photo - St. Peter Cathedral collection

he pelican was used by ancient Egyptians as an image of piety and pity, since it was believed that, in order to feed its young, the pelican would pluck its breast and feed its young with its own blood. Because of its reputation for self-sacrifice, the pelican eventually found its way into the symbolism of early Christians and is found among the catacombs, representing the humanity and self-sacrifice made by Jesus.