SaintsforSinners.com

The Phoenix's story took place long ago. The Phoenix was first known as a figure in Egyptian Mythology. It was a bird that lived in the desert for 500 years and ultimately consumed itself in fire, and then triumphantly rose again through its own ashes. It was believed that only one Phoenix existed at a time and was a symbol of Immortality. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament birds like the Phoenix are often perceived to be symbols of the Church and of life everlasting. While the Phoenix represented rebirth, the Dove became known as a symbol of purity (unless it was holding an olive branch in its mouth; it was then a representation of the Flood), the Peacock represented Pride, and the Cock, an emblem of Saint Peter, and of Vigilance. Even the little Butterfly was symbolic. It was also a symbol of Resurrection. As the Butterfly leaves its pupa, it soars upward with a new body and a brand new life, as all of us will do in Eternal Life.

© [for Odyssey] 2009