The Acanthus Leaf Meaning
The acanthus leaf appears on many of our products.

Ancanthus Leaf Planter

Spiny Acanthus Leaf
The acanthus plant itself grows primarily in the Mediterranean region and the islands of the area.

Green Acantus Leaf

Acanthus Leaf Styles

Portal with Acanthus Leaf

Medieval Gothic Church
With a plant like this it is no wonder that it has come to symbolize immortality – rebirth – longevity and healing. Throughout these regional areas, with a plant like acanthus, is no wonder it was adopted into their buildings, temples, artwork and other common items like planters, jars and other vessels. We see it the most in the Greco Roman empire, this plant had actually become part of their culture, due to it being so important in their society. As time went on the Byzantine architecture,buildings, and art works. Sometimes referred to as the Eastern Roman empire, continued using the acanthus leaf in their architecture works as well. Under Constantinople’s rule it was incorporated into the Cathedrals of the day. Even though the acanthus leaf was used in Cathedral architecture it never became a Christian symbol. Not even when Christendom suffered its Great Schism, dividing into the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church. This famous leaf continued to exist in architecture right through the middle ages with churches and other buildings of great importance. The Gothic Churches adopted it as well, in their enormous and elaborate cathedrals. With no nook or cranny left unadorned we find the leaf there as well as another architectural element the gargoyle. That we will discuss in another article. Along with the Gothic style churches were Romanesque style.

Metal Acanthus Leaf Sculpture

Wood Acanthus Leaf

Acanthus Leaf Ring
