The Many Patterns of Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows play an integral part in the architecture of many churches, old and new. They are what set churches apart from other buildings, and are very sought after. When the window maker is commissioned for the windows, much thought is put into the patterns that will be used. There are many different choices that are commonly used by churches when installing stained glass windows. Here these types will be outlined, along with their significance to the church. You will look at stained glass windows in a different way when you realize the sheer amount of deliberation that goes into choosing the pattern.

Sometimes, if more than one window is involved in the order, the church will choose patterns that attempt to describe some sort of significant story from the bible. Each frame will show a different step in the story, and sometimes be accompanied by an engraving or stained glass text with a bible verse pertaining to the story. Usually each frame also has some sort of deeper meaning. The philosophy of these is usually contemplated over a long period of time, until the church can decide on a stained glass window scene that is the best choice for the situation.

But not all stained glass window patterns have to tell a story. Many of them depict symbols or patterns that are significant to the church. You will see many that are simply crosses with a mosaic of random colors surrounding them. Celtic crosses are also very popular things to depict in stained glass windows, and their patterns are often quite complex. Other symbols include things with religious importance, such as a dove. It usually also depends on the denomination of the church, since different ones have different things that they place importance on.

If you don’t understand what a stained glass pattern is supposed to mean, you should ask the pastor of the church that it is located in. Many stained glass window patterns have very interesting theology or stories behind them, and if you inquire then you will more often than not find out something that you didn’t know. Stained glass windows have been around for a very long time, and have always seemed to have a deeper meeting than we can realize. So if you start delving into this meaning, you are sure to find something that will interest you.