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he representation  of  the  Immaculate  Conception is  very  instructive. (1) Mary  appears standing  on  the  globe. This signifies  that being human,  she  belongs  to  the  earth,  and  yet  is exalted  above  the  world  and  sin;  also,  that  she trampled under  foot  earthly  possessions,  vanities, and joys. (2) A  serpent  is  coiled  about  the  globe, bearing an  apple  in  its  mouth. This reminds  us  of the  fall  of  our  first  parents,  and  of  the  consequences of  their  sin. (3) Mary's  foot  rests  on  the serpent, indicating  that  she  never  was  under Satan's dominion,  but  was  preserved  from  sin  in the  first  moment  of  her  existence. (4) Mary stands on  the  moon. The moon,  on  account  of  its changes, is  an  emblem  of  inconstancy. We see it at  Mary's  feet,  to  be  reminded  that  we  ought  to be  constant  in  faith  and  virtue. (5) Mary  wears a crown,  to  indicate  that  she  is  a  queen. The crown is  composed  of  twelve  stars:  she  is  the queen of  heaven. (6) Mary's  dress  is  white,  to denote  her  spotless  purity  and  innocence. (7) She folds her  hands  in  prayer,  reminding  us  to  imitate her example. (8) Or  she  holds  a  lily  in  her  right hand, to  indicate  her  virginity  and  chastity,  and the sweet  odor  of  her  virtues. (9) Mary's  mantle is blue,  which  color  is  emblematic  of  humility. Its folds  are  ample,  to  remind  us  that  all  who