Handwritten measuring icons.
- What is a “measurement icon”?
- Where to buy or order a measuring icon?
- Cost measuring icon
- Production time for measuring icon
- Delivery measuring icon
- Design of measuring icon
- Is it possible to use a half-length image for the basis of a measuring icon?
- How to determine the name of the patron saint for a measured icon
- Measuring icon for baby
- Where to place the measuring icon
- Meaning of measuring icon
- Consecration of the measured icon
From time immemorial in Rus' there has been a beautiful and pious tradition of giving a child a measured icon for baptism. Measured icons belong to nominal images. And the very name of the “measured” icon speaks for itself.
It received the name “Measured” because the length of the icon board corresponded to the height of the baby, and the width corresponded to the width of his shoulders. But in our time, as a rule, only long icons are used.
Basically, the icon contains a full-length image of the patron saint. Often the Savior and the Mother of God, or the Guardian Angel are written in the margins of the icon. As well as the patron saints or patron saints of the child’s parents who are especially revered in the family.
How to find out the name of the patron saint
In the traditions of Orthodoxy, naming a child after the saint whose memory was honored on his birthday. Therefore, he was considered an intercessor after baptism.
If the sacrament of baptism is performed at an older age, then the patron is chosen in accordance with his name or the one given at baptism. Therefore, from the list they select the named saint whose memorial day is closest to his date of birth. They look ahead according to the calendar, that is, after the birthday. This day is considered a name day, and the chosen saint will be an intercessor, helper and spiritual guide.
However, the church does not prohibit choosing a saint who is spiritually close, for example by profession. If you want to order a personalized icon, a dimensional icon, or a family icon, but you have difficulty identifying your patron saint, contact us by phone or via the feedback form and we will help you select the necessary image according to the calendar or from the iconographic original of the MDA St. Trinity Sergius Lavra.
Growth icons - history of origin
The tradition of giving life-size, or measured, icons is rooted in the origins of Russian Orthodoxy. The oldest life-size image of all those stored in Russian museums was presented by Ivan the Terrible to his son. For some time, the sacred custom was transmitted only within the royal family. Each icon remained next to its owner throughout life, and after death it found its place on the iconostasis next to the tomb. You can see some of them in the royal tomb of the Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin. Life-size icons of the sisters of Peter the Great have been preserved in the Novodevichy Convent, the most famous of them is “The Holy Martyr Sophia.”
Over time, life-size images of saints began to appear in the huts of the common people. During the time of Peter the Great's reforms, which revealed the peculiarities of European life, and during the Soviet period, when religion as such was denied, the tradition of life-size icons faded away, but was revived again. And today, modern masters with renewed vigor are mastering the ancient techniques of dimensional images of the guardian saints.
Measuring icon for baby
A person’s spiritual path begins with one of the main sacraments of the Orthodox Church - baptism.
Therefore, pious parents and grandparents tried to give the baby a holy image that carries a deep sacred meaning, an icon that will accompany the new Christian throughout his life, help him overcome life’s troubles and promote spiritual formation.
Was the custom of giving a baby a measured icon for baptism widespread in Rus'?
Yes, in ancient Rus' there was a custom of painting a measured icon. But not every person could afford such a gift to his godson, since it was quite expensive. Therefore, this tradition existed only in the royal or princely family.
Several centuries later, when such values were lost, the tradition of painting a measured icon returns to us.
The dimensional icon will become a spiritual companion in the life of your beloved child or godson. It is necessary that the child be introduced to the Orthodox faith from an early age, and the measured icon will serve as a kind of “guide” for his further spiritual and moral formation.
To whom it is inappropriate to give
There are situations when giving such a gift is not recommended:
- It is inappropriate to present such a gift to a person if he has not accepted the Christian faith.
- It is also inappropriate to give such a gift to someone who denies the existence of God.
- People who are unfamiliar with them are not presented with a life-size icon.
- If a person is a simple guest at a child’s baptism, it is necessary to choose a different gift, since a measured image is usually presented by recipients who take responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child.
You should not accept as a gift images that you have made yourself or embroidered on linen, or that are not illuminated in the church.
Meaning of measuring icon
The image of the patron saint on the measured icon, his life path and spiritual aspirations, inspire us, encourage us to fervent prayer and pious deeds. Truly wonderful is God in His saints! Dear believers, brothers and sisters! Do not doubt the help of your patron saint. Open your heart to him in sincere prayer and he will hear us, heal spiritual and physical infirmities, and help in the successful arrangement of earthly affairs.
Do not forget that in order for a miracle to happen, we ourselves must take care: regularly, with attention, read the prayer, do deeds of faith and love. And don’t forget to give thanks: to thank all the people sent to us by the grace of God to solve our life’s troubles, who shared our joy and sorrow. To thank the Saint, whose prayerful support our heart yearned for, because how many people pray to him for help, but he heard and helped us too. And most importantly, thank the Lord for His boundless love for mankind. He gave the world His saints and every second helps us, people who hope for His great mercies.
Everything in the world happens according to the wise providence of God. Difficulties and sorrows, success and joys. Through earthly trials the Lord strengthens us. By helping each other, praying to the heavenly saints, we are more firmly united in the One Church of Christ. And we believe that our patron saint, whose image we constantly contemplate on the measured icon, will hear all our prayers and show us the boundless mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God for everything!
We must not forget that a measured icon is preserved for many years and outlives its owners, and thus can subsequently become a family heirloom, an assistant in the spiritual path of the next generation.
Ancient traditions - the meaning of the image
Any relic carries spiritual light, support, consolation and joy. That is why such works are given to the dearest and closest people, wishing them happiness, harmony, prosperity. Children especially need such help - and a measured icon for a baby will protect him throughout his life, pointing out the righteous path, saving him from sins, mistakes, temptations and enemies, and healing illnesses.
These shrines got their name due to the fact that their size exactly corresponds to the height of a newborn (from 45 to 55 cm). But the themes of the icons are very diverse - the relics depict the faces of the apostles, ascetics or martyrs, as well as the Most Pure Virgin Mary. Often there is an image of the Lord's messenger, that is, a guardian angel who holds a sword (the personification of spiritual protection) or a Crucifix - a symbol of baptism. In this case, the righteous person shown can be named (the child receives one name or another in his honor) or simply a revered patron of all Christians, like Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. George the Victorious, Panteleimon the Healer. These merciful leaders tirelessly accompany a person, warn him against unkind deeds, and encourage him in difficult times.
Now that more and more people know what a measured icon is, they are purchasing it not only for their own children. Godparents, close relatives, and even good friends of the parents can please the baby with such a surprise. Such a gift has every chance of becoming a family shrine, which will be reverently passed on from generation to generation, providing a spiritual connection between parents and children, admonishing and instilling peace in hearts.
Where to place the measuring icon
It is very important to find a suitable place where the icon will be located. If a measured icon is painted for a baby, then according to Russian traditions, the icon is hung in the children's room above the child's crib so that he can see it in his children's games. Thus, from the early months he established a spiritual connection with God. According to the prayers of the saint, a person is protected from the first days of his existence and throughout his entire life’s journey. Grace emanates from all icons, including the measured one, which brings happiness, peace and prosperity into our lives.
What is a growth icon
The measured, or life-size, icon received its name because its dimensions corresponded to the height of the baby being baptized. Measurements were taken, according to tradition, on the 7th day after the baby was born. When contacting an icon painting workshop, they ordered an image of the patronizing name of the newborn saint or guardian angel. At first, only rich people ordered such images, since not everyone could afford their production. Over time, craftsmen reduced the cost of the production process, and a measured icon began to appear in every Orthodox family where a child was born.
Interesting fact! The oldest measured icon that has survived to this day is considered to be an image belonging to the son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible; its production date is 1554; the icon is kept in one of the Russian museums. However, despite this, such images began to be made much earlier, according to historians of religion, immediately after the adoption of Christianity.
Nowadays, such an image is no longer often ordered from craftsmen for baptism, but sometimes recipients, when choosing a gift for a godson, pay attention to the life-size icon. Giving such a gift is allowed not only at the baptism of a small child, but also of an adult.
Order measuring icon
You can always order a dimensional icon from us by calling the phone number indicated in the “Contacts” section, or fill out the individual icon order form and we will definitely contact you.
Also, for the convenience of users, there is a chat on the website of our workshop through which you can ask questions to our specialists in “real time”.
Order a measuring icon right now, and we will use all our strength and skills to successfully complete your order.
Making and designing a measuring icon
In our workshop, dimensional icons are usually painted with natural mineral pigments (minerals, semi-precious stones, ochers, earths manually ground with a chime and mixed with yolk), or with modern PVA-based tempera.
The basis for the measuring icon is a linden board with oak dowels.
All our icons are painted strictly in accordance with the canon of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Gilding of a measuring icon
The dimensional icon can be made on a colored background (standard sample) or on a gold one. Partial finishing of the icon with gold leaf (halo, field, ark, husk) is also often used. We never use gold leaf and finish exclusively with high-quality 960 gold.
Measuring icon with engraving
A beautiful addition to the design of the measured icon is gesso engraving. A thin carved ornament will give the icon an elegant and sophisticated look. Like gilding, engraving is possible in various variations. From complete engraving of a measured icon to engraving of its individual elements. You can see examples of measuring and other engraved icons here.
Icon case for measuring icon
A good addition to a measured icon will be an icon case, which will protect the icon from various external influences and harmoniously complement the aesthetic appearance of the product. We have a large assortment of icon cases, both expensive carved oak icon cases and simple ones made of linden. You can see various options for icon cases for measuring icons here.
Is it possible to use a half-length image for the basis of a measuring icon?
Yes, you can rework the plot of a waist-length, shoulder-length (nominal icon) figure into a life-size (measured icon) figure and vice versa. At the request of the customer, it is possible to add a plot background (hills, buildings, plants) and saints (upcoming) on the margins of the icon to the dimensional icon.
If you have any questions about the design of a dimensional icon, our icon painters will carefully listen to your wishes, and, if necessary, advise and answer your questions.
WHAT IS THE BEST ORTHODOX ICON FOR A BABY?
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In the Orthodox Church, not only newborns are considered babies, but also children under seven years of age. Today, in the age of the Internet and digital technologies, we understand more than ever before the need for the spiritual education of children at this age. After all, even the majority of psychologists claim that by the age of 3–4 years the personality has already been formed and after this age it is no longer possible to radically change anything, but can only be slightly adjusted. Unfortunately, many parents think that while the child is small, it is impossible to raise him in faith and piety, and therefore they do not even try to instill in their child the love of God. However, Orthodox Christians try to accustom children to church, to prayer, to the images of God from birth. Many believing mothers, already in the maternity hospital, try to place an icon of the Mother of God or the Savior in the crib of an Orthodox baby. Although the child has not yet been baptized, through the prayers of the mother, the Lord and the Most Pure Virgin protect the newborn.
In addition, in Orthodoxy there is a tradition of ordering for a newborn an icon of his patron saint, the length of which corresponds to the height of the child at birth. Such icons are called dimensional. After baptism, we begin to carry the child to Holy Communion, and thus the newborn gradually becomes a member of the Church, becomes a participant in the Sacraments, and a full-fledged member of the Orthodox Church. As they grow older, we take our children with us to church services, where they see many icons and learn to pray. For a baby from childhood, an Orthodox icon becomes the embodiment of everything good and bright that surrounds him.
What types of Orthodox icons are there for babies?
Don't be afraid to give icons to children. This can and should be done. Perhaps the protective icon you gave for the baby will become his support and consolation when he grows up. There should be holy icons in the child’s room from birth. First of all, these are images of Christ, the Mother of God, the Guardian Angel, the heavenly patron (the saint whose name is given to the child at baptism).
When visiting for a christening or name day, give the baby an icon of his saint, embroidered with beads - it will be a memorable gift for a lifetime. When handing a holy image to a child, do not forget to explain to him who is depicted on it, tell his life story, teach him to pray, and tell him that you cannot play with the icon. Explain to your newborn child that the image of Christ or the Virgin Mary is not just a beautiful element of the interior, and it is not enough to put it on a shelf and forget it. Children are sensitive beings and perceive information about God, faith, church and prayer much faster and more naturally than we can imagine.
Beaded icon for a baby
I think everyone will agree that if a godmother gives an icon to a baby, this is very good and correct, but if she gives an icon embroidered with her own hands, then such a gift has the potential to become a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. generation. Do not be afraid of this painstaking work - modern stores for needlewomen offer a wide range of ready-made kits with which you will be able to create a truly high-quality product. If your heart is not in embroidery, then you can buy a ready-made icon for a newborn baby, designed in accordance with your taste preferences.
