An icon as a gift: signs, the opinion of the church and which one is better to choose

In ancient times, the icon was in every home; it was placed in a special place - the Red Corner. They revered the icon, prayed in front of it, asked for help in difficult times, and talked. An icon is one of the symbols of faith, holiness, and spirituality. It was forbidden to take it out of the house, give it away, sell it, this was equated with sin. The icon was the guardian angel of the family and home.

Now the icon can be found in the home of believers. As a rule, it is passed on from generation to generation. However, icons were not always preserved in families.

The question arises: is it possible to give an icon as a gift? What is the church's opinion on this matter? Are there any signs and superstitions regarding the gift of an icon? How to choose the right icon? There are answers to all these questions, let’s consider everything in order.

Signs and superstitions

An icon is a special object; certain rules of acquisition and donation are associated with it; there are signs that have come to us since ancient times. In Rus', it was customary to pass icons on from generation to generation. New images of saints could not be bought just like that. First, it was necessary to ask the priest for advice, to have a conversation - icons appeared in the family on special occasions. Only household members bought them themselves, or ordered them from an icon painter. Images of saints could not be given to strangers. It was believed that such a gift would bring only troubles; it could be damaged or jinxed. Our ancestors noticed that after praying in front of the donated icon, their health could worsen.

Moreover, if relatives gave each other an icon, it was a good omen.

For example, an icon given to a child helped him throughout his life, he received a blessing. If one of the family members was seriously ill, they could give him an icon with the hope of a speedy healing.

Important: if a person painted the icon himself, embroidered it on fabric, or made it in any other way, it is better to keep it and not give it as a gift. The holy image could absorb the negative thoughts that overwhelmed the master.

The most important thing is to give the icon only with good intentions, thoughts, and sincerely wish all the best to its future owner. When choosing and presenting an icon, there must be a bright heart, thoughts and soul.

Tips for accepting a gift in the form of an icon

You should only accept a gift from a loved one whose sincerity of warm feelings there is no doubt. If you don’t know a person well or if you can hardly believe in his goodwill, then it won’t hurt to take the received icon to church and explain to the priest your worries and doubts. The priest will figure out the problem and help relieve anxiety.

If it is known for sure that a person is giving an icon with bad intentions, then it must be firmly rejected.

You cannot accept a gift and then secretly get rid of it for fear of damage: this is a huge sin. If it was not possible to “get away” from the gift, then you should take it to church and tell everything to the priest. You should not accept an icon as a gift:

old, with an unknown history - there is a high probability that it retains negative energy from its previous owners;
from a business competitor - this will negatively affect the further development of business;
from an old enemy who suddenly decided to make peace - most likely there is no goal of reconciliation, in this way the ill-wisher attracts negativity into the house of the one with whom he is at enmity;
from a former lover;
from a stranger or unfamiliar person.

Having accepted the icon, you need to show gratitude not only to the person who gave it, but also to the saint depicted on it, who will become a protector and helper.

Important to pay attention

It’s worth talking separately about the conditions when donating an icon portends truly negative consequences:

The icon cannot be given as a gift on the waning moon; it will only bring negativity to the owner and his family.
You cannot wrap the holy image in thick cloth - this promises serious and long-term illness.
The donated icon fell , which means that the family will be overtaken by financial problems.
If chips are found on the frame or glass , quarrels, scandals, and conflicts will begin among family members.
Stains on the icon itself , the frame, or the glass promise illness, mainly for children.

After receiving an icon as a gift, you need to periodically inspect it and wipe it from dust. If the holy image quickly darkens, expect trouble. If the icon often falls and the glass does not break, you or your family members will soon be betrayed.

The image of a saint constantly hangs unevenly, no matter how much you correct it, you have enemies, and they are up to no good. This sign generally warns the family of serious danger.

It happens that you cannot find a place for an icon or cannot drive a nail in any way - a powerful negative impact has been exerted on a person or his family, for example, damage, the evil eye or a curse. It is necessary to carry out energy cleaning at home.

What materials are used on expensive icons?

In addition to various icon painting schools, there are also different techniques for creating icons and settings for them. Conventionally expensive icons can be divided into:

with precious stones – valuable gems are used for decoration;
with enamel or the so-called “fire letter” - a historical technique for creating elegant church decoration, which originated in Byzantium and was brought to perfection by Russian craftsmen;
on gold leaf - an ancient technique of gilding icons: the entire background is covered, or thin gilding is used for shining halos and fragments of robes. Gold in the Orthodox tradition personifies the uncreated light, the divine principle.
Zlatoust - the same symbolism as the previous group, but the design uses the technique of Zlatoust engraving.
From silver - Orthodoxy identifies silver with the Word of God, it also symbolizes purity, purity, chastity, which is associated with the image of the Ever-Virgin Mary. Silver icons of the Mother of God are often complemented by gilding, which is also figurative: “an ark gilded by the Spirit.”
Amber icons are a type of mosaic technique: the face is not painted, but laid out from fragments of stone. According to symbolism, amber is equated to gold.
Palekh - the art of world-famous lacquer miniatures originates from icon painting.
Wood carvings - skilled carvers create images from the most valuable wood species, such as bog oak.
Birch bark icons appeared thanks to the innovation of modern icon maker Olga Kirina, but they echo ancient birch bark letters.
Embroidered icons - the face is created from colored beads or floss.

There are no restrictions as such on the writing technique and use of materials. If only because the first icon, according to church tradition, was created by Jesus Christ himself, when the icon-painting tradition did not yet exist. The Savior applied the cloth given by the court painter Anan to his face and on it remained the image from which the leper Syrian king Abgar received healing.

However, any icon corresponds to the church canon and only after consecration in the church the image becomes an icon.

Church opinion

Church ministers are unanimous in their opinion - it is possible and even necessary to give icons. It is believed that such a gift symbolizes the most sincere and kind feelings, will become a real amulet for the owner and his family, and will help in difficult times. Just by its presence in the house, an icon can help get rid of quarrels, anger, anger. The icon helps to find inner balance, strengthen faith and spirit, and makes owners calmer and more peaceful.

If it is not possible to purchase an icon in a gold or silver frame, an ordinary wooden one will do - the cost does not play any role. The significance of such a gift is determined by the person’s good intentions. An icon in a wooden frame is not inferior in its holiness to more expensive ones framed in gold or silver.

The Church approves of such a gift, the main thing is to first consult with the priest to choose the right icon suitable for the occasion, then it must be consecrated.

Now you need to figure out which icons are suitable for certain events in a person’s life.

How to choose an icon by date of birth

People at all times have attached great importance to their own zodiac signs, drawing up horoscopes and trying to influence their future.

Forgetting that every living person is assigned a Guardian Angel after birth, protecting and helping throughout his entire life journey.

To choose the right saint who patronizes a person, you can use the following tips:

Refer to the church calendar, which indicates which saint is commemorated on a certain date.
Ask relatives if the person was named after the protector saint.
Look in the Baptismal certificate, where the name of the patron saint is indicated.

Sometimes it happens that a person has several patrons according to the calendar, in which case it is necessary to ask him which saint is closer to him.

For a wedding

An icon can be given as a gift for a wedding, especially if it is a believing family. There are several nuances. Firstly, it is better for the parents of the newlyweds to do this. If the gift is not a new icon, but a family one, passed down from generation to generation, it will be an energetically powerful helper and protector. It is also appropriate to give icons to the parents of the newlyweds.

The following images are suitable as a wedding gift:

"Our Lady", "Saint". They bring harmony to a young family and help avoid discord and quarrels.
" Peter and Fevronia". This image is known to all believers; it symbolizes sincere and pure love, respect and happiness.
The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God will help young people conceive a healthy child, carry him to term and give birth easily.

It is customary to give icons for weddings along with wishes of love, advice, happiness and mutual understanding. After receiving the gift, the newlyweds kiss the images three times, touching their foreheads, making the sign of the cross.

Housewarming

A new house must have its own patron, so it is customary to give icons as a gift for housewarming. It is usually customary to give an icon of the Mother of God of the Intercession , which protects the house from troubles and damage. According to tradition, the icon is given before moving into a new house; new residents must enter the room already with the icon.

Another patron of new settlers is Skladen . These are three images united in one icon - the Mother of God, Nicholas the Wonderworker and Jesus Christ. The folding can replace the iconostasis, which, according to tradition, is required in every Orthodox home.

What else can you give for housewarming:

Icon of the Unbreakable Wall - for protection against thieves and evil.
Impassable door icon - protects from enemies and intruders.
Icon of the Burning Bush - for protection from fires.
An image with a cross is a talisman against evil and misfortune.
Icon of the Spreader of the Loaves - for protection from spiritual and material poverty.

Remember that icons in the house cannot be hung on the wall - they are placed. In the presence of holy faces, one must not swear, spit, or behave unworthily. If a party is planned in the room, it is better to take the icons to another room. A cracked icon is considered a bad omen - this means the illness or death of a relative.

For a birthday

It is known that on his birthday a person is most vulnerable energetically. The birthday person can easily be subjected to the evil eye, damage, any negative message will have an impact. That is why an icon presented for a birthday will not only be a manifestation of sincere good intentions, but will also serve as a reliable protector for life.

However, it should be remembered that there are icons that can only be given to women or men.

So, what kind of icon is given to women:

The Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God helps the whole family get rid of grief, evil, enmity and any adversity.
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God heals and brings prosperity.
The Vladimir Icon is a strong helper and protector of women-mothers; their prayers for their children have powerful energetic force.
The Bethlehem icon is intended for single women and will help them find a strong family.

Icons for men:

Saint George the Victorious guides the true, helps in family matters and work, and patronizes the military.
The image of St. Nicholas is given to travelers.
the Savior Not Made by Hands to a man who rarely attends church.
“Guardian Angel” protects from any evil, wards off troubles, and helps to cope with temptations. We can say that this is a universal icon.

Before choosing an icon for your birthday, talk to the priest, tell him about the person - they will help you decide which holy image is best suited as a gift for life.

Do they give icons?

It is customary for Orthodox believers to give images of saints for the most important events in life:

christening;
wedding;
Day Angel;
on major Orthodox holidays;
to temples and monasteries as a donation;
in many other cases.

Is it possible to give icons as a gift if you need to congratulate a loved one on their birthday?
Priests, hierarchs and church historians all unanimously argue that it is possible and even necessary to do this.

This is an ancient pious custom inherent in the Russian person, who, in the breadth of his soul, wants to give to his neighbor the best that he has.

Informative! Why and what icons should be in every home?

How holy images were valued in Rus' is evidenced by the fact that when drawing up a will, an inventory of property, they were always written down in first place as the most valuable thing on this list. The surviving wills of the great princes, for example, Dmitry Donskoy, his father Ivan Ioannovich, dated 14–15 centuries, and other documents of later times testify to this. Iconographic faces also occupied a significant place in the bride’s dowry.

Attention! If you want to give an icon-painted face as a gift for your birthday, first consult with a priest and find out the church’s opinion on this matter. They give only a consecrated image purchased in the temple.

For christening

The rite of baptism usually takes place in infancy, but it happens that an adult decides to accept the Orthodox faith. In any case, it is customary to give icons at christenings. Usually a personalized icon is selected that corresponds to the name chosen at baptism.

The name for the godson is chosen according to the calendar and agreed with the priest. He is the one who offers options, if any.

In the old days, baptized babies were given a so-called measured icon - its size corresponded to the height of the child.

Now you can also give such an icon. It is made to order, blessed and presented after the baptism ceremony.

If the icon is given to a child, it is hung or placed at the head of the crib or above it. There is a belief that in this way the child involuntarily turns his gaze to the face of the saint and communicates with his guardian angel.

Why are people afraid to accept images of saints as gifts?

In the old days, black sorcerers cast a spell on images to prevent damage to new owners. Often, cult objects are used by modern magicians to perform rituals. Therefore, superstitious people accept such things with fear. Faces of saints, donated with bad intentions, sometimes bring misfortune.

To avoid trouble, images of saints are allowed to be taken only from a believer with a good heart who does not wish harm. Embroidered faces of martyrs do no harm. It is believed that a person burdened with sins is not able to embroider an image. If the completed work is additionally consecrated in the temple, it becomes a powerful amulet.

wedding messages and quotes to write on a card

Figuring out what to write in a wedding card can be challenging. Weddings are typically elaborate spectacles filled with tradition and meaning. Even if you're just congratulating the happy couple, it can be difficult to find the perfect words to give the true meaning to your card.

These example messages will help you understand the wording of your card. As you scroll down the page, think about the couple who will receive your card. Choose, mix, or reword these ideas to suit your needs. Below you will find quotes, inspiring wishes and funny messages.

Heartfelt Messages for Wedding Cards

They are encouraging and inspiring.

It's time! Guys, you are great!
You are two amazing people. Or maybe I should say one amazing couple. Congrats!
We are so happy for you! May your lives be enriched by each other.
Let today be just the beginning of a life together full of happiness.
I'm glad to be a part of your wedding day and I look forward to what comes from you two.
Remember that you two are still boyfriend and girlfriend. Never let marriage take that away from you.
Congratulations! And thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day.
May your union bring you more joy than you can imagine.
Good luck with your new titles: bride and groom, husband and wife and everything else you will receive over the years together.
May you celebrate every day together just like today.
I wish you all the best in your marriage and am confident that you two will be a blessing to each other and to those you meet along the way.
Thank you for the opportunity to support you on your special day.
No matter how complex weddings may be, simple words and a commitment will remain for years to come.
We are glad to see the blessing in your life. We hope your wedding goes well and you have a great start to your marriage.
You made a great decision. As the days of being newlyweds turn into months and eventually turn into years, we hope you continue to grow closer to each other.
We hope your wedding bliss fills you with as much happiness as it does us. We love you both very much and congratulate you.

Famous Quotes About Marriage

Here is a collection of quotes about marriage, husbands and wives. Some are funny and some are inspiring. Choose the most suitable option for a couple you know:

“Unhappy marriages are made not by a lack of love, but by a lack of friendship.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
“A good marriage is a union of two forgiving people.” –Ruth Bell Graham
“The ultimate purpose of marriage is not to make us happy, but to glorify God.” –Nancy Lee DeMoss
“A good marriage is not about the 'perfect couple' getting together. It's when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." - Dave Meurer
“Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the trip worthwhile.” –Franklin P. Jones
“He who finds a wife finds good things and receives favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22
“The Bride: a woman with a wonderful prospect of happiness behind her.” –Ambrose Bierce
“Husbands are like puppies...they need to be loved (and housetrained)” - Blake Flannery

Ideas for an original message

You can write your own nuggets of wisdom for the bride and groom. Here are some original examples of sayings. Try to come up with something better:

Marriage involves encouraging, forgiving, having fun, and praying for each other as often as possible.
The secret to a good marriage is to only do things together that you both love or hate.
Marriage goes against the rules of mathematics because one plus one equals one.
In a marriage, each spouse should give 100%, not 50%.
Marriage is a chance to increase your happiness or unhappiness by sharing it with another person. Make a conscious choice to share your happiness every day.
Every marriage is different, so don't try to have someone else's.
How many marriages does it take to realize that the problem is not your spouse?

Religious Wedding Messages

Weddings are usually full of religious symbolism and scripture readings. If your couple has a strong Christian faith, then a Christian message may be appropriate. Remember that the verse is fine on its own, but consider pairing it with your personal inspirational message.

You two are truly happy. May the blessings continue for both of you. Congratulations on the wedding!
Your marriage is your new home, and the foundation has already been laid. If you allow God to be the architect and are willing to put in the hard work, you will eventually find your dream home in each other.
The strongest marriages are built on the strong foundation of our Lord.
The formula for a good marriage is simple: love each other as Christ loves the church.
Marriage is a chance to exemplify the love our Creator showed us.
We pray that God will guide you in your new adventure. May God shower blessings on both of you.

What to tell your son or daughter getting married

It's always a good idea to be as specific to your audience as possible when writing cards. These are special wedding wishes for your son or daughter and your new son or daughter-in-law.

You have brought joy into our lives since the day you were born. We are now filled with joy to see you married to such an amazing young man/woman.
When we give you gifts on your wedding day, we take comfort in the knowledge that you will now take charge of each other. We love you both and can't wait to see how you care for each other throughout the years.
What a blessing for both of you to find companions of such high quality!
The only thing that could excite us now is grandchildren!
When your child chooses such a wonderful person as a spouse, it lets parents know that they have done a great job raising their child. It also reassures us that our grandchildren will have wonderful parents.
Now we consider you both our children, and from childhood you know that we do not allow our children to fight without reconciliation.
When things get tough in your marriage, remember that we only give anniversary gifts if you're still married. This should be all you need.

In front of which icon should one pray for a specific need?

It is important to note that the Church does not have a clear division in front of which icons for which needs one should pray. Again, we are not talking about magic performed through this or that image, but about God’s help given through prayers. A prayer for any need can be offered in front of any icon consecrated in the church and it does not remain unheard. If God did not give what was desired, then what was asked was not useful, and, supposedly, the icon being unsuitable for the given need has nothing to do with it.

But there are universally known miraculous images, which have long been seen to provide a quick response to an appeal for a specific need. Thus, before the image of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” and the image of the martyr Boniface, it is customary to pray for deliverance from drunkenness, the great Russian saint of God Sergius of Radonezh is asked for help in studies, Saint Panteleimon and Saint Luke are prayed for healing in illness, the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious is considered the patron saint of military personnel etc. This gives reason to pray, and therefore to give exactly the icon that is relevant to the occasion of the gift.

What to do with a gift that carries negativity

However, we cannot always know what charge a gift carries. And if the donated icon is not given for good, it is important to handle it correctly.

You cannot get rid of such a gift right away. In any case, you need to express gratitude and under no circumstances show disgust or any other manifestation of negative emotions.

After all the guests leave the holiday, the icon is taken out of the house, having previously wrapped it for minimal contact with the image. On the street, a simple prayer is read over the gift, and after that the icon is taken to a monastery, temple or church and presented as a gift. It is important that it no longer ends up in the house where it was brought.

Another important rule is not to tell the truth about the icon to the person who brought it, otherwise it will bring trouble back. Also, you cannot burn or destroy the icon, otherwise all the happiness of the person and his loved ones will be destroyed.

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