hatchet represents Matthew's martyrdom.
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Saw and Battle Axe - Simon was sawn in two. A battle axe was
part of Matthias's demise. It wasn't easy being a Christian back then. |
