We are reminded every so often that various elements in the temple are symbolic and thus are meant to teach us things.  The promenance of crystal chandeliers in all of our temples has always caused me to wonder what principles could be represented thereby.   So here’s my list of different ideas.  See what you think and feel free to add to the list in the comments.

The chandelier reminds me of the Holy Ghost that broods over everything and shares light with us.

 The way the light is shaped like a bowl makes me think of it as if heaven is about to pour out a blessing of light on the person being baptized and the person for whom the baptism is being vicariously done. 

Some chandeliers in the temple remind me of the scripture in the D&C 130 about how the earth in its sanctified state will become like crystal. 

This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s. (D&C 130:9)

 I like to look at the crystals in the chandelier and imagine that each one represents a sanctified earth and the whole chandelier is like all the sanctified earths in the galaxy brought back to the place were God dwells.

Each crystal also makes me think of an angel, and the whole chandelier puts me in mind of a crowd of angels coming to the earth with Christ at His Second Coming and standing about the throne of God singing praises.

 It can also remind me of the city of Enoch that will come down from heaven to join Zion on the earth.

 

When there are three different levels to the chandelier, it reminds me that the celestial kingdom has three degrees in it and I am striving for the highest degree.

 

The chandelier as it hangs in the air reminds me of the First Vision of Joseph Smith when Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared and stood above him in the air in a pillar of light.  (Of course, the glory of a crystal chandelier must be dim compared to the glory of diety, but nevertheless its beauty still reminds me.)

 

I really love how the St. Louis temple’s celestial room chandelier harmonizes with the architectural dome to teach about ascension to heaven. 

 

The shape of the chandelier draws the eye upward into the domed ceiling, symbolizing our hope of ascending into heaven to meet Christ at His coming.  

Notice the way the below chandelier in the Oquirrh Mountain temple sealing room starts small on the bottom and gets larger toward the top. 

This reminds me of the promise of eternal increase, and posterity that we are given when we are sealed for time and eternity. We will increase as we are exalted.

Do you have anything to share that you are reminded of when you study the temple’s chandeliers? 

Image: Salt Lake temple garden room,

 Image: Oquirrh Mountain temple, sealing room, http://www.mormontemples.com/770/inside-the-mormon-temple