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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. |
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Each of the
motifs below have been made into digital resizable stained glass patterns. |
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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
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Bell
Bells are a symbol of a joyous occasion.
THIS PATTERN
IS ON THE ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD
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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
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Candlestick
A lit candlestick or burning lamp represents active devotion, watchfulness
and prayer.
THIS PATTERN
IS ON THE AMERICAN LEGACY PATTERN CD
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Circle
The never ending circle symbolizes eternity.
THIS PATTERN IS ON THE
BRITISH LEGACY II PATTERN CD
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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
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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
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Fish
The fish is associated with Jesus Christ and the ancient Christian
ritual of Baptism.
THIS PATTERN IS ON THE AMERICAN
LEGACY PATTERN CD
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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
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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
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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
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Lily
The lily is associated with purity and
innocence.
THIS PATTERN IS ON THE ORIGINAL
BRITISH
LEGACY PATTERN CD
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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
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Pineapple
The pineapple is a symbol for hospitality.
THIS PATTERN IS ON THE
ORIGINAL BRITISH LEGACY PATTERN CD
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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