Chalice with Serpent (St. John the Evangelist) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. John the Evangelist | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | gold;green | Related Symbols: | Eagle;book |
| Symbol Variations: | Chalice with Serpent | 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: Chalice with serpent symbolizes poisoned drink rendered harmless by grace. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. John the Evangelist in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. John the Evangelist.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. John the Evangelist by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. John the Evangelist;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. John the Evangelist.
Visual Elements: chalice with serpent
Short Description: Chalice with serpent symbolizes poisoned drink rendered harmless by grace.
Full Description: Chalice with serpent symbolizes poisoned drink rendered harmless by grace. Chalice with serpent symbolizes poisoned drink rendered harmless by grace. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. John the Evangelist in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
