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Glossaries

Term Definition
palm branch

Peneleh Surabaya palm branchAn attribute of the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, the palm branch symbolizes victory over death.

In ancient times, the palm branch was given to athletes as a sign of victory. The Christians took it as a sign for those who had died, especially the martyrs. In Christian art, the palm branch was a symbol of the victory over death through and in Christ. In Catholic liturgy, the palm branch refers to the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. A dove with a palm branch refers to peace.

Synonyms - palmtak
palm tree

The Judeo-Christian symbolism of the palm goes back to Psalm 92 verse 12 (KJ): 'The righteous will grow like a palm tree'. The palm tree refers to paradise.

Synonyms - palmboom
passiflora

Passiflora, also passion flower. Reference to the crucifixion of Christ. The three stamps symbolize the nails of the cross, the tricolor wreath around the pollinator symbolizes the crown of thorns and the stemmed ovary is the symbol of the chalice of the Lord.

Synonyms - passiebloem,passion flower
pax

Latin for peace. Symbol for Christ who brought peace to the earth.

peacock

Because of the ancient belief that this bird's flesh never decayed, the peacock became a Christian symbol of immortality and of Christ's resurrection. Two peacocks drinking from one cup refer to the spiritual rebirth.

Synonyms - pauw
pelican

The motif of the pelican piercing its breast to feed its young with its blood became the symbol of Christ's self-sacrifice on the cross. The pelican also symbolizes the Resurrection, because, according to legend, she crushed her young out of love and then brought it back to life with her own blood.

Synonyms - pelikaan
phoenix

This mythical bird lived to be very old, some say five hundred years, and eventually burned itself on an altar. A new young Phoenix arose from the ashes. The early Christians adopted the phoenix as a symbol of Christ's resurrection. In the European Middle Ages, it was commonly associated with the Crucifixion.

Synonyms - feniks
pine cone

Symbol of immortality.

Synonyms - pijnappel
pitcher

Jewish symbolism. A pitcher, or a water jug and washing bowl, signifies a Levite — in ancient days, members of the tribe of Levi were responsible for cleaning the hands of the Temple priest.

Synonyms - kan en schaal
poppy

Flatbush Brooklyn poppyPapaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is the symbol of the Greek god Hypnos, the god of sleep, and of his son Morpheus, the god of dreams. Hypnos is the twin brother of Thanatos, the god of death.

Synonyms - slaapbol,bolpapaver,papaver