A frieze pattern is a design in which an established pattern repeats itself perpetually across a straight line. For instance, if a spiral shape is the primary design used in the pattern, then spiral shapes will repeat and extend across the entire line of the frieze pattern. Also, the spirals will all be equal in shape, identical in size and separated by even increments all the way across the line. Thus, the decorations on walls, eves and roofs of many buildings feature frieze patterns that extend across a straight line to adorn the building with an attractive appearance. These patterns can be carved into the buildings or painted onto the structures.
Frieze patterns are designed to create an impression of symmetry, which is very effective and appealing to the eyes. Symmetry refers to a design in which the opposite sides of the design are even and consistent in shape and size so that, if the design is divided in half, both halves would present identical reflections of each other. Architects who use frieze patterns can successfully create symmetrical designs and patterns through various architectural techniques.
Reflections refer to the specific locations of the design that are equal to each other and that thus make the design symmetrical. In frieze patterns, there are many different types of reflections that can provide symmetry, and drawing a dividing line to create equal parts can help you distinguish what kind of reflection type is causing the symmetrical pattern. For instance, if a design or pattern demonstrates vertical reflection, this means that the right and left sides of the design are even and consistent with each other, as though they are mere reflections in a mirror. Thus, if you draw a vertical line down the the center of the design, each side created by the dividing line will be equal in shape and size, only the parts will be facing opposite directions. The shape of the letter "A" is an example of vertical reflection symmetry.
A horizontal reflection refers to a frieze pattern that displays a design in which the top and bottom of the design are even and symmetrical with each other. Thus, with horizontal reflections, if you draw a dividing line from side-to-side across the center of the design, the part above the dividing line and the part below the line are equal to each other in size and shape. Because the parts are even and symmetrical, the parts may face opposing directions, which again results in a perfect reflection that resembles a figure looking into a mirror. The letter "B" is a good example of horizontal reflection. Furthermore, some frieze patterns feature both vertical and horizontal reflections. For these patterns, both the right and left side are symmetrical with each other, and the top and bottom are symmetrical with each other. The letter "H" is an example of both reflections being used simultaneously.