The Trial by Fire, St. Francis offers to walk through fire, to convert the Sultan of Egypt 1297

This fresco, painted by Giotto, in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, depicts St. Francis offering to walk through fire. Fire here symbolizes a test of faith, deeply rooted in ancient rituals of purification and divine judgment. Note how this motif of 'trial by fire' echoes through history. We find it in ancient Greek myths, and in various religious traditions where innocence or divine favor is proven through unharmed passage. Think of the ordeal of walking on hot coals, a ritual present in numerous cultures. The halo around St. Francis’ head, however, is a symbol evolved distinctly within Christian iconography, denoting sanctity and divine grace. It’s a visual echo of earlier sun symbols, transformed here to represent spiritual enlightenment. This transformation, the evolution of symbols across epochs, is central to understanding our collective visual memory, shaped by both conscious and subconscious forces. Observe the emotional intensity, how such dramatic symbolism engages our deepest fears and hopes. These symbols continue to resurface, adapting, acquiring new layers of meaning, perpetually engaging humanity's collective psyche.