Seal and Symbolism

SEAL AND SYMBOLISM The Episcopal School of Acadiana crest was designed by the late Mrs. Charles (Penny) Godchaux of Abbeville, Louisiana.

Circle: Stands for eternity because it is without beginning and without end.1

Crook: "The hooked staff is a pastoral attribute in the church and a symbol of faith. By virtue of the sigmoid significance of the hook, it stands for divine power, communication and connection; because of its spiral form it is a symbol of creative power."2

Chi Rho: Formed by the two crooks - this is the earliest monogram of Christ3 from the first two letters in the word for Christ in Greek.

Miter: A traditional headpiece worn by some bishops, emblematic of the highest order of the ministry. Used in this seal to denote that the Episcopal School of Acadiana is a Diocesan School and as such shares the benefit and direction of the Bishop. Jewels within the miter - there are twelve small jewels symbolizing the twelve Apostles. These are centered around a single larger jewel representing Christ. The two crosses on the miter represent the two natures of Christ.

Celtic Cross (Iona): Generally associated with the Anglican, hence Episcopal, Church. The sign of the cross was "employed by early Christians to direct special attention to the sacrifice of our Lord and the manner of his death. The cross also taught the earlier Christians, as it does us, the lesson of personal dedication to our Redeemer, who commanded His followers to take up the cross."4

Laurel Leaf: Suggestive of eternity because the foliage does not wilt.51 It is a Christian symbol of triumph. (I Corinthians 9:24 - 27)

Colors: Blue - signifies heavenly love and truth; "eternity, faith, and truth." Gold - "symbolizes sovereignty, the sun, love, constancy, dignity, and wisdom."5

1 Symbols of the Church, Carroll E. Whittemore 2 A Dictionary of Symbols, J. E. Cirlot 3 Saints, Signs, and Symbols, W. Ellwood Post 4 The Sign Language of Our Faith, Helen Stuart Griffith 5 Ecclesiastical Embroideries, Beryl Dean