which likens the evil kingdom of Persia to a bear. 2. The bear symbolizes regeneration and reformation. The Bestiaries revealed that bear cubs were born without shape. It would be the mother bear that would give them their shape by licking them. In the same sense, Jesus helps to reshape and regenerate the sinner.

BEAVER – The beaver symbolizes the pursuit of holiness. The Bestiaries teach that the beaver’s private parts have medicinal value which lead to it being hunted. It is said that the beaver, upon recognizing the intent of the hunter, will castrate himself, leaving the sack for the hunter. In this way the beaver will manage to stay alive. If the beaver ever encounters another hunter, it will show the hunter it has been castrated and will again avoid death. This story symbolizes a Christian who sacrifices everything to pursue holiness. When Satan sees that the Christian has nothing of value, he leaves the person alone.

BEE / BEE HIVE – 1. The bee is symbolic of tireless activity. It represents a good work ethic and being diligent at a task. 2. Because the worker bees do not mate it symbolizes virginity and chastity. 3. Because the bee appears to die in the winter and reappear in the summer, it symbolizes rebirth. 4. The bee’s hard work is connected to the beehive, which symbolizes order. 5. The bee represents the Christian and the beehive symbolizes the church. 6. The Bestiaries teach that bees never sleep thus symbolizing vigilance.

BIRDS – 1. Birds represent human souls. 2. If a bird is pictured with a Chi Rho symbol, it symbolizes the soul

meditating on Jesus Christ. 3. If birds are drinking, they symbolize souls drinking the water of life. 4. A bird drinking from a chalice surrounded by vines symbolizes the Lord’s Supper. 5. If a bird is perched on a vine then the soul is abiding in Christ. 6. If the bird has an olive branch in its beak it symbolizes the story of Noah and the great flood (Genesis 6 – 8). 7. If the bird is carrying food, it represents the story of Elijah (I Kings 17:1-7).

BLACKBIRD – The blackbird is often used to symbolize sin and Satan due to its black color and melodious, enticing song.

BOAR – The boar symbolizes ferocity and lust.

BUTTERFLY – 1. The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The butterfly’s three stages, caterpillar, chrysalis (inside the cocoon) and the butterfly, represent the three stages of a Christian’s life: life, death and resurrection. 2. The butterfly symbolizes regeneration, as people’s old lives (caterpillar) become new (butterfly) when they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.