The Orthodox cross has the shape of an eight-pointed Christian cross. This attribute is a symbol Orthodox Church. A feature of the Orthodox cross is the presence of a lower crossbar on it.
To wear a cross, is used. It is worth saying that the ropes for crosses can be made of various materials, as a rule, it is fabric or leather. Leather ropes for a cross are distinguished by the strength of the material. , which you can buy in any temple or church, is an indispensable attribute for wearing it.
It is worth noting that all eight ends of the Orthodox cross are characterized by eight main periods in the history of mankind. At the same time, the last, eighth period, means the next century - the Kingdom of Heaven. The end of the cross, pointing upwards, is a symbol of the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, which was opened by Jesus Christ. In turn, the slanting crossbar, which was nailed to the feet of Jesus, speaks of the beginning of the revival of the spirit absolutely everywhere. Also, it means the human path, which begins in darkness and ends in heavenly light.
Also, there are Orthodox crosses, which depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This type of cross symbolizes the image of the crucifixion, and also fully displays the Power of the Cross. Since ancient times, wearing this type of Orthodox cross has meant that a person is protected from visible and invisible evil.
I would like to say that in Orthodoxy, you can often find a six-pointed cross. The fact is that this cross is also one of the ancient crosses. So, it was installed in 1161 on a bow mountain in honor of St. Eurosinya.
Orthodox cross in human life.
For each person, wearing an Orthodox cross is a kind of measure (weights) of the inner state. As a rule, such crosses are worn only by those people who have fully understood their spiritual state.
The same thing happened at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when there were two thieves between the cross, who were the measure. The bible said that one of the robbers blasphemed Christ during the crucifixion. In turn, the second robber said that Jesus was right. So, Jesus, in response to the words of the second thief, said that his sins would be taken away, and he would go to paradise.
An Orthodox cross must be worn by a person from the moment of baptism until the end of days. After a person dies, a grave cross is placed on his grave. It is worth noting that exactly the same cross is installed on the lid of the coffin. Quite often you can see that a cross is placed on the grave, on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
In the online store "Inextinguishable Lampada", each person can choose an Orthodox cross from various materials and various shapes. The catalog contains crosses made of both gold and silver, as well as from cheaper materials. Also, Orthodox crosses depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are sold here.
Turning to the services of the online store "Inextinguishable Lampada", a person has the opportunity to fully familiarize himself not only with the catalog of Orthodox crosses, but also with the catalog of Orthodox literature, utensils, and so on. In the event that a person has any questions about the purchase of goods, he has the opportunity to consult with an experienced seller who is competent in this matter. It is worth noting that cooperation with will leave only bright memories in a person’s memory.
A novice Orthodox Christian who buys a cross for himself may think: is it better to buy a cord for a cross or a chain? Advice on this issue can often be given by saleswomen, all-knowing Internet advisers, friends and relatives. Some will advise you to buy a chain to be like everyone else, others begin to convince you that a lace for a cross around your neck is much better, that the tradition of wearing a cross on a lace comes from the first centuries of Christianity, that a cross was worn in this form before the revolution and in Russia, and therefore so more correct. In fact, these tips have no logical ground, since both in the first centuries of Christianity and in pre-revolutionary Russia there were both richer people who wore crosses on chains of precious metals, and poor people who could only afford to buy leather lace for a cross, or independently make textile.
An Orthodox priest will not tell you anything here if you approach him with such a question. Most likely, he will simply be surprised and say that wearing a Russian Orthodox cross on a lace or on a chain is up to you, because it is absolutely not important. It is important that the pectoral cross be on the person, and what to hang it on is a second-order question. Many people decide to buy a lace for a church cross because of its softness: in particular, this choice is usually made by the parents of a baptized baby, because a chain, even the softest one, can painfully dig into the child’s delicate neck with links and cause him serious discomfort. Buying a leather lace for an Orthodox cross is often decided by men who wear large silver crosses, because the leather lace is in perfect harmony with silver.
It used to be considered that cross stitch laces, especially knotted ones, are a purely masculine accessory, since they look rude. But today's jewelry industry offers us elegant laces around the neck for a Russian Orthodox cross with gold or. Such laces are produced in different thicknesses, which makes it possible to choose it even for the most sophisticated pectoral cross. You can buy a cord for a cross with clasps made of precious metals at any jewelry store.
Since ancient times, every Christian in Russia, whether a prince, a merchant or a simple peasant, wore chains made of gold, silver or cheaper metals, as well as laces made of various materials, to keep this attribute around his neck. Another name for them is gaitans. What materials are modern laces for crosses made of? How to choose a quality gaitan? The answers to these and other questions are given in the article below.
Depending on the material of manufacture, the following laces for crosses are distinguished:
Silk lace is the best choice when it comes to gaitan for a child. This material has a delicate texture, but at the same time it is practical to use. In addition, silk laces can be of various colors.
Another version of the gaitan material for a child is such a lace around the neck for a cross, most often you can buy it directly in a church shop. It is practical to wear. If the textile cord gets dirty, then when the child is bathed, it goes through the washing process and becomes clean again. Like silk ones, these gaitans can be dyed in different colors. Cotton lace with a clasp has the lowest cost compared to the rest.
Appeared relatively recently, when it became fashionable to "combine the incongruous." This material is soft, elegant and durable. Silicone is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such a lace always remains glossy and does not lose its attractiveness over time.
The last two types of neck laces - leather and rubber - are the most popular. Therefore, a separate section will be devoted to each of them below.
The main features of leather laces are practicality and versatility. Such gaitans are durable, aesthetic and reliable. Due to the fact that leather is a natural material, these laces have the following properties:
Leather laces can be of various designs. A wicker thick gaitan is suitable for a massive heavy cross. In tandem with an elegant cross, a thin leather lace will look neat and stylish.
Gaitan made of this material will go well with almost any clothing, so it is ideal for everyday use.
From rubber, both young people and older people wear it with pleasure. Such gaytans are simple and concise. They can be worn by men, women and children. Rubber laces have the following advantages:
When buying a pectoral cross, a person often asks himself the question: what is better to wear it on - on a chain or on a cord? There is no clear answer. The main thing is the fact of the presence of a cross on the neck of a Christian. And on what it will be suspended - it does not matter. Indeed, since ancient times, Christians have used both laces and chains to wear a cross. It depended on the social status of the person and his well-being.
If we are talking about a child, then, of course, you should opt for a gaitan. Moreover, it is recommended to purchase laces for crosses made of silk or textiles. The chain, due to its rigidity, can cause discomfort to the delicate neck of the baby and even leave chafing. Plus, it can break easily.
For right choice Gaitana first of all, you need to designate the material from which it should be made. How to choose a lace for a gold cross? In this case, a leather gaitan or a rubber product with gold inserts will look good. A leather cord is ideal for a silver pectoral cross. And the more massive jewel, the thicker the gaitan should be for him. A wooden cross will harmoniously look both on a leather cord, and on a rubber or silicone one. For a child, you need to purchase a gaitan made of textiles or silk.
The next step is to determine the required length of the lace for the cross. The minimum value of this indicator is 40 cm, the maximum is 70. Children's laces for crosses should be 40 or 45 centimeters long. For teenagers and fragile girls, the appropriate size is 50 cm. Fifty-five centimeters is the optimal length for a female gaitan. And finally, the size of the men's lace for the cross should be 60 or 70 cm.
Gaitan is used to wear a pectoral cross around the neck. Such a lace can be made of various materials, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. For children, gaitans made of textiles or silk are most often purchased. Among adults, the most common are rubber or leather laces for a cross. For the correct choice of a gaitan, two main parameters should be determined - material and length.
For a small child, a leather lace for a cross is the best fit - it is soft and durable. Such cords have long been used in Russia for wearing crosses, pectorals, and reliquaries. Modern leather ropes for crosses are called the Greek word "gaitan". The ends of the gaitan are equipped with jewelry locks, sometimes made of gold or silver, sometimes from gilded metal. When choosing a gaitan, carefully consider the lock, it must be durable, open and close gently, and the metal must be well processed, not scratch the skin, and not damage clothes with sharp tips.
If possible, buy a cord with a silver lock. Silver is a neutral metal, it does not cause allergies and goes well with children's silver crosses. For daily wear, we recommend a simple cotton cord. Its color has a symbolic meaning: white - the Lord Jesus Christ, green - the color of the Holy Trinity, blue - the Most Holy Theotokos, red - the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter) and the holy martyrs, black - the renunciation of sin, yellow - the color of Truth
Laces on the lock are not only leather. They are also made from rubber, silk and cotton yarn. Leather and rubber gaitans are the most durable. It is believed that the skin in the process of wearing becomes softer, it is pleasant to the body. There are whole, simple and wicker gaitans. The silk cord is also very durable. White silk gaitans with a silver clasp will perfectly harmonize with a white silver scapular or cross.
There are special laces for babies. They are made from soft, bulky cotton yarn. These gaitans, voluminous and very soft, are small in length to fit a very tiny baby. Better if they were on a silver clasp. Silver is a soft, delicate, eco-friendly metal.
Even if this is the first time you are faced with the need to buy an infant lace for a cross and you have no idea what they look like, feel free to tell the seller that you are looking for a lace for an infant. She will give you what you need. It is this cotton, wide lace that all mothers choose.
When choosing a cross and laces for a child, remember that he should be comfortable. The best cord is the one that is almost not felt on the body. Outwardly, it is desirable that it be simple, plain, not catchy. The cross is worn under clothing, so the colorful laces of flashy colors can be unpleasantly conspicuous in the neck of a shirt or dress.
An unpretentious, modest cord will teach a child to think that a cross is not an ornament, but a testament to his faith. It is better for small children not to buy thin laces, children are mobile, and when pulled, a thin rope can cut into the body. In addition, they break faster. You also need to keep in mind the length. Gaitans come in a variety of lengths, for a child it is better to choose one so that the cross is 2-3 cm below the collarbone. Excessive length will cause inconvenience to the child.
The main rule is that leather products should be protected from water. Bathing a child and washing in a leather cord is not recommended. A convenient clasp will help you quickly remove it. But if, for example, a child bathes in a river in the summer, it is certainly not worth removing the cross. After bathing, the lace should be thoroughly blotted in a towel; on a warm day, in the bright sun, it will dry quickly.
In other cases, wet lace should first be wrung out in a soft cloth and then dried at room temperature. Never on a hot radiator or near a heat source. Dry skin becomes rough and cracked. If you follow these simple rules, a leather cord will serve you for a long time.
Usually a cross is put on after the sacrament of baptism. You can wear it on a chain or a special ribbon. The cross is considered not only a symbol of Christianity, it is also a talisman. It is worn under clothes, but it is not forbidden to put it on top. Can be combined with patterns or other decorations. However, the cross must be worn on a separate string (chain). Putting it on a rope, the question often arises of how to tie a knot.
There is no specific technology for tying knots (their number, shape, size). It is worth using the method that is convenient, easy to perform, reliable and durable. There are many types of such nodes.
Some of the easiest ways are the following nodes:
You can use options a little more complicated:
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Step 1. The edges of the cord overlap. |
Step 2. Re-turn around. |
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Step 3. The ends are brought out on top of the twist and crossed. |
Step 4. Pulling on the ends, the knot is tightened. |
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Step 1. A loop is made on one side. The second part is superimposed on it. |
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Step 3. After drawing yourself from above, it is output from the loop from below. |
Step 4. Pulling on both ends, the knot is tightened. |
The tips on the knots, for the reliability of the ligament, can be processed with a lighter (burned).
Laces (another name for gaitana) used to wear a cross are divided according to the materials of manufacture into the following types:
Leather gaitana.
Leather gaitans are durable. They are elastic, treated with special solutions that repel moisture. On sale there are models with inserts and clasps made of precious metals (gold, silver). For massive crosses, thick braided laces are suitable. More elegant products, look good on thin leather ropes. This natural material is suitable for everyday wear, complementing any look.
Cords made of rubber and silicone are also not afraid of moisture, have flexibility, softness and at the same time good strength. Silicone gaitans, unlike rubber cords, have a glossy appearance. It remains throughout the entire time of wearing.
Silk braid for a cross.
Silk laces and cotton ribbons can be bought directly at the church, during baptism. They can have a variety of colors, wash well and have a delicate texture. These gaitans are perfect for kids. They do not irritate the baby's skin, they are easily cleaned from pollution while bathing the baby.
To tie such ropes to a child should be too long. The laces should not be tangled, clinging, be comfortable when moving and not choke the child (it can be easily removed if necessary without untying the knot). The knot should be made small, no matter what irritates (rubs) the baby's skin.
You can weave a rope (lace) for a cross with your own hands, with a little patience and perseverance, using several simple methods.
The first way to make a two-color weave.
This round cord is made from four strands:
The second is a spiral two-color ribbon. In this version, the threads are knitted alternately with a regular knot (dark in light and vice versa).
Another easy way:
You will get a simple, twisted rope for a cross.
