Gargoyles (in the strict sense) are carvings on the outside of buildings originally designed to direct water from the roof away from the base of the walls.
Some gargoyles are undecorated but many are elaborate creatures - often very imaginative and/or grotesque. When drainage was introduced, the gargoyle stayed for decoration purposes. This led to the term 'gargoyle' being applied more widely to any grotesque carving in medieval buildings.
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| Source: Wikipedia |
Some gargoyles are undecorated but many are elaborate creatures - often very imaginative and/or grotesque. When drainage was introduced, the gargoyle stayed for decoration purposes. This led to the term 'gargoyle' being applied more widely to any grotesque carving in medieval buildings.
Gargoyles are thought to fight off evil and offer protection for your house and garden. They can stand guard and ward off unwanted spirits and other creatures. If they're hideous and frightening they can scare off all sorts of things. They are supposed to come to life and protect the surrounding areas around a dwelling while everyone is asleep, keeping it safe and secure.
If you have a large home and you want a gargoyle for protection, make sure it has wings to fly as it is believed that winged gargoyles will fly around the whole area, circling the home, watching and turning away evil. They return to their places when the sun comes up (and no-one can prove that they weren't out and about, and no-one respectable who rises and sets with the sun is going to be mistaken by them for an enemy and be dealt with).
So what about the rather tame looking ones? It is believed that some of the slightly grotesque gargoyles may depict concepts that were much simpler for people in medieval
times. For example, pulling your lips wide apart in a grimace using your hands
and trying to look scary ("gurning") was a terrific joke. Presumably it was also
more scary than now, given that any kind of deformity could be worryingly
reminiscent of deformity from incurable diseases or unexplained acts of God or
devil, both things to be feared in medieval times.
Each day as you walk past your gargoyle, thank it for protecting your home.
Garulf the Gargoyle Stone Garden Statue
from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
Even though I'm not superstitious about them, I think gargoyles add a really nice effect to home exteriors and gardens. They don't have to be scary or grotesque. They can be cute or funny, like in the last two pictures. My wife and I have been looking to get some nice statues for our garden. We're not sure if we want a gargoyle, but we definitely want something with the same effect. We want it to look like it moves when you stare at it long enough, like you described withe gargoyles. Hopefully we can find something we like! http://www.omniquemall.com/dept-30110
ReplyDeleteI've always loved gargoyles, aesthetically. I never knew they were originally invented as, in so many words, drain spouts. But I guess it makes a lot of sense. I would love to get a couple for my garden and front porch. http://www.moderngiftworld.net/np1-listing-dept-30110
ReplyDeleteGreat read.
ReplyDeleteI was told they were evil demons. Where did you get information? My son's wife is a witch and has one on her front steps. Thought it was bad.
ReplyDeleteNo they are supposed to protect your home
DeleteThey protect. And not all witches are evil.
DeleteMy x wife isa witch also
DeleteI have a question. So my dads house is being sold but when we moved in to the house has a kid I found a gargoyle. My dad is now passed on and the house sold can i keep it or should it stay with the house
ReplyDeleteStay with the home. If the new owners do not want it, or are not receptive then it can be gifted or kept with your family.
ReplyDelete