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