Bringing Heaven Down to Earth
What do stars mean on the ceilings of churches?
Written by: Conrad Schmitt Studios
Stargazing is not just an outdoor pastime, but a common occurrence in many of our decorated churches. Instead of the night sky, visitors of these sacred spaces look up at arched, domed, and vaulted ceilings to catch a glimpse of the heavens. Blue-painted ceilings reference a clear sky, allowing stars to be visible. This color additionally recalls the historical pigment, lapis lazuli, previously used to fabricate ultramarine blue. While often reserved for the robes of Mary, lapis lazuli was also used to depict skies in religious scenes. Giotto’s frescos in the Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel in Italy are notable examples of this pigment’s use in sacred spaces. Conrad Schmitt Studios recently used Sherwin Williams Honorable Blue (SW6811) for decorative additions in St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha, Wisconsin, in a nod to this longstanding tradition of blue on sacred ceilings. Sherwin Williams identifies Honorable Blue as a “deep saturated violet with a cool periwinkle undertone.” [1] As purple and yellow are complementary colors, the violet and periwinkle hints of this color dramatically contrast with the yellow color of stars, creating a scene that is harmonious.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Charleston, SC
St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha, WI
St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Scottsdale, AZ
Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. not only creates a sense of harmony through color relationships, but also through pattern. Stars can be arranged in a grid to embody the perfect order of heaven, or in a random fashion to celebrate the vastness of God’s creation. While visitors may not find the Big Dipper, individuals will notice that these painted and gilded stars have a variety of different sizes and shapes.
At Assumption Catholic Church in Nashville, Tennessee, members of the parish had a special opportunity to incorporate stars in their fundraising campaign. Donors could “purchase” a star by donating a set amount, both supporting the project and building a personal connection with the decoration. Contributions not only became a visual celebration of a gift, but also a permanent record of community stewardship. These stars incorporated variations of five-, six-, or eight-pointed stars:
The Star of Bethlehem signifies Jesus’ birth and incarnation, while providing numerical symbolism to represent the five wounds from His crucifixion.
The Creator Star recalls the six days in which God created the world and shares a similar orientation to the Star of David.
The eight-pointed Star of Redemption represents Baptism, while also serving to honor Mary whose birthday is celebrated on September eighth.
No matter the shape, stars have incredible importance as a symbol of hope, guidance, and promise. In Psalm 147:4, God counts the stars and calls them by name, reminding communities that every individual has a purpose. This comforting assertion manifests in believers, resulting in their own spiritual light to share with others. In churches, candlelight and ambient light from stained glass windows provide physical light, but also remind worshipers of God’s presence. In collective worship with the fellowship of believers, light and other celestial symbols recall our ancestors and those who are no longer with us. While our loved ones may be far from reach, like the stars on the ceiling, we can still sense their presence. Despite this vast illusion created within church ceilings of stars in the sky, a glimpse of heaven on earth has never been closer.
St. Charles Borromeo, Hartland, WI
References:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Star-of-David
https://starregister.org/the-connection-between-stars-and-religion.php
[1] Sherwin Williams – SW 6811 Honorable Blue
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/purple-paint-colors/sw6811-honorable-blue
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