Santo Niño de Cebu: A symbol of a child-God

Santo Niño de Cebu: A symbol of a child-God

Image of Santo Niño de Cebu

The Sto. Niño that was brought by Magellan is pictured like a little child wearing a long-sleeved silk shirt accented by a bib or lace ruff is worn with a gold embroidered vest over pantaloons. A sash and belt, knee-high leather boots and a cape of rich brocade complete the princely look.

Various interpretations had been labeled to the clothes and accessories of the Santo Niño and also its gesture. According to Ferrales, the Child Prince holds the kingly emblems. The crown signifies sovereignty and possession of all the material wealth of the empire. The scepter represents martial power and the right to dispense justice. The orb conjures two images at once: the dominion of the Niño over the world of creation and the sovereignty of Spain over a large territory of the globe in its role as defender of the Catholic Faith.[1]

            This interpretation was contextually based during the Spanish era. However, new interpretations may be considered as time had passed. The image of Santo Niño de Cebu, if deeply contemplated, does not only remember or taught us how to become a child in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Its clothing and accessories can tell us the entire life of Jesus. We can still view the totality of Jesus even though through this image of a child.

            Red Cape – stands as the passion and death of Jesus Christ. In the liturgical color, red is the color for martyrdom.

            Inner white robe – is a symbol for resurrection like the Easter Jesus.

            Crown - is a symbol of the kingly ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the kin

            Size of a child – is a symbol of our being children of God. Jesus was a child of God that called him a son of God.

            Orb – may be interpreted the same as God’s dominion over the world of creation.

         Right hand – (two fingers, middle and pointing finger, are pointing upward as the two natures of Christ and the three remaining fingers are closed, which stands as the three persons of God.

            Scepter – may stand as the authority over the entire world.

Above all these representations, we can assert that the image of Sto. Niño is a total representation of the entire of Jesus Christ. He is indeed a symbol of a child God. I mean here not only a little Jesus but also as an adult child of the Father.

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[1] Ferrales, 13.