Heart and Dart (St. Teresa of Ávila) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Teresa of Ávila | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | red;gold | Related Symbols: | Book;cross |
| Symbol Variations: | Heart and Dart | 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: Heart pierced by dart symbolizes transverberation and divine love. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Teresa of Ávila in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Teresa of Ávila.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Teresa of Ávila by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Teresa of Ávila;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. Teresa of Ávila.
Visual Elements: heart and dart
Short Description: Heart pierced by dart symbolizes transverberation and divine love.
Full Description: Heart pierced by dart symbolizes transverberation and divine love. Heart pierced by dart symbolizes transverberation and divine love. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Teresa of Ávila in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
