The Annunciation is the celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God.
Figures
Mary and the Archangel Gabriel
Symbols
Lilly: The Archangel Gabriel is recognized by the lily and the scepter – an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty – he carries.
Rose: The rose has many meanings, e.g., Messianic promise and heavenly promise. It also is connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mystic Rose) and to the Nativity (white rose).
Fleur-de-lis: This conventional form of the lily symbolizes purity.
Hand of God: As a symbol of God the Father, it is pictured in an act of blessing.
Chi-Rho: See Window 3. Monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the letters of the name “Maria” are evident in this ancient symbol
