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