The Phoenix

A mythical and mystical bird, the Phoenix was first identified as a symbol of Christ and his Resurrection in the first century by Clement of Rome. It was believed that only one phoenix existed at a time, living for about five hundred years. When it realized its life was drawing to a close, it would build a nest of sweet-smelling wood, including frankincense and myrrh. As the sun set fire to the nest, the bird would be consumed by the flames, only to rise from the ashes three days later, to live another five hundred years.