Lion, Winged (Saint Mark)

WINGED LION (SAINT MARK) -  The Lion of Saint Mark, representing the evangelist St Mark, pictured in the form of a winged lion holding a Bible.  Other elements often included in depictions of the lion include a halo over his head, a book, and a sword in its paws.

The lion also symbolizes the power of the Evangelist's word, the wings symbolize the spiritual elevation, while the halo is the traditional Christian symbol of holiness.  However, the lion symbols express also the significance of majesty and power (drawn especially from the upward feline tail), while the book expresses the concepts of wisdom and peace and the halo gives an image of religious piety.