A Brief History of Rose Windows
image of a stained glass rose window
rose-window-craft-kits.jpg

Rose windows are ancient in origin and often amazingly beautiful. Their symbolism has been many and varied and culminated in the Middle Ages in the magnificent twelve point gothic windows such as those of the Cathedrals of Notre Dame in Paris and in Chartres. In such windows Christ is the centre "light" and within the lights around him are the symbols of the four Gospel writers, apostles, prophets, saints and angels. The number twelve is of significance – being the number of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples of Jesus. Some windows show God's dominion over heaven and earth by including zodiacal signs and the labours of the months.
The circle itself reflects the perfection of God and His eternal existence. 

If you would like to create your own rose windows you could have a look in the hopefish shop 

  (c) hopefish 2008