"Save me, God!".
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The cross is the greatest shrine of the Orthodox. It is a clear sign that a person belongs to Orthodoxy. For the church it does not matter whether it is made of metal or wood, jewelry or an ordinary alloy.
The main thing for an Orthodox should be its form and correctness in relation to religion. It is necessary to remember important points when choosing a cross:
- The cross can be 4-, 6-, 8 final shapes.
- If you choose a cross for your baby, then there should be no sharp corners on it.
- The size, like the material of the cross, does not matter.
- The Church recommends choosing not decorative crosses, but ones with the inscription “Save and Preserve” on the reverse side.
- Crosses purchased in the church are already consecrated, but store-bought ones should be consecrated.
Basically, we receive the attribute at baptism, but it also happens when we lose the cross. What to do? You need to buy a new one and consecrate it. What to do if you find someone else's cross? There are many superstitions about this, saying that if you take someone else’s cross and wear it, then it is the same as if you take on someone else’s cross.
Why you can’t give a cross
It is popularly considered a bad omen to receive a cross from the wrong person. The only exception is godparents, who, according to traditions and customs, hand it over to their godson or goddaughter. In other cases, signs recommend refraining from such a gift, so as not to take away with it the sorrows and tears of the donor.
Also, popular beliefs advise abstaining if the cross is not new. At the same time, according to signs, a person’s life cross, sins, hardships, and illnesses are transmitted. On the other hand, a believer, a pious person can thus give away his protection and good fortune. Also, it is not always worth being sure of the sincerity of the donor; superstitions warn of dark thoughts, damage and curses.
It should be noted that the church denies and condemns this .
A cross can and should be given as a gift, since this accessory is a symbol of the Christian faith, helps a person in difficult times, and reminds of the eternal. Such a gift is always welcome, especially on church holidays. The exceptions are people of other religions or atheists. They are advised to choose another option.
What should a cross look like?
The Church welcomes the wearing of any cross, even the simplest one. The main thing is that it must be consecrated in a special way. The material is also not important. But since an object is given to a person for life, it must be strong. Gold and silver metals are best. They are the most durable. But the presence of stones and other additional decorations is not at all necessary. This is already excess.
Choose a cross that is comfortable to wear every day without taking it off. The ideal option is a light, simple cross with rounded ends to avoid injury. In versions with inlays, stones often fall out, spoiling the aesthetic appearance.
Along with the cross, you need to pick up a chain. It should fit the product - strong, but not heavy. You can use a special strap with a clasp, which is sold in a church store. These are usually preferred for children.
To believe the signs or not is a personal matter. But if you are a believer, and the cross is a symbol of faith, for any questions, contact a priest. He will always tell you what and how to do correctly with a cross. Even if you are an atheist or follower of another religion, treat the subject matter with respect.
Is it possible to give to loved ones
Folk omens do not promise trouble from such a gift for everyone. For some people, a gift will only bring prosperity and kindness. First of all this:
- beloved;
- godchildren;
- own children;
- family members;
- Close friends.
The opportunity to present a cross to relatives is explained by a sincere attitude towards them. In this case, the accessory plays the role of a talisman.
A benevolent attitude, a desire coming from the soul and heart to present a consecrated object to a loved one are the main reasons to do this.
To a man
It is not customary to present a cross to an unfamiliar, stranger man. It is not recommended to give such a gift even to the guy you plan to marry. The person must be related or have long-term friendships. It is acceptable to give a cross to a loved one on the wedding day or some time after it. This is how a woman tells her chosen one about a bright, real feeling, a readiness to live with her husband all her life.
To a woman
Presented only in cases of family or long-term friendships. It is not advisable to give a cross to women you don’t know well, since they are more superstitious than men and can misinterpret such behavior. The gift must come from the heart, with good intentions. It is advisable to clarify whether the woman has a cross. It is not customary to wear two accessories on yourself at once, and this item should not be in the box.
To kid
Children can be given crosses by their godparents and birth parents. The first ones should do this on the day of christening, as well as after the loss of an accessory for any reason. The age of the child does not matter. There should not be several crosses at once, so you should make sure that a new one is needed. The only exception is a strong, seemingly inexplicable desire that comes from the soul.
To mom
If for some reason the accessory is lost, the woman can receive a gift from her son or daughter. The cross should definitely be consecrated in the church and presented to the mother with good wishes and pious thoughts. In response, the giver must be thanked from the heart, blessed, and wished all the best. Such a gift can be made as a sign of reconciliation, in case of a serious illness of the closest person.
Gift characteristics
Crosses can be made of any material: wood, tin, silver, gold. According to the church interpretation, it does not matter what type of cross will be presented - gold, with precious stones or the most ordinary one. The intention with which a gift is given makes sense. The main thing is that the product, regardless of the material, be consecrated in the church. Until this point, it is considered a simple decoration without any subtext.
There are times when you want to give your own crucifix to another person. There is no clear advice here: you can give your cross as a gift or it is strictly prohibited. True believers of the church value their personal symbol of faith, treat it with respect, and consider it a sacred object. On the other hand, a situation may arise when a loved one is seriously ill, and you want to support him during a difficult period in his life.
If you are tormented by doubts about whether you should give away your personal crucifix, it is better to talk to a priest: he will help you make the right decision.
It’s another matter when someone easily gives away their cross, considering it an ordinary decoration. We can conclude that the donor is an unbeliever without awareness of the true meaning of faith and religious symbols.
In church shops they sell gaitan - a rope with a clasp on which a crucifix is hung. You can also buy a gold or silver chain. It is worth noting that all attributes in church stores and shops are consecrated, so there is no need to perform an additional procedure. If the crucifix with a chain was purchased at a regular jewelry store, be sure to have it blessed in church before presenting it to anyone.
On what holidays is it customary to give crosses?
If you ask this question to church ministers, the answer will be that the accessory can become a gift even on the most ordinary day. Nevertheless, it is common among people to give a cross on Christian holidays.
A good occasion would be returning from a trip to holy places, when this item is a souvenir intended for loved ones.
The main dates in honor of which it is recommended to present a cross:
- christening;
- name day, angel's day;
- on the eve of major Christian holidays.
Why can't you give as a birthday gift?
Superstitious people believe that along with the decoration, the donor is able to transfer his sins, problems, illnesses, and bad luck to the birthday person. The main reason is also called the inconsistency of the guest with the image of a believer. For a birthday, a cross should not be given to strangers, unfamiliar people, since the symbol of faith brings people together and can make them spiritually interdependent. By presenting such a gift, a person seems to be trying to get closer. The birthday boy may refuse the gift, resulting in an awkward situation.
Is it possible to present a pectoral cross to another person?
As already mentioned, according to popular beliefs, it is impossible to give a pectoral cross to a stranger. Since some of the problems and sins of the donor may also pass along with it. But these signs only work when the donor is an unfamiliar person and his intentions are hidden. If the crucifix is presented by a close relative, then in this case the gift carries only a positive charge.
Important! If a person already has a cross, giving him another one is extremely inappropriate.
Present for your birthday, including your cross
You should not give a religious symbol for a birthday if the person for whom the gift is intended believes in omens. Such a gift will weigh on him and serve as a source of unhappiness. If you rely on the opinion of church ministers, then a cross is the best gift for demonstrating a good attitude towards the birthday person .
An Orthodox symbol can be given to godchildren, even if they have long since grown up. The following is the answer to whether you can give your cross to a child. Parents can also donate their personal crosses to their children. Such a gift, carrying all the parental love and care, will become a reliable protection against life’s troubles.
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Just
Bringing a cross as a gift without any special reason is allowed . Moreover, if a crucifix, icon or amulet was purchased during a visit to holy places, they must be given just like that, from the heart. Priests advise giving an Orthodox symbol purchased during a pilgrimage to holy places immediately upon return, before it loses the energy of the holy place.
To your loved one, husband or wife
Giving a crucifix to your loved one means showing him that he is dear and close not only physically, but also spiritually. By giving such a gift, a loving person puts all his love and tenderness into it, and asks the Higher powers for protection and blessings for his soul mate.
Young people who are still thinking about getting married can also give each other crosses. Such a gift will make them closer to each other, showing the fullness of feelings and seriousness of intentions.
Does it matter what the cross is made of?
The clergy assure that the material of the cross does not matter. The item will perform its functions in the same way, regardless of what it is made of, what size or how new it is.
The most common materials:
- silver;
- gold;
- tree;
- bone;
- gems;
- aluminum;
- stainless steel.
On a major holiday, you are allowed to give a gold cross. In this case, the donor must be close and dear, otherwise the person may refuse the gift.
Silver is considered the best material. The metal has long been attributed mystical properties to repel evil spirits and protect from negative influences. What is known for sure is that silver objects have disinfecting properties.
The meaning of the pectoral cross
It has long been customary to wear a cross on the body. He should be as close as possible. This is a sacred object that often performs both a religious function and acts as a talisman or amulet. The cross is very closely connected with the one who wears it.
Each person puts his own sacred meaning into his pectoral cross. A believer turns to him in difficult situations, asking for help from God. For Christians, the cross is a connection with the Lord. Therefore, the Church does not approve of the disrespectful treatment of crosses and crosses in general. It is not acceptable to wear them as jewelry or display them in public. It's a very personal thing. Therefore, it does not matter how beautiful the cross is or what it is made of. The main thing is that a person believes in him and appreciates him.
Is it possible to give your own cross?
The worn symbol of faith is credited with the ability to take upon itself the burdens, sins, problems, and failures of its owner. At the same time, in Rus' it was considered the pinnacle of trust and closeness with a person to exchange pectoral crosses. At such moments, people became spiritual brothers for the rest of their lives, bearing responsibility for each other before God and people.
It is permissible to give your cross only to a very close and dear person by mutual consent. Another reason is a good impulse, when you intuitively feel that this item is now needed by someone else much more than by the previous owner. At the same time, you really need to want it. Do not experience negative emotions at the moment of presenting a gift, think only about the good and wish for all possible well-being.
Is it possible to give a cross to a son, daughter, father, mother: signs, Orthodox rules
It is believed that such gifts should not be given to strangers or strangers. But the clergy believe that such presidents can easily be carried out by people close to each other.
Is it possible to give a cross to a son, daughter, father, mother:
- A mother can give it to her son or vice versa, as well as a wife to her husband. It is possible to give such gifts to close relatives.
- If you are going to your friend’s anniversary, but are not entirely sure how he will perceive this kind of gifts, it is better to refuse to make them and purchase them. Give something neutral.
- Still, the cross is a symbol of faith that protects a person from troubles and evil forces and interventions. Therefore, if you do not want to hear a refusal or an ambiguous reaction from the birthday boy, buy something else.
Baptism ceremony
Should I accept a cross as a gift?
The priests are unanimous on this issue - it is impossible to refuse to accept the creed. The only acceptable exception is if the person who donated the cross belongs to another religion or has an ungodly lifestyle. Although the latter is quite conditional, since judging a person’s behavior and life is a sin, mere mortals should not do this.
It is not advisable to start wearing jewelry right away. First you need to clarify whether the cross has been consecrated or not yet. Then it is recommended to take the donated item to the church. If a ritual was performed on him, it is enough to sprinkle him with holy water, and, if necessary, ask the priest to consecrate him. After this you are allowed to put it on yourself.
How to remove negative energy
It is unacceptable to use dubious rites and rituals, all kinds of conspiracies and whispers in relation to a consecrated thing. Doing something like this can only charge the cross for failure and negativity. If the gift is from strangers and for some reason the pendant does not inspire confidence, it is allowed to take it to the church and leave it there as a charity.
If you want to take the symbol of faith for yourself, it is recommended to ask the priest to consecrate the object . If this ritual has already been performed previously, it is enough to sprinkle it with holy water. At the same time, all kinds of negativity are neutralized, even when the donor tries to cause damage or a curse through the holy object. If a gift is from a loved one, whose pious thoughts there is no reason to doubt, after accepting it, you are allowed to immediately put it on or put it next to the icons.
Superstitions about the fact that crosses cannot be given as gifts are far-fetched and have no justification. The clergy advise less to believe in all sorts of superstitions and to accept the creed with gratitude. If a gift raises doubts and negative premonitions, it should be taken to church and the negativity neutralized. As a last resort, leave it as a donation.
Is it possible to sell a donated gold cross?
Many people are interested in the question: can a donated gold cross be sold? Indeed, very often people who received gifts from their former lovers want to get rid of everything that connects them with the broken relationship. Therefore, they strive to sell jewelry, things, as well as valuables that may remind of a former person.
Selling a cross:
- In this case, the clergy do not recommend selling crosses, but advise keeping them as a relic near the icons. There is no need to throw them away or take them to a pawn shop or sell them. Many people ask what to do with an old cross if they have given a new, more beautiful one.
- The clergy insist that the cross is not jewelry, but a talisman and a religious thing that testifies to a connection with God. Therefore, under no circumstances should it be worn over clothing.
- Usually the cross is hidden under underwear and clothes. Therefore, if you were given a new one, but the old one failed or became old, you can put it in a box and store it at home. As a last resort, you can give it to the church as a donation.
Decoration
From a religious point of view, a cross purchased in a jewelry store is considered just a decoration. But this can easily be corrected by going to church. After you consecrate it, it will become not just an ornament and a precious object, but a talisman, a symbol of human respect and love for God. Accordingly, it is best to consecrate such products in the church before giving them as a gift. Be sure to warn the birthday person about this.
