A generation of British & American stained glass design from 1837-1935    

Legacy Stained Glass Pattern Company

 Symbolic Meanings Behind the Motifs Used in Stained Glass Work
Throughout the ages art has been used as a venue to communicate, record and relay cultural values and history. 
Stained glass work exhibited an array of motifs, which maintained popularity through out various periods and venues for artistic expression. Much of the symbolism revolves around themes of life, love, religion and power.

Each of the motifs below have been made into digital resizable stained glass patterns.

Acorns & Oak Leaves
The popularity of this motif peaked during patriotic periods. Acorns & oak leaves were also used as Heraldic emblems.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Holiday Fruit and Bell

Bell
Bells are a symbol of a joyous occasion.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Candle
The candle is a symbol of Christ. The wax being is His flesh, the wick is His soul, and the light of the candle, His divinity.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Candlestick
A lit candlestick or burning lamp represents active devotion, watchfulness and prayer.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE AMERICAN LEGACY PATTERN CD

Circle
The never ending circle symbolizes eternity.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE  BRITISH LEGACY II PATTERN CD

Ruby Crown

Crown
A crown is a symbol of power and denotes the rank of the owner. Crown motifs are also associated with eternity and fidelity.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Chinese Dragon

Dragon
As trade with the orient spread, there was a marked oriental influence in the art of other cultures. In China  the dragon is a divine mythical creature, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Fish
The fish is associated with Jesus Christ and the ancient Christian ritual of Baptism.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE AMERICAN LEGACY PATTERN CD

Fleur-de-lys
In its heraldic form, the fleur- de- lys is an iris, which became associated with royalty, especially in the High Middle Ages.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN LEGACY PATTERN CD

 

Grapes
In Christianity, the grape or vineyard is a symbol of the blood of Christ and a good harvest.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE AMERICAN LEGACY II PATTERN CD

Handsome Heart Transom

Heart
The heart symbol as we know it today, was popularized by the Victorian era over a hundred years ago. The heart represents all love including divine love.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Lily Trio

Lily 
The lily is associated with purity and innocence.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Tiffany Peacock

Peacock
In medieval times the peacock  represented a kingly or knightly demeanor. It is also associated with vanity, luxury as well as eternal life.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Pineapple
The pineapple is a symbol for hospitality.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Victorian Rose Bud

Rose
The rose is a symbol of mystic vision, beauty, joy and courtly love in the Middle Ages. The Tudor kings of England used the rose as their national emblem.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Shield
In medieval times the coat of arms was used by knights as an emblem of identity. After it lost its significance in warfare, it became a way of recording and displaying family lineage and membership in the aristocracy.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE  BRITISH LEGACY III PATTERN CD

Ship
The ship stands for hope, marriage and prosperity. A ship also symbolizes the soul's voyage to a safe haven.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE  BRITISH LEGACY III PATTERN CD

Stars
The eight-point star is the emblem of Bethlehem; the six-point star is a Jewish symbol, and the five point star announces the birth of Christ.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

 

Swan
The symbolism of the swan embodies love, purity, and chance. Because the swan was believed to sing calmly as it was dying, it also represents a sweet or gentle ending.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE AMERICAN LEGACY II PATTERN CD
Legacy Tulip
Tulip
The tulip is one of the most popular motifs used in antique stained glass. It symbolizes perfect love as well as the Holy Trinity.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

Wreath
The wreath, often made from evergreen branches and used  as holiday decoration is a symbol for eternity.

THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD

 

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View all the designs in each collection at 
Dragonfly Software's Glass Eye web site
Secure ordering is available directly from 
the Dragonfly Software site.

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