St Adwenna symbolism

Narrative of St Adwenna

Explanation of the symbolism, by Colin Pethick (artist)

The painting is set upon a cliff top overlooking the becalmed summer sea, representing the beautiful coastlines both Wales and Cornwall.

The rock on which the main figures stand symbolises the strength and fortitude of Christian church and faith. St Adwenna is wearing purple and green robes, the colours of wisdom and spirituality, also nobility, rebirth , growth and nurturing.

She holds a young lamb representing Christ as both suffering and triumphant and also the notion of the flock. She is surrounded by a garland of swirling oak leaves, a long standing symbol of longevity, strength, stability, endurance, and fertility; they also represent autumn. This is also how she travelled from Wales to Cornwall in the 5^th century.

The older couple (lower right) symbolise longevity, stoicism, and represent the sick and the disabled to whom St Adwenna was so kind and supportive. They are also both pilgrims being barefoot, they represent piety, as does the figure of the monk (far right) who is blessing the arrival of St Adwenna.

In the foreground is a drift of golden daffodils which are being picked by the children and given to St Adwenna. This again brings Wales and Cornwall together as they are a known symbol of both lands. Daffodils also symbolise spring and new beginnings, rebirth.

The heather and thrift on the right hand foreground mean good luck, admiration, and protection, but also winter.

St Adwenna is patron saint of sweethearts, represented by the figures of the children welcoming her with gifts of wild flowers - with God’s blessing and grace sweethearts go on to build a life together and produce children, referencing the cycle of life, hope, rebirth and the miracle and gift of new life.

The angel has just appeared in the sky and is holding a potion in her right hand which she will give it to the figure (far left) emerging from behind the rock. The latter is Maelon, a man who pursued Adwenna relentlessly but upon drinking the potion he turns into a block of ice. However on learning his fate, Adwenna prays to God to return him back. The lord hears her prayer and thaws him immediately. The saint of God became a heavenly protectress of those in love and those seeking a husband or wife.

Colin Pethick