Is this a simple cross stitch picture? Yes, it is? No, it is not. Each element of the picture is a symbol with meaning. Together all the symbols build the visual interpretation of the multi-layered theme.
While each symbol has a range of meanings, depending upon your source of information, the meanings applied when designing this specific picture are described as follows.
Helen F. Miller, Open Arms. 2011, Cross stitch in stranded cotton on linen, 20 x 25 cm. Random Gran Gallery.
The Arched Frame
The arch is a connection to heaven and sanctuary. Passing through the arch symbolises leaving the old to embrace the new, an act of rebirth.1
The Stained Glass Window
‘Insofar as stained glass may be considered an art of painting; it must be considered an art of painting with light. Whatever techniques or materials it may employ, its own most unique and indispensable effects are always the product of colouring, refracting, obscuring, and fragmenting light.’2 Britannica
The frequency of light changes with each colour and affects the body in different ways. For example, we reduce the blue light in our mobile phones at night to help us sleep.3
Hence, the meaning of details in stained glass changes with the colours used. The meanings applied to colours in Open Arms correspond with their use in stained glass, most originating from their historic use by various religions.4
Red indicates powerful emotions like love and hate.
Yellow indicates the divine power and glory as well as treachery.
Blue indicates hope and sincerity.
Orange, the combination or red and yellow, is a young colour that used to be on the red spectrum. It indicates creativity.
Green, the combination of yellow and blue, indicates growth as life overcomes death in rebirth.
Purple, the combination of red and blue, indicates the suffering and endurance in love and truth.
In Open Arms, passing through the archway carries a risk. Will the new be hateful and treacherous? Will it be full of love and glorious? Will sincere hope be enough to make the change a better alternative?
The promise of Open Arms is that with a creative attitude, the new will bring about positive change.
The Angel
The original meaning of the word Angel is messenger.5
The pale silver colour of the angel’s robe, a combination of white and black, indicates the chaste innocence and purity of white united with the death of black that precedes rebirth.4
In Open Arms, the silver angel brings a message. Rebirth brings a change from the hate of the old to the pure and innocent love of the new.
The Head
The halo, drawn as a disc, is a symbol of divinity used by many cultures throughout the world.6
In Open Arms, it symbolises how an aspiration to divinity cannot discriminate. It must be universal. The featureless face symbolises the rejection of specific identity. It represents every person without condition or restriction.
The Belt
The belt wraps at the level of the angel’s solar plexus chakra, which relates to confidence, self-control, and self-esteem.7
In Open Arms, it encourages the change. It inspires confidence and an assurance that you can take control of your rebirth.
Open Arms Theme
Ultimately, the theme of Open Arms is unconditional love, giving it, not receiving it. By passing through the archway of rebirth into a colourful new world full of promise and hope, you can make a divine difference through creativity and pure love.
Mother Theresa said, ‘I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.’8
Sources
1. Allison Protas, Brown, Geoff, Smith, Jamie and Jaffe, Eric. 2001. “Arch”, Dictionary of Symbolism. http://websites.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/A/arch.html.
2. Robert W. Sowers. n.d. “Stained Glass”. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/stained-glass
3. Stephen Westland. 2017. “Does colour really affect our mind and body? A professor of colour science explains”. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/does-colour-really-affect-our-mind-and-body-a-professor-of-colour-science-explains-84382
4. Martin Faith. n.d. “Symbolism Behind Stained Glass Color in Churches”. Scottish Stained Glass. https://www.scottishstainedglass.com/religious-stained-glass/symbolism-behind-stained-glass-color-in-churches/
5. “Casting Light on ‘Angel’”. n.d. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/word-history-of-angel
6. Matthew Wilson. 2021. “The halo: A symbol that spread around the world”. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210623-the-halo-a-symbol-that-spread-around-the-world
7. Sara Lindberg. 2020. “What Are the 7 Chakras and How Can You Unblock Them?” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-chakras#the-7-main-chakras
8. Hemul Goel. 2016. “8 quotes by Mother Teresa that will help you gain a deeper meaning of love.” India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/people/story/mother-teresa-birth-anniversary-quotes-deeper-meaning-of-love-lifest-337403-2016-08-26
This artistic work is individual and unique, I think. I enjoyed reading about its symbolism. When I stare at it, it feels magical and welcoming.
Thank you, Louize. I am glad you received so much from it. I have done a number of similar pictures that I will put online over time, but this was the first.
An elderly lady who could no longer embroider gave me her collection of embroidery threads. I used them to make this picture and sent it to her. I was told she kept it where she could see it. She passed away in 2020 and her family returned it to me. It is special to me for this reason.
It is joyful for me that another person, you, have found it to be special as well.