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Crown, As a Christian Emblem

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being the symbol of victory and recompense (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8) became the token of martydom; first the cross was crowned, and then crowns of laurel, flowers, palm, or precious metal were suspended or carved over the tombs of martyrs and confessors. Sometimes the divine hand offers the crown; sometimes two crowns are represented, for a virgin martyr; or doves carry crowns of olive, emblems of peace bought by the martyr's triumph; or the palm and cross are associated, to represent the merit, the labor, and prize. Hence came the hanging crown of light; and the "oblations," the representation of the Blessed offering their crowns to the Redeemer. The Christian emperors gave their soldiers crowns of laurel, adorned with the monogram of Christ. Walcott, Sac. Archaeol. s.v.