Aureole

An aureole (from a Latin word for "gold") is a halo that envelopes the whole body, signifying a greater degree of sanctity and divine power than a regular halo, which only crowns the head. Aureoles are often oval in shape.

Aureoles are often yellow or white in color in order to depict the purity of the person that they surround. There may be "rays" or other designs projecting outward as part of the aureole, which may symbolize the sun or simply the manifestation of holiness.

The aureole is also known as a mandorla (from the Italian for "almond"). The culture of the period of time in which it is depicted may dictate the nuances and details of the symbol. The commonality across culture and time is that the aureole is light in color and it surrounds the entire person.

The aureole or mandorla is often seen in images of Jesus Christ. They commonly appear in art that is intended to represent important scenes from his life and ministry, such as the Transfiguration, Ascension and Last Judgment.

Certain saints, especially from the early church, may also be pictured with an enveloping aureole. For instance, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is sometimes shown with an aureole in images depicting the Assumption and the Virgin Birth.

The aureole is especially frequent in portal sculpture on churches.