CHOIR SCREEN Meaning and
Definition
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A choir screen is a structure found in many churches and cathedrals that separates the choir area from the nave. It is typically made of wood or stone and is often ornately decorated with intricate carvings or designs. The screen is positioned between the main altar and the congregation, serving as a barrier or visual divide.
The primary purpose of a choir screen is to provide a sense of spatial separation between the clergy and the congregation during religious services. It serves as a demarcation line, creating a distinction between the sacred area of the choir and the more secular area of the nave where the congregation sits. The screen not only physically separates the two areas but also symbolically represents the transition between the earthly realm and the divine realm.
Furthermore, choir screens often serve as a decorative element within the church or cathedral, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic abilities of the period they were constructed in. The intricate carvings and designs on the screens depict religious scenes, biblical figures, or symbolic motifs that add to the visual grandeur and spiritual ambiance of the space.
In some traditions, choir screens may also be used to house a rood, which is a large crucifix or sculpture of Christ, symbolizing his crucifixion. This further emphasizes the religious significance of the choir area and adds a focal point for the congregation's devotion.
Overall, a choir screen is a structural element that separates the choir area from the nave in a church or cathedral, serving both practical and symbolic purposes within the context of religious worship.
Common Misspellings for CHOIR SCREEN
- xhoir screen
- vhoir screen
- fhoir screen
- dhoir screen
- cgoir screen
- cboir screen
- cnoir screen
- cjoir screen
- cuoir screen
- cyoir screen
- chiir screen
- chkir screen
- chlir screen
- chpir screen
- ch0ir screen
- ch9ir screen
- chour screen
- chojr screen
- chokr screen
- choor screen
Etymology of CHOIR SCREEN
The word "choir screen" is derived from the Middle English word "quier" or "quire", which came from Old French "quer" or "quare". This term referred to the area in a church where the choir was situated. The word "screen" originated from Old Norse "skraon" meaning "a partition" or "a barrier". In combination, "choir screen" refers to the architectural element that physically separates the choir from the rest of the church, often taking the form of a decorative screen or partition.
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