This disc or halo,
known as a nimbus,
is similar to the
depictions of Mary
you will find in
Catholic art.ìIn the plastic arts (painting and sculpture) the symbolism
of the nimbus was early in use among the pagans who
determined its form. In the monuments of Hellenic and
Roman art, the heads of the gods, heroes, and other
distinguished persons are often found with a disc-shaped
halo, a circle of light, or a rayed-fillet. They are, therefore,
associated especially with gods and creatures of light
such as the Phoenix. The disc of light [was] likewise used
in the Pompeian wall paintings to typify gods and
demigods...but later, in profane art it was extended to
cherubs or even simple personifications, and [was] simply a
reminder that the figures so depicted are not human. In the
miniatures of the oldest Virgil manuscript all the great
personages wear a nimbus. The custom of the Egyptian and
Syrian kings of having themselves represented with a rayed
crown to indicate the status of demigods, spread
throughout the East and the West. In Rome the halo was
first used only for deceased emperors as a sign of celestial
bliss, but afterwards living rulers also were given the rayed
crown...In early [Catholic] art, the rayed nimbus as well as
the rayless disc were adopted in accordance with tradition.î 4
(emphasis mine)Mary in the Italian language is Madonna, which actually comes from the
Chaldean name ìBaaltiî. Baalti is the female equivalent of Baal, the sun god of the
Old Testament. In Latin, Madonna is ìMea Dominaî, and in English, ìMy Ladyî,
which has become the title Our Lady.
Our Lady is perhaps the most common title referring to the Blessed Virgin of the
Catholic Church. There is Our Lady of the Rock, Our Lady of the Snows, Our Lady
of Lebanon, Our Lady Queen of Peace, etc.