Why are there gargoyles on Catholic Churches?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deliefiore
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Gargoyles are a form of art that serve a practical purpose. They route rain water from the roof away from the sides of buildings which prevents the rain water from eroding the masonry. You can see it clearly in this video of rain pouring out of the gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Various symbolism was given to these images. Some were animal symbols of various virtues. As the Catholic Encyclopedia notes:
The symbolism which usually attaches to the various animals is derived for the most part from the “bestiaries”. Thus, for the lion, strength, vigilance, and courage; for the siren, voluptuousness; for the pelican, charity. The four animals which symbolize the leading characteristics of each of the Four Evangelists become more and more an accessory used to characterize the figure of the Evangelists themselves.
Click to expand...
Some were also grotesque figures which mainly was meant to symbolize that evil was kept outside the walls of the church.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top