236 FLORAL SYMBOLISM 



bunches of grapes typifying the twelve Apostles, 

 and birds among the branches Christian souls. 



One example among many of its decorative 

 and symbolical use is on the gravestone of Saint 

 Cummian, an Irish bishop, who died a monk 

 at Bobbio about the middle of the eighth century. 

 Two vine branches spring from the holy chalice 

 and form a border of oval arabesques, one oval 

 enclosing fruit and leaves, the next framing a 

 star alternately. At the top, where the two 

 branches almost meet, are two doves standing 

 on either side of the holy monogram. 



The vine is the Christian Church, springing 

 from the chalice of Christ's blood; the fruit 

 represents the good works of the righteous; the 

 stars which shine through the branches Christian 

 hope. The doves, by the convention of the 

 Catacombs, signify departed Christian souls 

 adoring Christ, who is represented by the ancient 

 star monogram, formed of the two Greek letters, 

 I = Iota, and X = Chi, enclosed in the circle which 

 is the symbol of eternity. The gravestone was 

 executed by order of King Luitprand, and, by 

 an oversight not unique among Christian marbles 

 before the twelfth century, the border has been 



