aureole etymology

Etymology

The word "aureole" comes from the Latin word "aureus," meaning "golden."

Meaning

An aureole is a luminous halo or radiance that surrounds the head or body of a holy figure, typically represented in religious art. It is often used to symbolize the divine presence, power, glory, or holiness.

Origin

The concept of the aureole dates back to ancient times. In Greek and Roman art, halos were used to depict gods and heroes, as well as rulers and other important figures. In early Christian art, the aureole was adopted to signify the presence of God, Christ, and saints.

Usage

Aureoles are typically depicted as circular or oval shapes with a golden or white glow. They can vary in size and intensity, and may be depicted as solid or transparent.

In Christian art, aureoles are commonly used to differentiate between different types of saints and holy figures:

  • Gold aureoles: Used for Christ, his mother Mary, and other major saints.
  • White aureoles: Used for lesser saints and virgins.
  • Rectangular aureoles: Sometimes used for living saints or popes.

Beyond religious art, the term "aureole" can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any type of luminous halo or aura surrounding an object or figure. For example, it may be used to describe the glowing light around the sun or a celestial body.

aureole relate terms

  • aureate

    Etymology The word aureate originates from the Latin word aurum meaning gold Me

  • nimbus

    Etymology From Latin nimbus cloud rain cloud storm cloud of uncertain origin Poss

  • aureole

    Etymology The word aureole comes from the Latin word aureus meaning golden Meani

  • corona

    Etymology The word corona is derived from the Latin word corona which means crown

  • aura

    Etymology The word aura is derived from the Latin word aura which means a breeze o

  • diadem

    Etymology From Old French diademe from Latin diadema from Greek διάδημα diád

  • radiance

    Etymology Latin radiare to emit rays From the Proto Indo European root reh₁d

  • light

    Etymology The word light comes from the Old English word liht meaning bright or

  • glory

    Etymology From Middle English glorie from Old French gloire ultimately from Latin glor

  • glow

    Etymology The word glow comes from the Middle English word glowe which in turn is d

  • shebang

    Etymology The term shebang is thought to have originated in the early 19th century alt

  • kind