The Dolphin

This intelligent and friendly animal was an important symbol of redemption in the myths of many cultures that lived by the sea. The dolphin was believed to carry the souls of the dead to their final rest. Early Christians often took the opportunity to illustrate their message with popular stories of their era, so they adopted the dolphin legend as a symbol of Christ’s redemptive work. (Image from the PowerPoint, Symbols of a Faith)

The Griffin

 The Griffin (also Gryphon) is a fantastic composite animal of ancient myth and another of many familiar story creatures adapted by the medieval Christians as reminders of the various aspects of their faith. The Griffin, a very popular symbol in heraldry, reminded them of the dual nature of Christ. The earth-bound lion represented the human nature and the flying eagle was the divine nature.(Image from the Powerpoint, Symbols of a Faith)

Gifts of the Spirit

There is always debate as to how many Gifts of the Holy Spirit the Apostle Paul lists, since he addresses the subject several times. The circle of seven doves around the center cross have been a symbolic reminder of the gifts since the Middle Ages, numbering the gifts as seven: wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, knowledge, faithfulness and respect for God. The dove has been a symbol of the Holy Spirit since the gospel visions of its descent during the Baptism of Jesus. The circle, another divine symbol, is probably the oldest symbol of the never ending and without beginning attribute of God. (Image from PowerPoint, Symbols of a Faith)

The Rooster

Of the many animal Christian Symbols, the rooster has two notable meanings. In an old Christmas legend, it is said that the only time a rooster ever crowed at midnight was the night Jesus was born. In a story in the Gospels, Jesus mentions the bird when he tells Peter that the intensely loyal disciple will deny knowing him three times before the rooster crows at dawn. Of course, Jesus' prophecy comes true later that same evening. The Rooster is therefore an important symbol of St. Peter and a reminder to all about being careful about what we promise. (Image from the PowerPoint, Symbols of a Faith)

Easter Bunny Origins

The Easter Bunny, like so many other Easter time symbols, has nothing to do with the story of the resurrection of Christ, but has its origins in the prolific litters of newborn rabbits celebrated in the springtime festivals of many religions. Joining with the egg as a fertility symbol, the bunny finally achieved its modern definition in the U.S. late in the nineteenth century, marketed by candy companies and greeting card merchants as both a deliverer and layer of brightly colored eggs. In Christian traditions, the colorful eggs were a special treat offered to all after the forty day fast of the Season of Lent, during which the consumption of eggs was forbidden. Not to be upstaged by this Roman Catholic tradition, German Protestants also celebrated the springtime custom of gathering and dying eggs which were arranged in elaborate handmade nests that later translated to Easter baskets. The Bunny version of Santa Claus, delivering decorated eggs as gifts to deserving girls and boys, was the final bonus. (Image from The Story and Legends of Easter; a PowerPoint presentation)