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ac072.jpg

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Keys Keys are usually seen in a set of two. They are an integral part of the papal coat of arms, one silver and the other gold. The two keys on the coat of arms were adapted from the emblems of the Roman god Janus. Janus was a two-faced god, one looking earthward and the other looking toward the heavens This concept can be likened to other dualities such as yin and yang. Janus used the keys to lock and unlock the seasons at the solstice. He is also illustrated with a key in one hand and a staff in the other. In Christian iconography, the keys are held by Saint Peter. In effect, Christ gave Peter the power to lock or unlock the gates of heaven when he said in Matthew 16:19—“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” And, lest we forget Saint Martha, the patroness of feminine discretion and good housekeeping, she is often depicted with a sizable assortment of keys hanging from her girdle.

Keywords :

ac072.jpg,Religious