Definition of balcony - What it is, Meaning and Concept

The first thing we are going to do when it comes to knowing the meaning of the term balcony is to discover its etymological origin.In this case, we can say that it is a word that derives from Italian, exactly from “balcone”, which was the name given to the platform that came out of an upper area on the façade.Word that we cannot forget that came from another Germanica such as "Balko", which is synonymous with "beam."

The term is used to name the large window that extends to the floor of an environment and gives rise to a space that extends beyond the closed surface of the building, with a railing or railing as a limit.

The balcony, therefore, is a platform that is supported with brackets or columns and that is projected from the wall of a house or building.It is a structure that is elevated from the floor .

For example: "I'm going to hang clothes on the balcony so it dries faster" , "On my balcony I have several flowering plants ”, “ Grandpa Hector usually spends sunny mornings reading on the balcony ”.

Also known as a balcony to the window or door that opens and closes to allow or prevent the passage to the balcony: “It started to rain: Could you please close the balcony so that the water does not enter the dining room? ", " I think I will open the balcony for some fresh air ", " Al open the balcony, the young man was surprised by the low temperature ”.

In residential homes, the balcony is often used to have a panoramic view of the outside, hang clothes, grow plants or enjoy the outdoors.In other contexts, balconies are used in ceremonies or to pronounce speeches that can be followed from outside the building by many people.

In the same way, we cannot ignore that in many cities of the world the balconies of the town halls are used to, among other things, house the proclamations that are made when the parties begin.Good example of that is the balcony from the City Council of Pamplona (Navarra) from which the pregon is given and the “chupinazo” with which the San Fermin festivities begin.

The balcony of the St.Peter's Basilica , to name a case, is used by the pope to give Mass or blessings.

Likewise, it is necessary to establish the existence of balconies that are true architectural jewels.Among those stands out, for example, that of Casa Mila in Barcelona, ​​made by Antoni Gaudi.

Literature has made use of balconies to develop important scenes.This would be the case, for example, of the famous balcony scene of "Romeo and Juliet" (1597) by William Shakespeare.A moment in which the young man takes advantage of that corner of her Juliet's house to expose her love, a love that will be reciprocated from that moment.