Each Apostle Got a Shield, but What Do They Mean?

Every now and then you’ll wander into a church and see this set of 12 shields displayed around the sanctuary or nave. In other churches you’ll catch hints of these images in stained glass or built into the architecture. But what do these symbols mean, and where did they come from? Do they have any meaning for you and me?

A big thanks to the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, Florida for letting me visit.

Also, here’s a link to a place where you can buy the shield art in the form of a coloring book for kids. I get nothing for this, but I thought it was pretty cool:
https://concordiacollective.shop/products/digital-disciples-shields