Whenever I look at a stained glass window, I think about the fact that even plain glass windows were considered a luxury that was only available to the rich until around the 1900’s, and electric lighting in homes only started to become popular in the 1930’s, and yet the first stained glass windows started appearing in cathedrals in the 4th century.
Imagine the awe of looking at glowing, colorful imagery when you probably didn’t even have windows yourself. Home was a dark place where you were engaged in a constant struggle for adequate lighting, and yet here was this gloriously illuminated artistry shining down upon you, projecting rainbows onto your skin. It must have looked like a miracle. Knowing that, stained glass will always feel miraculous to me.
Here are some stained glass images from my photo collection. Some were taken by me, some were sent to me by others. Think of them as little miracles from me to you.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stained_glass#Origins
http://www.understandconstruction.com/glass.html
www.clerawindows.com/blog/windows-glass-glazing-a-brief-history/
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/everyday-wonders/electric-lighting-home
Are you wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? How about my book, Notes on Gratitude? Place your orders now! (Or any other time, since we’re on the subject.) And… thanks!
The View from a Drawbridge 