The captivating topic of window in culture has long been an area of interest that has captured the attention of scholars, historians, architects, and artists alike. The significance of windows runs much deeper than a mere mechanism to let in light and air – they are symbolic depictions of numerous cultural values and beliefs that vary across different societies and eras. Windows are often viewed as gateways into the outside world, offering a glimpse into the natural world and the vast terrain that extends beyond our immediate boundaries. They enable a person to expand his or her horizons beyond the immediate environment and to gain new perspectives and insights that were not previously available. The symbolism behind this concept is multifaceted and often tied to notions of clarity, illumination, and revelation. The act of looking through a window can represent a search for knowledge, a quest for meaning, or an exploration of the unknown. The metaphor of a window to the world can also be associated with themes of power and agency as it implies that the individual has the ability to control what he or she sees, and to shape their understanding of reality based on their personal experiences.Additionally, they can serve as a mechanism for maintaining privacy and facilitating regulation over our environment, as exemplified in the fortress-like architecture that features windowless walls, prevalent in castles. Furthermore, windows can be embellished with ornamental components that reflect the aesthetic and cultural expressions of various regions and historical stages
The origin of the word window can be traced back to around 1200, when it was derived from the Old Norse term vindauga. The word literally means wind eye and comes from combining the Old Norse words for wind and eye. Interestingly, the Old Norse term supplanted the earlier Old English expressions for the concept, which were eagþyrl meaning eye-hole, and eagduru meaning eye-door.
At the beginning, the word was used to describe an unglazed hole in a roof. However, as technology progressed and glass windows became more common, the word evolved to describe the glass version of a window. This change was mirrored in most Germanic languages with the adoption of a version of the Latin term “fenestra.” German, Swedish, and English all use their own versions of “fenestra” as a parallel word until the mid-16th century.
freedom is not prison
my window – drawings 1518&projects 2023