Book and Child (St. Anthony of Padua) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Anthony of Padua | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | brown;gold | Related Symbols: | Lily;bread |
| Symbol Variations: | Book and Child | 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: Book and Child Jesus signify preaching and intimacy with Christ. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Anthony of Padua in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Anthony of Padua.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Anthony of Padua by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Anthony of Padua;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. Anthony of Padua.
Visual Elements: book and child
Short Description: Book and Child Jesus signify preaching and intimacy with Christ.
Full Description: Book and Child Jesus signify preaching and intimacy with Christ. Book and Child Jesus signify preaching and intimacy with Christ. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Anthony of Padua in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
