Pelican and Phoenix: The Symbols of Sacrifice and Resurrection in the Middle Ages
These symbols, often in the form of animals, not only helped to understand Christian faith but trained an illiterate population through image and allegory.
Among the most well -known and used symbols are Pelican and Phoenix.
Bestiaries, medieval illustrated texts, combined natural descriptions of animal interpretations, offering important lessons about faith. The animals were depicted with specific moral values, pointing out Christian concepts such as sacrifice, resurrection and eternal life.
Pelican and Phoenix, two of these most characteristic animals, incorporated theological truths in a way that everyone could understand.
The pelican: a symbol of sacrifice and resurrection
The pelican (Pelecanus Onocrotalus) is one of the most ancient Christian symbols.
The legend says that the pelican, when his little ones were in danger, killed them with his beak, to offer his blood and resurrect them after three days. This myth was linked to the sacrifice of Christ, who offered his body and blood for the salvation of the faithful.
This connection has also been highlighted in various theological texts, such as in the interpretations of St. Augustine and St. Isidore of Seville, who linked the sacrifice of Pelican to Christ’s offer to Thanksgiving.
The image of the pelican, with his blood resurrecting his little ones, became a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, demonstrating the deep faith of people in redemption through the body and blood of Christ.
The Phoenix: Symbol of Resurrection and Eternal Life
Phoenix was also an important symbol of medieval Christian art, which represented Christ’s resurrection and victory over death.
According to legend, Phoenix was reborn from his ashes after his death, an act paralleled with the Resurrection of Christ.
In the book of Job from the Bible, Job states that « like Phoenix I will multiply my days », which was interpreted as a prophecy of eternal life and regeneration through faith.
The image of the palm tree as a symbol of eternal life was expressed through its intense colors, especially the red and gold, which indicated the bright and purifying light of the Divine Resurrection.
In medieval iconography, Phoenix often appears to be surrounded by flames, representing the Renaissance through the fire, in a reference to the divine power that overcomes death.
Medieval Vearments and iconography
The palm tree and the pelican were integrated into medieval bestiaries, such as Aberdeen Bestiary and Bern’s Physiologus.
In the iconography of these texts, the pelican is depicted of offering his blood to save his little ones, while Phoenix symbolizes the Renaissance and immortality. The artistic representation of these animals was not only decorative, but also pedagogical, enhancing Christian teaching through their symbols.
Pelican and Phoenix in Eucharist Art
These symbols of sacrifice and resurrection appear in a multitude of religious works of art, such as mosaics and thanksgiving objects.
In the Church of the Divine Savior in Seville and the Church of Cartuja de Miraflores in Burgos, these works incorporate Pelican and Phoenix, enhancing the connection between these animals and the Divine Thanksgiving.
In particular, Pelican’s presence on altars and crosses emphasizes Christ’s contribution, while Phoenix in stained glass and sculptures symbolizes the eternal life that the Resurrection promises.
The eternal connection of animals to Christian faith
Over the centuries, the symbols of the pelican and the palm tree have been much more than simple images of animals.
They were born and cultivated as symbols of sacrifice, redemption, and resurrection, which are central themes of Christian teaching.
Their iconography and their presence in sacred arts continue to confirm their theological significance, offering the faithful an experiential and visionary understanding of faith and divine presence.
