Medieval Knights were always on a quest for noble symbols to decorate their coats of arms. The majestic stag became a popular image because its antlers reminded them of the Tree of Life from Eden. The animal was also a Christ figure since it shed the antlers yearly to grow new stronger ones; a Resurrection metaphor. Added to that, it was a well known enemy and destroyer of the snake, a natural in the type casting of the era. (Image from Our Christian Symbols, a PowerPoint presentation.)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Stag as a Symbol
Medieval Knights were always on a quest for noble symbols to decorate their coats of arms. The majestic stag became a popular image because its antlers reminded them of the Tree of Life from Eden. The animal was also a Christ figure since it shed the antlers yearly to grow new stronger ones; a Resurrection metaphor. Added to that, it was a well known enemy and destroyer of the snake, a natural in the type casting of the era. (Image from Our Christian Symbols, a PowerPoint presentation.)
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