Bearing Gifts

This procession of female saints can be found in the church of Sant’Apollinaire Nuovo in Ravenna (early 6th century CE). On the opposite wall, a complementary parade of male saints also bears gifts for Christ. For saints there are superbly dressed, with crowns and elegant clothing. Behind them are palm trees, the palm branch being symbolic of the martyrdom that they suffered. Their names float above them in black lettering. At the procession’s end they are joined by the Three Magi, also bearing gifts to the infant Christ.