Lions, Lilies and Mousetraps

Since the beginning of Christianity, symbols and metaphors have been broadly used and understood by believers. Throughout the Middle Ages, everyday objects were interpreted in religious terms. A cluster of grapes could stand for the Eucharistic wine and the blood of Jesus; the cross or almost anything cruciform could symbolize the Crucifixion of Christ and the promise of salvation; palm branches symbolized martyrdom; a dove, the Holy Spirit.