Years ago they were used to guide ships into harbor, now most are no longer in use except for tourism.

as mrskiki said, the lighthouses were systems used to warn of rocky shoals on our coasts, and guide ships to safe harbor. Our lighthouses now are protected under our National Parks, and also foundations to preserve our heritage. Many have come upon disrepair and are now being refurbished as visitor sites. I embroidered one on a throw for my daddy, because I always thought of him as our beacon to guide us, and see us home safely. Since he passed, I now have it to pass on to my children.

ALL up and down the East and West coast are many lighthouses. a lot of them are open to the public to tour. Some people have a passion of collecting miniatures, just we all collect embroidery designs. look on embrlibrary.com web site to see some really nice designs. I have never been to Denmark. I know you are surrounded by water, do you have lighthouses too?

I think lots of us yanks like lighthouses, because they are reminiscent of a time past. We aren't old enough to have castles and other relics so we hold on to lighthouses as part of our unique history. Each one is different and has a story...

Lighthouses can also be symbols of hope for many people. I know when my brother was in the hospital for heart surgery, the entire floor was decorated with large paintings of lighthouses, to show the patients that there was safety for them on the other side of treatment. As for the designs, many people use them for quilts, again as symbols of 'guiding light', sometimes for people who are ill, or perhaps our soldiers & sailors in wartime. Hope this helps, have a lovely day. Marji

Thank you all!! I have been enlighted. It was very interesting reading.

For me, and other Christians, it is a symbol of Jesus saving us from the rock of sin just in time... There are even songs out there titled "The Lighthouse"

That's all very interesting folks, I knew you Americans were crazy about lighthouses but thought it was just a craze. Now I know, thank you so much. Flowers to you all.

Yes, as many of you have indicated it is a symbol for guidance for many reasons both religious and non secular. I have a couple of friends that decorate their bathrooms with the lighthouse theme. They really like the beach area. That's where you would see lighthouses. The east coast has many that are on the historical list. Keep in mind that the US is a young country compared to the European countries so we don't have the massive castles. The only reason I can come up with for using the bath area for the decor is of the water

Lots of nice answers girls and I think you covered it all. Never thought about other people not knowing what the light house ment to us here on the east coast. We live day in and out with something i guess we all kinda take it for granted.Flowers to you all.

There are a lot of lighthouses up and down the coast to send out a light at night to let sailers know that rocks and danger are ahead. In fog and bad weather a horn blast is given, too. Overall they give a secure feeling that you are being protected during bad times and to watch for an answer. The are quite beautiful historical sites and lovely framed, on towels, little boys sailor suites, etc. Happy Stitches

Help!!Anyone!! I must be blind as a bat. I can't seem to find this US-pages with all the light houses on it and it is bugging me. Thanks in advance.

tmbache, katydid's fingers must have still been asleep when she typed the address, I'd never do that haha, but I think the site she was refering to is *emblibrary.com*. I've just been there and did a search for lighthouses and it brought up four pages. Have fun looking at them.