Lily (St. Gabriel) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Gabriel | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | white | Related Symbols: | Trumpet;scroll |
| Symbol Variations: | Lily | Symbol Pairings: | Halo;Book |
| Historical Period: | Patristic Era;Medieval;Modern Catholic Century | Geographic Origin: | Universal Church |
| Associated Orders: | Associated Devotions: | saints devotion | |
| Architectural Use: | Vestment Use: | ||
| Primary Tradition: | Roman Catholic;Eastern Catholic | Symbol Type: | Saint Symbol |
Symbol Meaning: Lily signifies purity in Annunciation imagery. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Gabriel in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Gabriel.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Gabriel by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Gabriel;saints art
Liturgical Season: Any season
Use in Church Art: Common in icons, statues, stained glass, holy cards, and feast-day materials connected to St. Gabriel.
Visual Elements: lily
Short Description: Lily signifies purity in Annunciation imagery.
Full Description: Lily signifies purity in Annunciation imagery. Lily signifies purity in Annunciation imagery. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Gabriel in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
