Definition of Old-Fashioned*:
1. a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a past era, in or according to styles or types no longer current or common; not modern.
When we undertook the renovations to our home, one of the features Paul and I emphatically chose not to replace was the stained glass in the two bay windows and in the window over the stairs. These colourful panes were original to the house when it was built in 1923, came special order from England, and bear a trio motif of roses, thistles, and shamrocks.
Rose of England Thistle of Scotland Shamrock of Ireland
But what is the significance of this trio? As Wikipedia explains:
“Since the 1801 Act of Union between Britain and Ireland, the shamrock was incorporated into the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, depicted growing from a single stem alongside the rose of England, and the thistle of Scotland to symbolise the unity of the three kingdoms. Since then the shamrock has regularly appeared alongside the rose, thistle and (sometimes) leek for Wales in British coins such as the shilling and crown, and in stamps. The rose, thistle and shamrock motif also appears regularly on British public buildings such as Buckingham Palace.”
So even though nearly everything else has been renovated, replaced or upgraded,
we are happy we made the decision to keep the stained glass.
And though they may not be modern or practical…
…we love the feeling of tradition and heritage they impart,
…and the beauty they add to our sunsets.
*This has been my take on this week’s photo challenge: Old-Fashioned @ wheresmybackpack.com
Jennifer's Journal 