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