Many were 'borrowed' or drawn from early pre-Christian traditions. The crown was among the Romans and Greeks a symbol of victory and reward. The crown or wreath worn by the victors in the Olympic games was made of leaves of the wild olive; in the Pythian games, of laurel; in the Nemean games, of parsley; and in the Isthmian games, of the pine. The Romans bestowed the "civic crown" on him who saved the life of a citizen. It was made of the leaves of the oak. The Definition and Meaning of the Crown as a Catholic Christian Symbol Catholic Christian symbolism in art provides a clear graphic illustration which represents people or items of religious significance. What is the definition and the meaning of the Crown? A crown is a royal headdress or cap of sovereignty, worn by emperors, kings and princes. A Latin cross with a crown of a king resting on top of it symbolizes eternal life. The Crown Christian Symbol represents royal authority, and is often used for Christ, the King of Kings. The image of the crown of thorns is often used symbolically to contrast with earthly monarchical crowns. Crown of Thorns The Crown of Thorns is a symbol of the Passion of Jesus, a chaplet of thorn branches worn by Jesus before his crucifixion. Jonah 2:5 "...weeds were wrapped about my head" takes on a symbolic reference to the Crown of Thorns. Matt. 27:27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. Reference to the Crown Christian Symbol in the Bible The following references to a crown are made in the Bible: Tim. 6:14 ...until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Tim. 6:15 Which in his times he shall show, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Rev. 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The ancient Persian crown (Esther 1:11; 2:17; 6:8) was called _kether_; i.e., "a chaplet," a high cap or tiara. Crowns were worn sometimes to represent honour and power (Ezek. 23:42). They were worn at marriages (Cant. 3:11; Isa. 61:10, "ornaments;" R.V., "a garland"), and at feasts and public festivals.
The apostles speak of the incorruptible crown, the crown of life (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10) "that fadeth not away" 1 Pet. 5:4 |