Lance (St. Thomas the Apostle) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Thomas the Apostle | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | silver | Related Symbols: | Builder’s square |
| Symbol Variations: | Lance | Symbol Pairings: | Palm of Martyrdom;Halo |
| 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: Lance signifies missionary witness and martyrdom. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Thomas the Apostle in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Thomas the Apostle.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Thomas the Apostle by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle;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. Thomas the Apostle.
Visual Elements: lance
Short Description: Lance signifies missionary witness and martyrdom.
Full Description: Lance signifies missionary witness and martyrdom. Lance signifies missionary witness and martyrdom. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Thomas the Apostle in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
