Dragon (2)

Dragon (in symbolism). The dragon, in Christian art, is the emblem of sin in general and of idolatry in particular. Its usual form is that of a gigantic winged crocodile. "It is often represented as crushed under the feet of saints and martyrs, and other holy personages. Sometimes its prostrate attitude signifies the triumph of Christianity over paganism, as in pictures of St. George and St. Sylvester; or over heresy and schism, as when it was adopted as the emblem of the Knights of the order of the Dragon in Hungary, which was instituted for the purpose of contending against the adherents of John Huss and Jerome of Prague." — Chambers, Encyclopedia s.v.; Jamieson, Sacred and Legendary Art, 1:26.

⇒Bible concordance for DRAGON.

⇒Definition of dragon

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.