Stained glass originated in ancient Egypt, Rome and Syria. The Egyptians created glass beads around 2700 BC. Wealthier Romans inserted the first stained glass windows. And the Phoenicians manufactured glass in Sidon, Antioch, and Tyre. Today, the Syrians remain famous as glass blowers and beach makers.
For the last 1,000 years, stained glass windows have been seen as those installed in churches and cathedrals. These windows were not for worship purposes themselves, but told the pictorial story of Jesus to illiterate attenders.
My own first attraction began as a child attending services at the Goodrich United Methodist Church in Michigan. Sadly, the building no longer stands.
Churches have favored stained glass windows as a religious form because the light coming through the glass illuminating the Biblical story is symbolic of the light of Scripture. It is a physical symbol of a spiritual concept.
The windows are often ornate and vibrantly colored, demonstrating the variety and beauty of the Christian faith.
(C) Kelly Jadon, 2021 “Hummer Hanger” $125
(C) Kelly Jadon, 2021