Web Page

SCALLOPED SHELL -  Seashells are an ancient Christian symbol referring to religious pilgrimages and spiritual protection.  Seashells were also used as the symbol of rebirth.  Scallop shell symbolism is associated with the apostle, James. James was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee, and brother of John the Evangelist.  He was among the circle of men closest to Jesus, being present with Peter and John at the Transfiguration (KJV Matthew 17:1-5),  and again at the Agony in the Garden (KJV Matthew 26:36-46), where the same three are seen sleeping while Christ prays.

SCROLL -  Most often symbolizes the "Word of God" as well as a symbol of life, time and wisdom. Both ends rolled up indicates a life that is unfolding like a scroll of uncertain length and the past and future are hidden. Often held by a hand representing life being recorded by angels in the "book of life". It can also suggest honor, commemoration and love of the scriptures.

SHRINERS (SCIMITAR & STAR) - Meaning of the Shriner Emblem:  The scimitar (the sword) stands for the backbone of the fraternity, which are its members.  The two claws that make up the crescent represent the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy.  The sphinx's head stands for the governing body of the Shriners, the head of the organization.  The five points star inside of the crescent represents the thousands of children that the Shriners help through their philanthropy each year.

LUTHERAN CROSS - Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity which identifies with the theology of Martin Luther (1483-1546) — a German friar, ecclesiastical reformer and theologian. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation in the German-speaking territories of the Holy Roman Empire.

EPISCOPAL CROSS -  The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the United States-based member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a Christian church divided into nine provinces and has dioceses in the United States, Taiwan, Micronesia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and the Navajo land Area Mission. The current Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Curry, the first African American bishop to serve in that position.

INTERLOCKED RINGS (WEDDING RINGS) - Symbol of marriage and unity.  The circle was the symbol of eternity, with no beginning or end. The hole in the center of the ring also had significance. It wasn’t just considered a space, but rather a gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown. To give a woman a ring signifies never-ending and immortal love.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR (MASONIC COMMANDERY) -The Knights Templar is the final order joined in the York Rite. Unlike other Masonic bodies which only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religion, membership in the Knights Templar is open only to Christian Masons who have completed their Royal Arch and in some jurisdictions their Cryptic Degrees. This body is modeled on the historical Knights Templar to carry on the spirit of their organization.

ROSE FLOWER - The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade, even through time or death.  Similarly in Christian lore, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ's death. His blood serving is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice.

Each color offers a distinct meaning when you use fresh flowers:

ROSARY BEADS - The word rosary comes from Latin and means a garland of roses, the rose being one of the flowers used to symbolize the Virgin Mary.  The term “bead” seems to derive from the Saxon word “bede,” meaning prayer. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the term rosary refers to both the string of beads and the prayer said using that string of beads. To pray the rosary is to recite specific prayers corresponding with particular beads on the string.

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA (RNA) - A non-profit fraternal membership organization that offers life insurance, annuities, and Medicare supplement for women.  Back in 1895 when women couldn’t vote, couldn’t own property, and weren’t allowed to own life insurance, nine women founded Royal Neighbors of America.  It is one of the largest women-led life insurers in the nation with a message that remains important and relevant today---empowering women to better their lives through financial protection solutions and opportunities to give back to their communities.  F.E.C.M.U.