II. The Cross.—The universal emblem of Christianity, showing the length, breadth, depth, and height of the Love of God in Christ.
As decoration, the Latin form ✝ should only be used for Penitential occasions, being the symbol of suffering and of the Passion. The Greek 🞣 or equilateral, the foundation of all the more decorative ones, is suitable for all times and seasons except Christmas and Epiphany.
The Gammadion, Fylfot, Swarstika, or (in heraldry) the Cross Potent rebated—a prehistoric cross found all over the world—is suitable for all seasons, and was the one most generally used in ancient Church embroidery.
III. The Glory, Nimbus and Aureole, in the East, an attribute of power; in the West, of Divinity or of consecration.
IV. The Lamb.—An early symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for sin. With the standard ‘Agnus Dei,’ signifies the Risen Lord.
As an attribute (1) of St. John the Baptist, in reference to his words ‘Behold,’ &c.; (2) of St. Agnes = Innocence and Purity, and for her name.
V. The Pelican ‘in her piety,’ a symbol (1) of Christ giving Life by His sufferings; (2) of the Blessed Sacrament.
VI. The Lion = Strength, Fortitude, Solitude, as an attribute of Martyrs, signifies the mode of their death; of St. Mark as Evangelist, because he depicts Christ as the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah.’
VII. The Hart or Hind = Solitude, Purity, Religious Aspiration, ‘Like as the Hart desireth,’ &c.: Ps. 42.
VIII. The Crown = Symbol of Victory. Female saints generally depicted wearing the crown, male saints hold it in their hands or have it at their feet, or angels bear it above. Symbol of Martyrdom, attribute of Royalty.