Immortality and Resurrection
In medieval bestiaries, the pelican was said to revive its young with its own blood, making it a symbol of Christ's selflessness.
Self-Sacrifice and Devotion
The pelican represents devotion even to self-annihilation, often shown feeding its young from its own blood.
Charity and Compassion
It symbolizes sharing food with the weak and needy.
Hope
Because it restores life through sacrifice, the pelican is a symbol of hope and renewal in religious art.