LABARUM Meaning and
Definition
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Labarum is a noun referring to a military standard or banner most commonly associated with the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. It specifically refers to a vexillum (a kind of flag) used in the Roman army, which featured the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P) intertwining to form a monogram of the name of Christ. The symbolism behind the Labarum was based on the vision Constantine had before his decisive battle at the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, where he reportedly saw the symbol and heard the phrase "In this sign, conquer." As a result, he adopted the Labarum as his military standard, believing it to be a divine sign of protection and victory.
The Labarum became a symbol of power and authority, representing the union between Christianity and the Roman Empire during Constantine's reign. It often appeared in paintings, sculptures, and coins of the time, and was widely displayed in triumphal processions and on military standards.
The term Labarum is also used more broadly to refer to any Christian banner or standard, especially one that prominently features the Chi-Rho monogram. In modern times, it may occasionally be used to describe any flag or emblem that represents an ideology or cause, serving as a rallying symbol for its followers.
Common Misspellings for LABARUM
- kabarum
- pabarum
- oabarum
- lzbarum
- lsbarum
- lwbarum
- lqbarum
- lavarum
- lanarum
- laharum
- lagarum
- labzrum
- labsrum
- labwrum
- labqrum
- labaeum
- labadum
- labafum
- labatum
Etymology of LABARUM
The word "Labarum" has its origins in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "λάβαρον" (labaron), which referred to a specific type of military standard or flag. The origin of the Greek word is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from an older Eastern Mediterranean language.
The term "Labarum" gained significance and widespread recognition during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in the early 4th century. Constantine adopted a new military standard that featured the Chi-Rho symbol, which represents the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστός).
As Constantine used this new standard as the prominent symbol of his rule, it became associated with the term "Labarum". The Labarum itself played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire under Constantine's reign.
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