In earlier times, jewelry was used to visually demonstrate status, religion or material well-being; now we live in a time when symbolic things, including religious ones, are not always directly associated with their original meaning.
From sacred objects, crosses have also turned into decorative elements, to which everyone can give their own meaning in their wardrobe.
Such crosses differ from church body crosses in that there is no crucifix on them. Decorative models are more free in rules: they are given to family and friends for birthdays. But it is appropriate to present an Orthodox or Catholic cross exclusively to loved ones for christenings, Christmas, name days or one of the church holidays.
In modern fashion history, the brands Christian Lacroix and Dolce&Gabbana were the first to work with crosses. For example, starting in the late 80s, Christian Lacroix used crosses in clothing decoration. In 2008, crosses, only in the form of richly decorated pendants, appeared in one of the latest Christian Lacroix haute-couture collections.
The Dolce&Gabbana show in 2013 at Milan Fashion Week was perhaps the most striking demonstration of large decorative crosses. This can be considered a kind of manifesto of the fact that after rethinking the religious symbol of the cross, many began to perceive it as a fashion accessory.
The style of presenting crosses as decorative ornaments was adopted by other designers. Currently, we are seeing trends in different styles. While leading designer brands in their interpretations of decorative crosses clearly and clearly strive for maximalism and extreme festivity, young jewelry designers have the opposite approach.
Decorative crosses have acquired a completely new meaning, various jewelry brands regularly release their interpretations of the cross in a variety of styles: Tiffany&Co, Damiani, Cartier, Theo Fennell, Dionea Orcini and others.
When choosing a decorative cross made of silver or gold, you need to focus on your own taste and the recommendations of gurus from the fashion world. As a rule, such jewelry is complemented with various precious stones, crystals, and decorative inserts made of glass or ceramics. They come in both very small and large sizes. There are also a great variety of color options for decorative crosses. For example, a simple gold cross can be worn both in a business environment and in everyday life. But large cross pendants are best left for the holiday.
Christian amulets - how to choose and wear them correctly
Incense, that is, miniature icons worn on the body, as well as a pectoral cross, are the constant companions of every Orthodox Christian.
These little things accompany you in moments of grief and joy, allow you to thank the Lord for His mercies or turn to Him for consolation and help in difficult times. Such accessories help you to constantly feel under the protection of a higher power, to feel the peace, tranquility and hope it gives. It is not surprising that such works are made from precious stones and metals - this is how believers express their sincere gratitude and reverence for these sacred symbols, paying them due respect. But you should not assume that these are ordinary jewelry - you only need to touch a consecrated icon or a prayed cross once to feel the energy emanating from it. They can protect you from the machinations of envious people, temptations and seductions, give you new strength, and strengthen your soul and body.
The need for spiritual support sooner or later pushes a person to think about purchasing Christian paraphernalia. A body icon or crucifix can be given as a gift for a christening or birthday, as a spiritual farewell, and sometimes they are acquired independently, after much thought. Here are some tips that may help you make your choice.
Pectoral cross
A pectoral cross is not just a symbol of faith, a symbol of a person’s belonging to the Christian faith, it is the greatest shrine that is given to a person at the moment of his baptism.
We wear a pectoral cross near our hearts, on our chests. We wear it all our lives and often do not take it off under any circumstances. It symbolizes the burden of labor and sins that befell fate. The person wears it on himself, showing his desire for their redemption.
The Bible says:
“...take up your cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16.24)
And it is considered a great sin to wear a cross simply for the sake of fashion, as a tribute to tradition, or as jewelry.
What is a cross?
Before you understand the meaning of wearing a cross, you need to find out what it is.
The cross is the instrument of Christ's death. The Savior became incarnate “from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.” This is a line from the Bible - a Christian dogma known to every churchgoer. Jesus Christ accepted death for the sins of the human race, shameful and terrible. He was crucified on the cross, as we know. Since then, it has been a symbol of the victory of love over evil and violence. In other words, death is defeated by sacrificial love. We will soon find out whether it is possible to wear two crosses on the body.
Ladanka
Incense is first and foremost a talisman. Initially, it was a simple bag in which people carried particles of relics, holy land, and prayers. Nowadays, incense boxes are most often made in the form of icons, images of patron saints. And the meaning of the incense has not changed. It is designed to protect and protect its wearer from all sorts of ailments and misfortunes.
The incense, unlike the pectoral cross, is not a mandatory attribute of a believer. To wear it or not to wear it is a personal matter.
What is incense
Initially, amulet appeared after the practice of carrying the relics of saints spread among Christians. But later the meaning of this “amulet”, like the name, changed. Incense is stored in the amulet. Several centuries ago, this amulet was made from fabric, forming a compact pouch. Now the church offers a pendant consisting of two parts.
When putting on an amulet, you need to remember the following rules:
- the pendant must be consecrated in churches;
- an amulet is not a shrine, but a thing that churchgoers wear on their bodies;
- amulet does not protect against evil spirits and does not have magical properties.
This pendant is not capable of replacing a pectoral cross, since the “functions” of both symbols of the Christian faith are different.
Incense - what to consider when choosing?
When purchasing a body icon for permanent wear, remember that there are several universal images - those that depict Jesus Christ, the Trinity or the Virgin Mary. They equally patronize all Orthodox Christians.
You can also get an image of a saint who guards your line of work. For example, an amulet made of amber with the face of St. George the Victorious is suitable for soldiers and professional military personnel; St. takes care of pregnant women. Anastasia, about financiers, accountants and businessmen - the Apostle Matthew, St. helps veterinarians. Kosma and Damian, the miners - the great martyr Varvara, and the hunters and fishermen - the apostles Peter and Andrew.
Sometimes an incense is chosen by name, having found a righteous person in the church calendar with a name that matches yours. And sometimes they acquire the image of the saint whose memory is honored on your birthday - he is your guardian angel.
In addition, they say that when you are going to buy an amulet, you should just look through the entire assortment - sooner or later your gaze will stop at a product that will resonate in your heart with warmth, joy and peace. This means that this work is intended just for you!
Is it possible to wear two crosses at the same time?
Among the priests to whom we asked this question, oddly enough, there is no consensus on the possibility of such a joint wearing of two crosses.
And the point here is that there is no canonical prohibition or even recommendation on exactly how and how many crosses a person can and should wear.
Priest Dionisy Svechnikov believes that there is no fundamental difference in whether a person wears one cross or two. Protodeacon Sergius Shalberov agrees with him, who says that the number of crosses will not double a person’s righteousness, but at the same time notes that wearing such a thing is not a sin.
A similar opinion is expressed by Archpriest Andrei Spiridonov, who says that you can wear one cross, you can wear two, and you can even wear them in turn. This does not affect the quality of spiritual life and salvation.
However, a different opinion is expressed by Priest Daniil Lugovoi, who says that it is correct to wear only one cross. But if you have two of them, then you are allowed to change them, wear them alternately, keeping the second cross near the icons.
An interesting opinion was also expressed by Deacon Ilya Kokin, who believes that a child may lose his pectoral cross and therefore it is better to preserve it as a more important shrine, a more significant symbol, and constantly wear it, for example, a gold one donated by relatives.
Why wear a cross?
On the neck of an Orthodox Christian it symbolizes salvation. Jesus Christ saved the human race from eternal hell and death. As it is sung in the Easter troparion, “Trampling down death, and giving life to those in the tombs.” Death has been defeated and is replaced by resurrection.
Is it possible to wear two crosses? More on this later. Now we are talking about why Christians wear it. It symbolizes the confession of one’s faith, is a weapon of spiritual struggle and, as mentioned above, superiority over death.
Orthodox Life
website of the Gorlovka and Slavic diocese
Medallions, icons, bracelets with images of saints - you can’t find anything in some church shops! How should we treat them? Can I wear it? Can a cross be a decoration? What to do if earrings in the form of crosses are in fashion? Answered by Archpriest Nikolai Markovsky, rector of the Intercession Church in the village. Zaitsevo.
We must understand that the cross is a symbol of our salvation. We know very well that in ancient times among the Romans it was an instrument of shameful execution, on which criminals of the lowest class were crucified. After Christ atoned for our sins on Calvary, the cross became the banner of victory over death and holiness for every Christian. It is impossible to replace it with anything - no icons, medallions, or amulet.
If a person wants to wear a medallion with the image of a saint, please do so. Each of us has a heavenly patron. Many people honor Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Seraphim of Sarov and other saints. You cannot replace a pectoral cross with this image, but you can wear them together. The cross is irreplaceable, everything else is just an addition to it.
Many people perceive a cross or a medallion with an icon not as a shrine, but as decoration. They choose them accordingly: in some stores or jewelry stores, based on their aesthetic preferences. They are worn, accordingly, over clothing, for show. This is also unacceptable. The cross is very personal. Each of us carries his own cross - the one on his neck, and the one that the Lord laid at baptism. When it is put outside and turns into an ordinary decoration, it is already a sin. The cross should be worn modestly, under clothing, and not boast of its wealth. The same applies to icons and incense.
Some fashionistas wear earrings and other jewelry in the form of crosses. I think this is unacceptable. In the Gospel we read that the Lord carried His cross to Calvary, He was crucified on it, and He absorbed the Blood of God. Images of the cross are sacred to every Christian. When they are worn in the ears, noses, and so on, this is already sacrilege, which requires immediate repentance. For example, let’s imagine a banner from the Great Patriotic War, stained with the blood of the soldiers who went on the attack, carried it with them, and died under it. Would it even occur to anyone to use it as a rug or decoration? Everyone understands that this is a shrine for the soldiers who survived that battle. And the cross is a shrine for all Orthodox Christians. Wearing it in some indecent places is unacceptable.
I may be asked: what about athletes who engage in contact sports? During training, they remove the cross, as it can be damaged. I will answer: it is permissible to remove the cross and put it in your pocket. It happens that before an operation or some medical examinations, doctors ask to remove the cross - I myself was recently in such a situation. The doctors were believers, so they suggested putting a cross on my hand, which I did. Here is a different case: a direct necessity, from which there is no escape.
Does the cross have to be with a crucifix?
Of course, it is very desirable that the cross be a cross - with the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. If it doesn’t exist—for example, it was given as a gift or was baptized with something like that once—I don’t think it’s fundamentally important. The main thing is to treat it as a shrine, to understand what you are wearing.
How to wear a decorative cross?
Crosses without a crucifix or religious symbols are made in a free design, which depends only on the boldness of the imagination of the jeweler and artist. And the rules on how and where to wear such accessories are not so strict. Rings, earrings, and entire necklaces made from several crosses are in fashion. Designers decorate the clasps on bags, shoes and embroider clothes with the sign. Sometimes creators, like D&G or Versace, come close to the theme of religion, drawing symbolism and secret meanings from there. This is not a sin or blasphemy, as some believers claim.
Religion is one of the themes of fashion. Deep and interesting. For many, fashion itself is a religion and faith. But serious symbolism should not be confused with attempts by designers to simply create and touch society with provocative themes.
When buying a cross, decide which one you need: a sign of faith or an accessory for creating original images? And in our store catalog there are options that will please everyone. The choice is yours.
Tips on how to wear fashionable crosses:
- with other pendants on one chain or several chains, each of which has a pendant;
- on the ear in the form of a pendant earring;
- like a ring with a pendant on it or in the form of a cross;
- combining different colors of metals, creating contrast;
- on chain bracelets in the form of pendants.
Is it possible to wear a cross and an amulet?
The church is united on this issue. A cross and an amulet can be worn at the same time, because these are two completely different symbols of faith. Moreover, if the cross should be worn under clothes, closer to the body, then the amulet can be worn on clothes. After all, often an incense is more of a decoration.
If a person has two consecrated crosses on his body, one received at baptism, and the second received as a gift, then he can wear two crosses at the same time, or alternating them with each other. The statement that wearing two crosses at the same time is a sin is not true. But wearing crosses at the same time does not bring any benefit to a person’s soul.
When is the cross worn?
You can often hear the question from neophytes: is it possible to wear two crosses around your neck? We will definitely tell you about this later. At the moment we are talking about when a person has the right to wear a cross.
In fact, as soon as we are born, we receive our spiritual cross and carry it throughout our lives. The material is hung around the neck after the servant of God has been baptized.
Golden cross or icon how to choose decoration
It is important to know that silver ones are more intended for small children, but gold ones are for adults. In principle, a lot depends on the child’s parents; if they wish, they can hang whatever they want on the child’s neck. A gold cross and an icon, which are not so difficult to choose, will serve as excellent protection against negativity, so it is recommended to carry these things with you. But it’s better to wear the icon in the form of an amulet.
Very often, people wear similar products with the inscription “Save and Preserve.” In this way they turn directly to God. It should also be remembered that the Catholic and Orthodox crucifixion of Jesus Christ differs. For Christians living in Western countries, the bishop is crucified on three nails, but for Orthodox Christians, there are as many as four.
How to wear a pectoral cross with a crucifix?
The answer lies in the question itself - on the body. That’s why in Rus' the shrine was called a vest. It is not advisable to wear it over clothes or combine it with a deep neckline - in both the first and second cases, it is worth knowing that the cross is not worn for demonstration. The cross is a protection that is not made public. You need to wear a product with a crucifix consciously: it has its own special function. And this is definitely not a demonstration of the beauty of the cross itself or your appearance. Moreover, it is stupid to use a cross made of precious metal as a way to show your wealth.
What icons can be worn around the neck
Along with an Orthodox cross, you can wear icons depicting the Lord, the Mother of God, and Saints on your neck. Medallions with images of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Matrona of Moscow, Xenia of St. Petersburg, and St. George the Victorious are often chosen. Everyone has a heavenly patron to whom a person can turn for help at special moments in his life, and an icon depicting such a patron will be a reliable support for a Christian every day. Medallions with icons should be modest, without unnecessary decoration - such products are not decorations. The icon that you plan to wear around your neck must be consecrated.
Summing up
In Orthodoxy it is not customary to wear two crosses. It is acceptable to wear a cross together with a personal icon, an image of a guardian angel or an amulet.
As for losing him, it is absurd to expect trouble and create panic because of this. Buy another cross, consecrate it and put it on your neck - problem solved.
Is it possible to wear two crosses in turn? This action makes no sense; this was discussed above. The Church does not welcome such alternation.
There are no rules for wearing a cross, but it is better for Orthodox Christians to wear it to participate in the life of the church
Moreover, many church rituals cannot be performed without a cross. One can, of course, argue for a long time that there are attributes, but there is a God who doesn’t care about them. He really helps and works wonders without looking at our appearance, clothes and jewelry.
However, there is an Orthodox point of view, a canon, if you will. It was formed over centuries to its current state. The Christian religion is inextricably linked with rites, rituals, and sacraments.
A certain course of action, as is commonly believed, is capable of producing results if it pleases the higher powers.
There is no obligation to wear a cross on the body - it's just a tradition.
To violate this order by self-will and continue to consider oneself Orthodox is strange. Following Orthodoxy implies accepting its traditions. And to dissect religion into what is pleasing and undesirable is already freethinking.
Those who deny rituals can find themselves in some other faith where this is acceptable. For example, in some branch of Protestantism.
Yes, a person does not cease to be Orthodox if he does not wear a cross. And no one has the right to demand to wear it. Orthodoxy is an internal state.
But for some sacraments and services, a cross is simply necessary. Otherwise, they will either not be executed or will be executed incorrectly.
Is it possible to wear several icons around the neck?
Priests do not recommend turning the neck chain into an iconostasis, because there is no need to do this. The main shrine of a Christian is the pectoral cross; nothing can replace it. You can wear a medallion icon of a particularly revered Saint next to a cross, but why wear many medallions? This can be seen as a reference to paganism, in which “there are many gods, and the more, the better.” In Orthodox Christianity there is one Christ and one cross. You can pray to different Saints in church or at home.
Source
Chain or lace: what to wear with a cross?
In the context of faith, this has no meaning. It all depends on financial capabilities, taste and comfort. The only thing you should not do: hang a symbol of faith on a massive chain in complex weaving. It looks unaesthetic and like an attempt to demonstrate your well-being. Luxury and Christian values, if you really follow them, should not be combined. And for very young children under three years old, it is better to buy a cord made of leather or silk for every day: the child will be much more comfortable than wearing a chain.
