Halow
HALO
BASIC R.C. BELIEF A golden circle of light pictured about the head of a saint. It is supposed to symbolize the light of grace and sanctity.
CHRISTIAN COMMENT This originated centuries before the Christian era; it was common in Greek mythology, and was adapted in much the same way as other pagan symbols were brought into the church and “Christianized.”
PERIODICALS From THE UNION LEADER, Manchester, NH 4/17/87. “Like so many Christian customs, the halo was adopted from older pagan customs. Centuries before Christ, natives used to adorn their heads with a circle of feathers. They did so to symbolize their relationshiop with the son god. Their own `halo’ of feathers represented the circle of light that was around the sun. Indeed, some people came to believe that by adopting such a crown, they turned into a kind of sun themselves and into a divine being.”