When you think of stained glass, most likely you think of huge cathedrals in Europe from the Middle Ages. Have you ever wondered why that is so?

Entry Brite offers entry doors with glass, as well as many other interior doors. Our mission is to make your entryway light and bright. Our family-owned decorative glass business has served thousands of customers over the years in both Las Vegas and Phoenix, helping to make a great first impression with their residential or commercial doors. Below, we’ll take a look at religion, custom stained glass windows, and their symbolism. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

RELIGION, CUSTOM STAINED GLASS, AND SYMBOLISM

Colored glass has been around since ancient times, with objects found in both ancient Egypt and Rome that are thousands of years old. Wealthy Romans were the first to use stained glass windows. However, custom stained glass didn’t hit its peak until Christianity began to spread. Early examples of custom stained glass can be found in monasteries from the 7th century AD.

Custom stained glass is little more than glass colored with metallic oxide powders to create color. The design first was made and then the color would be added and then the glass would be flattened into the desired shape.

So why did churches use stained glass?

In the Middle Ages, not many people could read. Custom stained glass was a way to tell Bible stories in a visual way that people could understand. And since the church was the most important building in every town and city back then, they commissioned the best. Practically speaking, custom stained glass also lets in light, which was important in huge cathedrals made almost entirely out of stone.

That being said, there is much meaning behind the colors used in these Biblical images.

MEANINGS OF THE COLORS OF RELIGIOUS STAINED GLASS

• Red. If you are a follower of Christ, this should be intuitive. Red signified the blood of Jesus, which he shed for all believers to have eternal life with God. It helped those in the Middle Ages remember the sacrifice Jesus made for them. It was also the color of martyrdom, saints (many of whom were martyred), and love or hate.
• Blue. Blue was used for the sky. It also signified heaven, hope, sincerity, and piety. You will often see Mary, Jesus’ mother, wearing blue since she is a symbol of home and piety as well.
• Green. Green was used for nature in stained glass in the Middle Ages. It symbolized rebirth, growth, eternal life, faith, and spring.
• White. God was often shown in white. White signified purity, innocence, and chastity. You’ll often see Jesus wearing a white robe.
• Yellow. Yellow was used in the halo of the saints, as well as the Gates of Heaven. Yellow symbolized power, glory, divinity, and sometimes treachery. You could often pick out Judas in a custom stained glass window in a medieval cathedral because he would be wearing yellow.
• Rainbow. As the symbol of God’s promise to Noah to never destroy mankind again, you’ll often see a rainbow depicting the covenant of God with man.

HOW ENTRY BRITE ENTERS THE PICTURE

Like the custom stained glass in medieval cathedrals, Entry Brite strives to make a powerful first impression upon those who enter through your door in Las Vegas or Tucson. We personalize your entry doors to include whatever you desire. We offer traditional glass entry doors, wrought-iron glass doors, pantry doors, and decorative iron gates and grills. We also strive to make all of our entry glass doors a work of art just like in medieval times.

Custom stained glass windows are just as beautiful to behold today as they were 1,000 years ago. They also hold just as much power and awe. The interplay of light and color makes the image dance, and we can’t help but be drawn to it.

No matter what type of front entry door with glass you have, be it a French door or a security door, our mission is to have others drawn to it as well. When you partner with us for custom doors, you will immediately see the difference — even if it is just you most of the time. Call Entry Brite in Las Vegas or Phoenix today for a free consultation!