Christian symbols, pagan roots
A photographic exploration of pagan influences in the iconography of Montreal’s Catholic Churches
Christian iconography is fused with religious devotion, becoming synonymous with the faith itself.
But how and from where have these symbols originated? Many symbols, such as the Ichthys and the Latin cross, have come to symbolize Christianity over the centuries. However, many of these symbols—derived from existing cultures and pagan religions—were incorporated into Christianity as it spread worldwide. Dubbed “syncretism,” this phenomenon is present in the iconography of Catholic churches across Montreal.
Cherubs
The Notre-Dame Basilica hosts this painting of Mary and Jesus surrounded by cherubs, or cherubim, a type of Christian angel. Existing also in Islamic and Jewish literature, cherubs were likely inspired by Ancient Roman illustrations of Cupid, or the Ancient Greek God of love, Eros.
The Sun
The sun is a prominent icon across religions, symbolizing light and purity. The ceiling of the pulpit in the Notre-Dame Basilica features radiating golden beams around the Hebrew name of God. These radiating beams may have been influenced by pagan depictions of the Roman God Sol, who had beams of light emanating from his head, similar to the Christian halo.
Shamrocks
The Shamrock motif is found across Irish traditions and decorates Saint Patrick’s Basilica. It is said that St. Patrick arrived in Ireland and used the three leaves of the shamrock to teach the Irish people about the Holy Trinity. However, the symbol was used long before his arrival as the pagan Celts were strong believers in the power of the number three, making the plant sacred.
Lambs
The Lamb of Christ, found on an altar at Saint Patrick’s Basilica, represents Jesus’s devotion to guiding and leading the Christian people to salvation. In Ancient Greek and Roman pagan traditions, the lamb was associated with both the deity Apollo and the mortal Orpheus, who were often depicted carrying or leading a lamb.
Grapes
The grapevine and cluster are incorporated into the painted and sculptural decoration of an altar in Saint Patrick’s Basilica, as it is an important plant symbolizing the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. Wine was also a major aspect of Ancient Greek and Roman life, and was instrumental in worshipping Dionysus, the Greek God of wine.
This article originally appeared in Volume 45, Issue 8, published January 28, 2025.