St. Andrew's Cross

Horizontal or vertical cross, x-shape; multiple struts used to brace the compartments. 

Strap work

Stylized representation of metal fittings; typical Renaissance decorative motif often found on doors or chests.

Bay

Projecting component, not reaching the ground. Often supported by brackets and struts above the ground floor.

Fanned rosette

Semicircular presentation of differently ending, vaulted rosettes.

Firedog

Flared form of St. Andrew's cross, some with noses. Symbolic meaning is divine power of fire as well as protection against fire. Resembles the shape of an andiron in an open fireplace.

Bay Windows

Pronounced, projecting framing of a window (5 to 12 cm): covered with carvings in solid wood. Pure decorative element, no enlargement of floor plan.

Quintet cross

Combination of St. Andrew's cross and Rhombus, with resulting five crosses. Symbolizing a combination of growth and fertility.

Tree of life

Presented as a plant with several flowering generations, put in a vase (= womb, mother earth). Symbol for genealogical line and preservation of life, fertility, health, happiness and immortality.

Man shape

Storey-high struts forming a man with head, legs and somtime arms. In 1554, first appearance at the City hall of Reichelsheim. Sometimes without "head" in shape of a K-strut. During the transitional period (1470 - 1550) so-called "wild men" with crossing foot- and head-struts.

Nose

Small decorative element, mostly found on concave curved wood.

Envy head / Grudger head

Symbol protecting against envy and jealousy. Different form of "fright head" and "repelling face". Sticking out ist tongue, a possible grudger. Meant to repel hatred and "evil eyes".

Mermaid / Triton

Half woman/half fish - half man/half fish = lower deities. Symbolizing good-naturedness.

Rhombus

Fertility of People, animals and field crops. Symbolizing fortune and pleading.

Curved Pediment

This style first appearded during the Renaissance. Taken over from buildings. Curved wave shaped gables in wall thickness all over Roof surface. The "waves" had to be covered with sheet metal to protect them against bad weather conditions.

Fright head or repelling face

Protection against demons and ghosts (all rigors) and evil. Showing the worst possible deterrent and repelling representation.

Spiral

Presented as a spiral or volute. Originally symbol for the course of the sun and therefore for the course of the year. Embodies solar and lunar power.