Strange Bird Symbol

You will have to look very carefully to see this symbol. It is on a tile on the floor of the chancel. Most likely you've walked over it when you attend communion. It is a stylized depiction of a pelican parents and their young in their nest. The pelican is a symbol of the Atonement. The symbol of the pelican, unlike many early Christian symbols, is almost exclusively Christian. The symbol came about as the bird was observed by ancient naturalists. When viewing the pelican, they noticed it had a red tip on its long bill. When the pelican started to prune its feathers, it appeared to be ripping open its breast so as to feed its young with its own blood. The pelican story was a perfect symbol for the Atonement, where Jesus allowed Himself to be pierced so that we may live. The pelican was a very popular symbol during the Middle Ages. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.