Having read through our blog on the symbols in your stained glass, you might wonder about some unique symbols to have designed into your stained glass front door. After all, not everyone might want Medieval era religious iconography in their stained glass, others might want simple symbols of love, prosperity, and luck. In today’s blog, Entry Brite of Las Vegas will outline a few of these symbols so you can consider incorporating them into the design of your custom windows.
THE PINEAPPLE
While no one can quite understand where this fruit’s name came from, they can understand the symbolism behind this unique spiky fruit. The pineapple has been used as a symbol of friendship and invitation for centuries. Indeed, if you look at the front doors of many Georgian and Federal style homes from the 17th through 19th centuries, you’ll find pineapples sculpted into the archways and pediments of the front door.
The pineapple became a symbol of hospitality when, in 1492, Christopher Columbus first landed on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe. Indigenous people reportedly presented this fruit to him, and Columbus’ sailors, starved for fresh fruit, were excited to try this exotic treat. For many centuries after that, the pineapple was a prized commodity because it was difficult to ship to the Old World. Colonists of the New World would present their guests or visitors with a pineapple, and the fruit would serve as a dessert after a large meal.
Including a pineapple in your stained glass windows will let your visitors know that they are always welcome in your home.
The Horseshoe
The horseshoe has been a symbol of good luck for hundreds of years and in cultures all over the world. It is said that to find a horseshoe on your travels is a sign of luck, and so it’s not uncommon to find horseshoes hanging over entryways and on walls of homes. Of course, finding a horseshoe wasn’t just a symbol of fortuitous luck, for many centuries, finding a horseshoe was a financial boon, as the iron content of the horseshoe was very valuable. Finding a horseshoe then was a sign of your shifting wealth.
Today, you can include a horseshoe in the design of your stained glass so that your family and friends will be blessed with good fortune every time they pass by the window.
Bugs
While we typically don’t view bugs favorably, we are fond of some bugs, and their symbols are also fascinating. For instance, the ladybug is widely considered to be a sign of good luck. An old myth is that if you find a ladybug in your home, you should count the number of spots on it’s back. That number correlates to the amount of money you’ll find soon after. Similarly, it’s considered bad luck to kill a ladybug. Along the same lines, some cultures consider the dragonfly to be a symbol of new beginnings and happiness. Including images of these two friendly bugs in your stained glass can bring a sense of serenity and joy to your visitors.
An Anchor
The anchor of a ship is meant to keep it from moving in the shifting waters of the ocean or a lake. Because of its ability to keep a ship stable, even in troubled waters, it is often viewed as a symbol of steadfastness, tranquility, and hope. It’s not uncommon to find anchor motifs in stained glass features of sailor’s homes. It is also commonly found in early Christian symbology, as it closely links Christ’s calming presence in a chaotic world.
There is an endless number of symbols that you can include in your custom stained glass windows. Think about the symbols that are important in your life, and what meaning they hold for you and your family. Of course, if you’re seeking inspiration, you can view our gallery page, and then contact us for a consultation with our designers. Call us now!