mandorla

plural mandorlas

1. A vesica piscis-shaped aureola that surrounds the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary, or represents God the Father (who is not traditionally depicted) in traditional Eastern Christian art.

   In addition, the mandorla may be considered on a more primal level as an archetypically ritual shape that transcends conscious and intentional symbolism, thus falling under the category of the mandala.

   2005, Andreas Andreopoulos, Metamorphosis: The Transfiguration in Byzantine Theology and Iconography