The Meaning of Religious Stained Glass Icons 

You may have noticed a variety of symbols in different parts of church stained glass windows. This is quite typical for religious stained glass. Iconography was frequently employed to communicate essential stories to church congregations. Some emblems, like crosses, have a very obvious significance. However, there are icons that do not have such an easy meaning. The following are some of our favorite religious stained glass emblems and what they signify.’

Church Stained Glass Iconography

• A Dove: the Holy Spirit is represented by a dove, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
• A Dove and Rainbow: The dove and the rainbow are symbols for endings and forgiveness, according to ancient legend.
• A Chalice with Grapes: The most frequent symbol for Holy Communion is the chalice and grapes.
• A Lamb: became the symbol for Jesus the sacrificial lamb and Lamb of God
• Messianic Rose: The Messianic Rose is a well-known Christian symbol representing the promised Messiah, as it means “Messiah’s Blossom.” The prophet Isaiah predicted that when God’s kingdom comes, the desert would blossom like a rose.
• The Lion: Judah’s tribe is represented by the lion, which is known for its strength, bravery, and compassion.
• Fish: The Greek fish represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It has been used as a secret sign since it was dangerous to be a Christian.
• Anchor: One of the oldest Jesus Christ symbols is the anchor, which dates back to the catacombs.
• Dragon: The dragon is a representation of Satan. It may also refer to sin.
• Leaf and Acorn: The acorn, which is not often seen, stands for the growth of faith from a tiny seed to a towering tree.
• Butterfly: It’s a beautiful emblem that signifies rebirth and eternal life.

To learn more about the lovely meaning behind your church’s stained glass, contact us today!

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is from Glasgow, Scotland, the stained glass capital of the world. Martin has been practicing the art of making stained glass windows for over thirty years and is a collector of antique works. His excellent craftmanship and extensive knowledge of the art form, including the required techniques for glassmaking, styles, and history of stained glass make him an expert in his field. Martin owns one of the largest stained glass window studios in the country. The company specializes in stained glass repair and restoration, religious stained glass, commercial stained glass, and custom residential stained and leaded glass. Together, Martin and his team have created hundreds of stained glass windows for homes and buildings in the Kansas City area.