Understanding The Symbolism of Church Stained Glass

Stained glass is a stunning art form that catches the eye and enchants the soul. Just ask anyone who goes to a Dallas church with towering stained glass windows! The way it refracts the light is glorious for believers and non-believers alike it can still elicit an ethereal feel. This is what contributed to the success of stained glass from the very start. However beautiful it also has significance on a spiritual level as well. This goes for the colors on stained glass too. While the colors are a large part of the overall artistic look, they also mean something spiritually to those viewing–, especially in the past. For the poor and illiterate it meant a way for them to understand the text of the gospel they couldn’t read. For the rich–the colors were a spiritual guide to living a better life. Read below to find out what each color stood for to both.

Stained glass colors symbolism

1. Red: Represented the blood of Christ. Which means his color many times indicated strong emotions. Things like love or hate were commonly associated with the color red in stained glass. Also suffering and sacrifice from both Jesus and the saints that were martyred.
2. Blue: This color is mostly used to symbolize heaven. Stemming from that it can represent ideas like hope, sincerity, and piety. This is evident in the color blue being something the Virgin Mary is often cloaked in.
3. Green: The color of grass and nature, green is an indication of the spring and growth. Thus accordingly it represents rebirth, life and life over death in stained glass windows. It can also be a symbol of faith, immortality, and contemplation.
4. Yellow: This color was something used to symbolize treachery like that of Judas. But, it is more common to see it used as the halo of saints and the Gates of Heaven. When used in this manner it symbolizes divinity, power, and glory.

These are the colors most frequently used in church stained glass and those with the richest symbolism. Now when you see a stained glass window you will have more insight into what the artwork means below the surface. For more information on church stained glass contact us Stained Glass Dallas.

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is a master craftsman, builder, and designer of stained glass windows. Martin learned the art of glassmaking while living in Scotland, where he was born and raised. He has been studying stained glass as an art form for over 30 years. When he moved to the U.S., Martin opened his own shop and started selling antique and custom stained glass windows. Martin's areas of expertise range from historic and religious stained glass to popular styles such as art nouveau, Mackintosh, floral, beveled, Greene & Green, and prairie. Over the years, his company has produced and sold over 50,000 stained glass windows to customers located in Dallas and throughout the country.