Artefacts Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are artefacts in the context of early Christianity?
Objects used by believers to express their faith
Examples include decorations on sarcophagi and the lighting of the paschal candle.
What is a sarcophagus?
A stone tomb used for burial, often decorated with scenes from mythology and Roman gods
Wealthy Romans were typically buried in sarcophagi.
How did early Christians adapt the custom of sarcophagi?
They continued to use stone tombs but developed images reflecting their beliefs about eternal life.
What is significant about the sarcophagus with scenes of Jesus’ passion in the Pio Cristiano Museum?
It dates from the fourth century and depicts Jesus’ death and resurrection as a triumph over sin.
What does the decoration of the fourth-century sarcophagus primarily depict?
The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus.
What scene is illustrated on one panel of the sarcophagus?
Simon of Cyrene helping to carry Jesus’ cross to crucifixion.
What does the panel depicting Jesus receiving a crown of thorns symbolize?
Jesus’ death as a triumph over sin despite being mocked.
What event does another panel of the sarcophagus show?
Jesus being presented for trial before Pilate.
What does Pilate do in the scene depicted on the sarcophagus?
Washes his hands to symbolize not taking responsibility for Jesus’ crucifixion.
How did early Christians depict Jesus on the sarcophagus?
They did not show him dead or suffering; instead, there is a stylized cross with the Chi-Rho symbol.
What does the Chi-Rho symbol represent?
The resurrection of Jesus, formed from the first two letters of ‘Christ’ in Greek.
What is the significance of the wreath surrounding the Chi-Rho symbol?
It is a Roman symbol of victory.
What do the eagles represent in the sarcophagus decoration?
God, as they were used to symbolize the God Jupiter in Roman religion.
What does the depiction of the cross above the soldiers signify?
The victory of Jesus’ death over sin and death.
What is the overall message of the early Christian sarcophagus?
Hope that what happened to Jesus will also happen to believers.
What is the paschal candle?
A candle used during Easter week in the church that symbolises Jesus’ resurrection as a triumph over death.
The paschal candle plays a central role in Easter celebrations.
When is the paschal candle lit?
At the Easter Vigil, in remembrance of the resurrection.
The Easter Vigil begins in darkness and the candle symbolizes the light of Christ.
What does the darkness at the beginning of the Easter Vigil symbolize?
The darkness of sin.
The lighting of the paschal candle signifies the overcoming of this darkness.
What hymn is sung during the Easter Vigil procession?
The ‘Exultet’.
This hymn proclaims Christ’s triumph over sin and death.
How long is the paschal candle used in the church?
Throughout the whole Easter season and at every Mass from Easter Sunday through to Pentecost.
It is also used throughout the year.
What does the paschal candle represent?
Jesus’ light overcoming sin and death.
It is decorated with various symbols that convey this message.
What do the ‘alpha’ and ‘omega’ symbols represent?
Christ as the ‘first’ and ‘last’; the ‘beginning of all things’ and the ‘end of all things’.
These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Why is the cross a significant symbol on the paschal candle?
It is the symbol of Christian faith, representing the crucifixion of Christ, which made the resurrection possible.
The cross signifies the core of Christian belief.
What do the five studs on the paschal candle represent?
The five wounds Jesus received during his crucifixion.
These wounds are a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
