Tower (St. Barbara)

Tower (St. Barbara) Meaning in Catholic Tradition

Symbol Category: Saint Attribute Latin Name:
Symbol Family: saint emblem Sacrament:
Associated Saint(s): St. Barbara Design Forms: held attribute;emblem;icon detail
Associated Colors: stone;gold Related Symbols: Martyrdom;chalice
Symbol Variations: Tower 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: Tower symbolizes steadfast faith and the site of her legend. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Barbara in Catholic art.

Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Barbara.

Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Barbara by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.

Bible Reference:

Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Barbara;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. Barbara.

Visual Elements: tower

Short Description: Tower symbolizes steadfast faith and the site of her legend.

Full Description: Tower symbolizes steadfast faith and the site of her legend. Tower symbolizes steadfast faith and the site of her legend. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Barbara in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.