Crossed Keys and Sword (Sts. Peter and Paul) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | Sts. Peter and Paul | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | gold;silver | Related Symbols: | Peter and Paul |
| Symbol Variations: | Crossed Keys and Sword | 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: Combined symbols show apostolic unity and complementary witness. It serves as an identifying attribute for Sts. Peter and Paul in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by Sts. Peter and Paul.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify Sts. Peter and Paul by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul;saints art
Liturgical Season: Any season
Use in Church Art: Common in icons, statues, stained glass, holy cards, and feast-day materials connected to Sts. Peter and Paul.
Visual Elements: keys and sword
Short Description: Combined symbols show apostolic unity and complementary witness.
Full Description: Combined symbols show apostolic unity and complementary witness. Combined symbols show apostolic unity and complementary witness. It serves as an identifying attribute for Sts. Peter and Paul in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
