Children in Barrel (St. Nicholas) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Nicholas | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | brown | Related Symbols: | Bags of gold |
| Symbol Variations: | Children in Barrel | 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: Children symbolize protection of the young and miraculous rescue. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Nicholas in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Nicholas.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Nicholas by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Nicholas;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. Nicholas.
Visual Elements: barrel with children
Short Description: Children symbolize protection of the young and miraculous rescue.
Full Description: Children symbolize protection of the young and miraculous rescue. Children symbolize protection of the young and miraculous rescue. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Nicholas in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
