The
divides within Christianity were a powerful force in all aspects of
life during the period of monumental dial making in Scotland.
One
theory of the symbolism of the dials focuses on the many gnomons that
each dial has. These are all orientated with the Earths axis and point
at the pole star. The fact that no matter what orientation the dial
face has they all looked to the same point has been interpreted by some
as a symbolic message. No matter what the schisms in outlook within
the church we all look to the same God.
Now
that Europe is far less religious and uses totally different (and generally
more blatant) symbolism such a theory seems to be stretching the known
facts. However, the same symbolism is also preserved in religious painting
of the day.