What's the meaning of the Emblem of the Knights of Columbus »
Emblem of the Knights of Columbus
This page is about the meaning, origin and characteristic of the symbol, emblem, seal, sign, logo or flag: Emblem of the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, it was named in honor of the mariner Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to working class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education and Catholic public policy positions, and actively defending Catholicism in various nations.
The emblem of the Order was designed by Past Supreme Knight James T. Mullen and adopted at the second Supreme Council meeting on May 12, 1883. Shields used by medieval knights served as the inspiration, and the emblem consists of a shield mounted on a Formée cross, which is an artistic representation of the cross of Christ. This represents the Catholic identity of the Order.
Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces; an anchor; and a dagger. In ancient Rome, the fasces was carried before magistrates as an emblem of authority. The Order uses it as "symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization". The anchor represents Christopher Columbus, patron of the Order. The short sword, or dagger, was a weapon used by medieval knights. The shield as a whole, with the letters "K of C", represents "Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action".
- 6,822 Views
Graphical characteristics:
Asymmetric, Closed shape, Colorful, Contains both straight and curved lines, Has crossing lines.
Category: Religious Symbols.
More symbols in Religious Symbols:
Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of co… read more »
Citation
Use the citation below to add this symbol to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Emblem of the Knights of Columbus." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Nov. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/symbol/emblem-of-the-knights-of-columbus>.
Have a discussion about Emblem of the Knights of Columbus with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In