The Role of Stained Glass in Spreading Christianity During Religious Persecution
Throughout history, stained glass has not only been an art form but also a powerful tool for storytelling and spiritual guidance, particularly during times of religious persecution. As the Christian faith faced suppression in various parts of the world, especially in the early years of the Roman Empire or during periods of religious conflict in Europe, stained glass windows served as a subtle but impactful way to communicate religious messages and sustain faith within the community.
While many recognize stained glass windows as beautiful displays of biblical stories, few may realize the deeper, often hidden, symbolism embedded in these windows. These symbols, often unnoticed by those unfamiliar with their meanings, were used to spread messages of hope, faith, and resilience among Christian communities during periods when open worship was forbidden or dangerous.
Hidden Symbols in Stained Glass Windows
During times of persecution, Christian artisans incorporated symbols into stained glass that carried significant religious meaning, allowing the faithful to understand deeper messages that might go unnoticed by persecutors. Below are a few symbols and their meanings:
The Pelican in Her Piety
Symbolism: The pelican was believed to pierce her own breast to feed her young with her blood when no food was available, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and the Eucharist. It was often used to represent Christ's willingness to give his life for humanity. In times of persecution, this symbol reinforced the central Christian belief of salvation through Christ's sacrifice, especially when explicit depictions of the crucifixion were too risky.
Example: A small depiction of the pelican might be placed in the corner of a stained glass window, easily overlooked by non-Christians but recognized by believers as a sign of Christ’s sacrificial love.
The Anchor
Symbolism: The anchor, an early Christian symbol, represents hope and steadfastness, especially during times of trials. For Christians in hiding, the anchor was a reminder to remain strong in their faith and was a discreet way of professing allegiance to Christ. It ties to Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Example: Stained glass windows in early Christian catacombs often included hidden anchors, which symbolized unwavering faith during a stormy period of persecution. Some churches would incorporate the anchor into decorative borders or background designs, making it appear as mere embellishment to outsiders.
The Phoenix
Symbolism: Known from pagan mythology, the phoenix became a Christian symbol of resurrection and eternal life. During times when direct depictions of Christ’s resurrection were forbidden, the phoenix was a way to convey the promise of eternal life without drawing direct attention to the Christian belief.
Example: A small phoenix might appear at the top of a stained glass window depicting nature or as part of an ornamental design, representing the hope of resurrection for persecuted Christians.
The Fish (Ichthys)
Symbolism: While the fish symbol is more widely known today, its use in stained glass during persecution periods was often subtle. The Greek word for fish (Ichthys) is an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." Stained glass artists often incorporated fish into the background or decorative elements of windows as a quiet declaration of faith.
Example: A fish could be found in an ocean or river scene, blended into the natural design but carrying deep spiritual significance to those in the know.
The Vine and Grapes
Symbolism: The vine, symbolizing Christ as the source of spiritual life, and grapes, representing the Eucharist, were often used during times when the celebration of communion had to be performed in secret. The vine and grapes were a subtle nod to the connection between Christ and his followers, offering reassurance during trials.
Example: A small cluster of grapes in a stained glass window might seem like a decorative element, but to Christians under persecution, it symbolized participation in the body of Christ and the hope of spiritual sustenance.
Make sure to check out our blog posts Unveiling 15 Christian Symbols in Stained Glass Art and Unveiling 15 More Christian Symbols in Stained Glass Art for more symbols and their meanings.
Stained Glass as a Teaching Tool
Beyond these hidden symbols, stained glass windows served as a form of religious education for those who could not openly read scripture. In the Middle Ages, when much of the population was illiterate, stained glass windows became a form of "visual scripture." They depicted scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and Christian moral lessons, allowing believers to learn and remember their faith even when they had no access to written texts.
During times of persecution, however, these images often had to be more discreet. Instead of overtly depicting Christ or biblical figures, the scenes might represent virtues such as charity or piety through allegory. Hidden beneath these allegorical depictions were more explicit messages about Christian martyrdom, faith, and salvation, encouraging the persecuted community to hold firm to their beliefs.
Examples of Stained Glass During Persecution
1. Catholic Recusants in Elizabethan England
In 16th and early 17th century England, Catholics were persecuted under Queen Elizabeth I's reign, as Protestantism became the official religion. Many Catholics, known as "recusants," continued to practice their faith in secret, often in hidden chapels or safe houses.
Stained Glass Example: In recusant homes, small private chapels sometimes featured stained glass with disguised religious symbols. A popular motif was the wheat sheaf, symbolizing the Eucharist and the bread of life, subtly reminding worshippers of the sacredness of the Mass, which was illegal at the time. The sunburst was another hidden symbol for the Host in the Eucharist, often featured behind what seemed like a landscape scene.
Symbolic Meaning: These symbols allowed Catholics to continue honoring the sacrament of the Eucharist without openly displaying the forbidden practices.
2. Dutch Protestants under Spanish Rule
In the late 16th century, the Protestant population in the Netherlands was persecuted under Spanish Catholic rule. This period, known as the Dutch Revolt, led to secret worship services and hidden symbolism in religious art, including stained glass.
Stained Glass Example: Stained glass windows in Protestant homes or hidden churches (also called "schuilkerken") incorporated imagery like olive branches, which symbolized peace and hope during a time of conflict, and pomegranates, symbolizing resurrection and unity in faith.
Symbolic Meaning: The pomegranate’s many seeds symbolized the congregation staying united under one faith, even in times of hardship. These windows carried messages of resilience and solidarity for Protestants who risked their lives to practice their beliefs.
3. Eastern Orthodox Christians under Ottoman Rule
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, many Eastern Orthodox Christians living under Ottoman rule faced restrictions on openly practicing their faith. Though some churches were allowed to function, many others were converted to mosques, and religious imagery was forbidden in public spaces.
Stained Glass Example: Orthodox churches that survived sometimes incorporated stained glass with subtle Christian symbolism, such as the vine, representing Christ and the connection of believers to Him (John 15:5). Another symbol used was the peacock, which, in Eastern Christian tradition, symbolized immortality and resurrection.
Symbolic Meaning: The peacock, often hidden in decorative patterns, conveyed the Christian belief in eternal life. The vine reminded believers that they remained connected to Christ even when practicing their faith in secret.
4. Irish Catholics under Penal Laws
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Irish Catholics were subjected to harsh Penal Laws, which severely restricted their ability to practice their faith. Mass had to be celebrated in secret, often in remote locations, and church building was restricted.
Stained Glass Example: In the few Catholic chapels that could be maintained, stained glass often included the deer or stag, which in Irish Christianity symbolized Christ. The deer was particularly meaningful, as it could also represent escape or spiritual refuge, symbolizing Catholics’ ability to find safe spaces to worship.
Symbolic Meaning: The deer, appearing in windows or decorative borders, subtly conveyed the theme of Christ's protective presence and the endurance of faith in the face of oppression.
5. Waldensians in Northern Italy
The Waldensians, a Christian movement that predated the Protestant Reformation, were persecuted for centuries in the Alpine regions of Italy and France. Forbidden to openly practice their faith, they often worshipped in hidden mountain chapels.
Stained Glass Example: Stained glass windows in Waldensian meeting houses sometimes depicted the butterfly, a symbol of transformation and resurrection, and the lamp, representing the light of Christ that continued to guide them despite persecution.
Symbolic Meaning: The butterfly served as a covert symbol of hope and the promise of new life in Christ, while the lamp symbolized their perseverance in faith during dark times.
6. Scotland's Covenanters
In the 17th century, Scotland’s Covenanters, a group of Presbyterian Christians, faced brutal persecution for refusing to accept the imposition of Anglicanism by the British monarchy. They held secret worship services in remote locations, known as “conventicles,” and often met in hidden churches.
Stained Glass Example: In churches that remained loyal to the Covenanting cause, stained glass windows sometimes featured the dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, or the burning bush, a reference to Moses' encounter with God (Exodus 3:2), which became a symbol of God’s enduring presence and protection over the Covenanting community.
Symbolic Meaning: The burning bush symbolized the unquenchable faith of the Covenanters, who saw themselves as protected by God even as they faced severe persecution. The dove, representing the Holy Spirit, offered a subtle message of peace and divine guidance in the face of turmoil.
7. The Huguenots in France
The Huguenots, French Protestants, faced intense persecution during the Wars of Religion and after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. They were forced to worship in secret or flee to countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, and England to practice their faith openly.
Stained Glass Example: In hidden Huguenot chapels, stained glass windows would sometimes feature the lily, a symbol associated with purity and religious dissent. Another symbol was the tree, representing both the tree of life and the Huguenot belief in the endurance and growth of their faith despite oppression.
Symbolic Meaning: The lily, while also representing purity, was a subtle defiance of the Catholic monarchy, whose symbol was also the lily. The tree symbolized the deep roots of the Huguenot faith and their resilience, even as they faced exile and persecution. These symbols helped Huguenots maintain a sense of identity and faith during difficult times.
Stained glass, with its vivid colors and intricate designs, provided more than aesthetic value during periods of Christian persecution. It was a medium for covert communication, offering hope, solidarity, and religious teaching to believers when open worship was forbidden. Through the clever use of symbols like the pelican, the anchor, and the phoenix, these windows became silent testimonies of faith, strength, and the promise of salvation. By understanding these symbols and their meanings, we can better appreciate the historical role stained glass played in spreading and sustaining Christianity in the face of adversity.
View our collection of symbolic stained glass designs here and bring a piece of history into your hone or place of worship.
