The herald., 1895-04-06
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Mrs. CasweII's Talk to Friday
Morning Club
THEY ALL EXPRESS IDEAS
Your Uncle's Sign a Renaissance of the
Original PawnbrOkers
The Church Year One Vast Symbolism.
The Part Which Mythology Plays.
Interesting Examples

Inc HrSt SUBJECT or the April pro-
gramme of the Friday Morning club was
given yesterday before a large audience
by Mrs. George A. Caswell, who spoke on
Symbols, and What They Mean. The sub
ject was profusely illustrated by drawings
and reproductions of works of art which
were tackled up on the wall back of the
speaker, where they were III plain sight
of the audience, and were referred to
from time to time during the morning.
Mrs. Caswell first spoke of the confu-
sion regarding symbols. which she pro-
ceeded to clear away in her usual con-
vincing and terse manner. The distinc-
tions between smybols, emblems, types.
signs and figures were lucidly explained.
symbol expresses an idea as sym bols
of Christ, which are the cross lion, ship
and fish. The symbol of eternity and i'm
mortality is the ring; that OF wisdom,
the serpent. All language is fossil poetry.
full of figures said the speaker, and she
gave some interesting examples of sym
bolic words.
The origin of symbols was the desire to
please, or to explain.
symbol is a matter of faith, the re-
suit of agreement an emblem is matter
of fancy, even individual fancy. The
custom of tolling funeral bells comes di
rectly from the old practice OF ringing
bells to frighten away evil spirits. The
pawn brokers' three balls is survival OF
the Medici coat of arms; for the Medci
were the first great money-lenders.
Mrs. Caswell says the whole church year
is one vast Symbolism, and passion work
is wholly symbolical
In ancient religion the significance OF
symbols us.d by the church were the
mum bers, the palm, the wheel and wings
indicating speed the attributes of the
saints; the cross. that OF passion heavy
and long; that of resurrection, two bars
Mythology was then dwelt upon. its
poetry and religion; its value; how the
conception of Cupid has degenerated; the
Gorgon's head and its meaning. Myth
ology means to us what we can get out
of it, and Mrs. Caswell urged upon moth
ers the necessity of teaching their children
mythology and giving them books to read
on the subject for the pleasure as well
as knowledge it will give them.
The three fates of the Greeks, as illus
trated by Michael Angeles Fates, were
spoken of as showing the contrast be-
tween antique and modern symbolism.
The sphinx, with her sym bolism. is a
thing of beauty; without it, she is hide
lie, pagan symbol still used by the
church.
Hebe, who was first employed to pour
nectar for the gods. now presides over the
soda fountain. The god of riches, Plutos
of the Greeks) is lame. and comes very
Slowly, Dut, naVlHS aTIlVeu, acquires
wings and flies away swiftly hence the
saying "Richs have wings.
Early Christian religion was almost
wholly symbolic; new art was born in
the catacombs.
The speaker then referred to the various
forms OF the cross Greek, Latin, Maltese
and Egyptian) and their significance.
The cross, the commonest form con-
ceivable, has been applied to various
uses. A great objection to symbols is the
fact that they so easily become objects of
worship.
How the crown developed and gain ed
its significance of rank was next treated
of; and the Seraphim and Cherubim rep
resented by head and six wings. The
MIN bus as developed from the crown,
but indicates personal qualities instead of
rank, ard is often painted; or of gold or
silver representing radiant light, mean-
ing glory. nrn
The difference between an aureole and
a nimbus is the fact that the former sur
rounds the figure, the latter only the
head. At first, the symbolic representa-.
ton OF the Father was a radiant hand ex-
tended in benediction; later, the bust
ami full figure were added, which took
from the first symboal it's dignity and it
became less reverent.
Various representations of the Trinity
were then given; the fleur-de-lis is one of
the Oldest signifying nobility or royalty;
symbol of Christ is the lamb; the lion
was given to saints who abode in the
desert.
Reference was next made to the in
volved symbolism in Durer's pictures,
and the curious symbols of color; the
popular rose window and its significance.
Gargoyles on the exterior of cathedrals
represent demons and tiends shut out of
the sacred inclosure. Michael Angeles
Last Judgment is hideous unless it's SYM
bolism is under stood, when every figure
has its attributes.
The exquisite symbolism of the lily as
in Reossett S Annunciation was spoken
of, and Mrs. Caswell closed her extremely
and able remarks. which
showed deep research and most careful
thought, by reference to symbolic names,
as the Sierras, Santa Croce, Santa Cruz
and others.
Next weeks meeting will be devoted to
a spring festival, when Mr.. Joseph Grin
nell will speak on the birds of Southern
California and Miss Alice J. Merritt on
From the Flowers Standpoint.
Cottage For SalIy