Facts about Gargoyles and their origins...
The English word gargoyle comes from the French
form Gargouille meaning "throat" or "gullet". This is fitting
because it referes to the draining purpose. The German word
Wasserspeier also accurately describes it as well. Wasserspeire
means "water spitter".
A little bit of history on the
gargoyles...
During Roman times they defined clean drinkable
water sources by having the water come out of a lions head.
During the medieval time, they began using gargoyle figures as
rain spouts on buildings. Churchs starting making the
gargoyles more and more ornate and artistic. Over the
centurys, the explanations gargoyles has evolved. Below
are some of the most common explanations and beliefs behind
them.
~ They ward off evil spirits by scaring them
away.
~ On churchs, reminding parishioners of the
perils of evil.
~ Pagon symbol to encourage believers in
pre-Christian ways to come to church and make them feel welcomed
and at home.
~ A juxtaposition or balance of ugliness against
the beauty inside the building.
~ An insurance policy against building collapse,
also relating to warding off evil.
