Pewter Phoenix Buttons Each Button is one inch in diameter and has a sturdy shank on the back to attach securely to your garment. CAST IN LEAD FREE PEWTER. A phoenix is a mythical bird with a rich history. At the end of its life-cycle the phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises. The Phoenix was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of fire and divinity. The phoenix is a prominent symbol on the flag and seal of the City and County of San Francisco. The Phoenix symbolizing the city rising from the ashes of the devastation caused by the 1906 earthquake. Similarly, the phoenix is the central feature of the seal and flag of the City of Atlanta, along with the word Resurgens latin for having been restored/rebuilt, or revived, symbolizing the seemingly continual rebirth of the city after several devastating fires. The phoenix became popular in early Christian art, literature and Christian symbolism. The Phoenix was seen as a symbol of Christ's resurrection, immortality, and life-after-death.