Dodecagon and church design

Jeff-Groves · 02-08-19, 06:41 PM

Dodecagon being 12 sided matches the 12 Disciples.
12 being a Holy number.
Another reason is the light through the windows. Most Gothic era churches using a dodecagon type design at one end seem to be aligned to the vernal equinox. That would be around Easter. And the light would fall on the main alter at proper times.

This is just my thoughts. I figure others can chime in with thoughts and such.

Rockstar · 02-08-19, 08:13 PM

I've done some stained glass work as a novice. The first thought as to why use a dodecagon would be to simply give strength to the the lead came structure and finished window. Though during that time you speak of stained glass was made for the illiterate so I suppose there is a possibility it could have some symbolic significance as well.

As for the sunshine I dont think its possible for the sun to be in the same position in the sky to shine through the same window since easter isn't always on the same day.

Thats my two 0.2 cents

Buddahaid · 02-08-19, 08:20 PM

Perhaps another instance of the church adopting pagan practices?

Jeff-Groves · 02-09-19, 01:18 PM

What I mean is the use of available light in the days where there was no electricity and the symbolism involved to construct Gothic and Neo Gothic Churches.
Granted the Vernal Equinox changes a little but the light still follows a given direction at or around that time.
The other sides of a half Dodecagon will direct sun shine to the alter area in most all seasons.
This is no longer needed with electricity but back in the day? Many things were constructed to use natural light and symbolisms seem to have evolved from this.

Many places have been proven to have been built to follow the natural sun light for various reasons.
When to plant crops, tell time, and so on.

All of them seem to have developed a symbolism and even a belief system of some type.

02-08-19, 06:41 PM	#1
Jeff-Groves GLOBAL MODDING TERRORIST Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 5,649 Downloads: 137 Uploads: 0	Dodecagon and church design Dodecagon being 12 sided matches the 12 Disciples. 12 being a Holy number. Another reason is the light through the windows. Most Gothic era churches using a dodecagon type design at one end seem to be aligned to the vernal equinox. That would be around Easter. And the light would fall on the main alter at proper times. This is just my thoughts. I figure others can chime in with thoughts and such.

02-08-19, 08:13 PM	#2
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I've done some stained glass work as a novice. The first thought as to why use a dodecagon would be to simply give strength to the the lead came structure and finished window. Though during that time you speak of stained glass was made for the illiterate so I suppose there is a possibility it could have some symbolic significance as well. As for the sunshine I dont think its possible for the sun to be in the same position in the sky to shine through the same window since easter isn't always on the same day. Thats my two 0.2 cents Last edited by Rockstar; 02-08-19 at 08:27 PM.

02-08-19, 08:20 PM	#3
Buddahaid Shark above Space Chicken Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 9,319 Downloads: 162 Uploads: 0	Perhaps another instance of the church adopting pagan practices? __________________ "However vast the darkness, we must provide our own light." Stanley Kubrick "Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming." David Bowie

02-09-19, 01:18 PM	#4
Jeff-Groves GLOBAL MODDING TERRORIST Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 5,649 Downloads: 137 Uploads: 0	What I mean is the use of available light in the days where there was no electricity and the symbolism involved to construct Gothic and Neo Gothic Churches. Granted the Vernal Equinox changes a little but the light still follows a given direction at or around that time. The other sides of a half Dodecagon will direct sun shine to the alter area in most all seasons. This is no longer needed with electricity but back in the day? Many things were constructed to use natural light and symbolisms seem to have evolved from this. Many places have been proven to have been built to follow the natural sun light for various reasons. When to plant crops, tell time, and so on. All of them seem to have developed a symbolism and even a belief system of some type. Last edited by Jeff-Groves; 02-09-19 at 01:28 PM.