MANDORLA Meaning and
Definition
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A mandorla (pl. mandorlas or mandorle) is a term that originated from the Italian language and has been adopted into English as a noun. In art and Christian symbolism, a mandorla refers to an almond-shaped oval or elliptical aureole, which surrounds and encloses the figures of sacred beings, especially Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints, in representations of religious artwork such as paintings, icons, and sculptures.
Typically, a mandorla is depicted as a radiant, luminous area that distinguishes the holy figures from their surroundings. The almond shape is believed to represent the point of connection between the divine realm and the earthly realm. The mandorla is often found in the central part of an artwork, emphasizing the importance and sanctity of the figure it surrounds.
The term "mandorla" itself can be traced back to the Italian word for "almond" due to the shape's resemblance to this nut. Its usage in art developed within the Byzantine tradition in the early centuries of Christianity and continued to evolve throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods.
In summary, a mandorla is an almond-shaped halo or aureole that encircles sacred figures in religious artwork. It serves to highlight their holiness, separate them from their surroundings, and symbolize the connection between the spiritual and physical realms.
Common Misspellings for MANDORLA
- nandorla
- kandorla
- jandorla
- mzndorla
- msndorla
- mwndorla
- mqndorla
- mabdorla
- mamdorla
- majdorla
- mahdorla
- mansorla
- manxorla
- mancorla
- manforla
- manrorla
- maneorla
- mandirla
- mandkrla
- mandlrla
Etymology of MANDORLA
The word "mandorla" is derived from the Italian language, specifically from the word "mandorla" meaning "almond", which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "amyndala" with the same meaning. The Latin term itself can be traced back to the Greek word "amygdalē" meaning "almond tree" or "almond". The shape of the almond is reminiscent of an almond nut, which also resembles the shape of a mandorla. In art and iconography, a "mandorla" refers to an almond-shaped aureola or halo commonly surrounding the figures of Christ, Virgin Mary, and saints in Christian artwork.
