Why do churches have stained glass windows?

Stained glass windows in churches are popular all over the world. There is barely a church, or a cathedral, where there are no stained glass masterpieces. The history of stained glass officially traces back to almost a thousand and a half years ago. The church stained glass windows history and why is stained glass used in religious establishments is about to be discussed in this article. 

If you want to get more information about stained glass at home you should read the article - 12 Mosaic and Stained Glass Ideas to Add Color to Your Home

5 interesting facts about stained glass windows in churches 

As we have already mentioned in the previous paragraph, the history of stained glass dates from approximately 675 AD. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? According to the proved data about the stained glass history, the Romans are believed to be the first people who used stained glass in window décor. However, one more interesting fact is that stained glass was first discovered many years before. As the researchers claim, stained glass was discovered by the people of Egypt who used to fire their vessels. Actually, exactly this is supposed to be the first manmade glass, which takes its history from between 2750 and 2656 BC. We bet, now you are dazzled even more! 

In churches themselves, stained glass acquired recognition in the times, when Christianity was precipitously spreading across the globe. The popularization of this faith resulted in the massive building of churches, where stained glass was used. Only in this period, stained glass received its religious meaning. And, in 686 AD at St. Paul’s Monastery in England, the first church windows were decorated with classic glass panels, which depicted ecclesiastical figures, or in other words, the genealogy of Christ.

Moving further, when classic pictures of saints lost its popularity, the glaziers adjusted these designs to the so-called new fashion in architecture, and arts itself. The thirteenth century is considered to be in some way an innovative one. From now on, the majority of figures depicted on stained glass religious panels were not just standing, but their silhouette resembled the letter “S”. This happened due to the fact that stained glass panels lost their narrative interest and dramatic power. More flowing lines became en vogue. 

Besides, to this very period dates back the origin of silver stain. The introduction of silver, or yellow, stain gave the masters a magnificent opportunity to combine two colours on the same piece of glass. This is believed to be a revolutionary event in the history of stained glass use in churches.

In the seventeenth century and the beginning of the eighteenth century, stained glass artisans turned back to the Gothic style, as it again picked up stream in architecture all over the European continent. Back then, the movement of the Gothic revival led to the emergence of combination of old and new in stained glass manufacturing. In churches and cathedrals, the windows were again in Gothic style with the wide use of stained glass pieces of art. Because of both the size and intricacy of “new” Gothic stained glass windows, they now were able to let in in religious establishments more dazzling light than ever before.

Last but not least, in the nineteenth century the masters from the United States of America made a huge contribution to the modern stained glass branch of art. Frank Lloyd Wright, who founded the school of interior, started to use the pops of stained glass in clear windows. Especially these small details made “geometric abstractions unique to each building for which they were created,” and in its turn every window was in a class by itself masterpiece. Simultaneously, Louis Tiffany, who is known to be a famous glassmaker, had a chance to interpret the ancient style of stained glass arts into the modern one. Thus, nowadays in relatively new churches, cathedrals and monasteries all over the world visitors can admire the enhanced stained glass works of art. If you want to buy stained glass tell us about it. 

Why is stained glass used in churches?

Do you still stick to the idea that the purpose of stained glass windows in churches is simple to serve as a glass décor? Unfortunately, you’re wrong. The meaning of stained glass windows in catholic churches is not that evident. 

Firstly, stained glass gives the opportunity to fill in the place with natural light, as we have mentioned before. Still, it’s not the main reason. Light is known to be a religious symbol of a high importance, as it represents the heavens and the purity, and can spiritually clarify a man. And the ordinary windows cannot provide the needed level of light in that special intimacy and privacy.

Secondly, according to the history, stained glass serves as an important transmitter of messages. Due to stained glass religious windows, panels, or sometimes mosaics people get to know what Bible hides, and always remember about the great values of the world. Also in our store you can buy stained glass with birds.