Signs, superstitions and instructions of the Church about crosses on the grave.
The symbol of Christ's crucifixion - the cross - has been shrouded in a mysterious shroud of riddles, secrets and superstitions since ancient times. Many of these signs have taken on a religious form since Christianity spread throughout the world, choosing the cross as its symbol.
According to religious dogmas, death is an important, turning point event in the life of every person. Moreover, monks and elders call life preparation for death, since it is with the end of “earthly affairs” that the soul meets the Lord. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many different religious instructions and instructions are associated with the burial rite. A very important one is the installation of a cross on the grave of a deceased Christian.
The cross is a shrine that is revered and arouses reverence among all Christians. And in this regard, when installing it on a grave, some practical questions may arise, caused by the fear of offending a sacred symbol, thereby incurring divine wrath.
How to install a cross on a grave?
Based on the traditions of Orthodox Christianity, the grave is positioned in such a way that the head of the deceased is directed to the west and the legs to the east. According to biblical accounts, this is how Jesus was buried.
A tombstone cross is placed at the feet of the deceased, so that at the moment when the soul leaves its final refuge, it can see in front of it the holy symbol of forgiveness and offer prayers before it. Catholic traditions require placing a cross above your head. It is believed that when leaving the earth, the soul kisses the crucifix, expressing its submission and devotion to Christian teaching.
What to do with the old cross?
On the day of the funeral, an ordinary wooden cross is placed on the grave. This is done not only for religious reasons, but also for practical ones: the wooden structure is quite light in weight (compared, for example, with stone tombstones), and therefore its installation will not interfere with the natural subsidence and compaction of the soil at the burial site.
But when the time comes to install a new, permanent headstone, the cross is dismantled and the question arises of what to do with it. It is really impossible to throw away a shrine in the trash, as this is a sign of disrespect. It is recommended to burn a wooden cross as unnecessary. If such a need arises, you should ask the cemetery administration where this can be done. As a rule, each graveyard has places for such needs.
If the cross is well preserved, it can be given to a workshop or even sold. According to clergy, there is nothing forbidden or shameful in installing an old crucifix. In addition, an old tombstone can become the personification of the deceased’s non-covetousness, his meekness and lack of desire for material, earthly goods.
What to do if the cross is askew or has fallen?
Due to bad weather, a tombstone, especially a temporary one made of lightweight material and installed without a solid foundation, can become askew or even fall. If the crucifix is lopsided, it should be corrected, a dense earthen mound should be made and it should be compacted well. The cross should stand straight on the grave.
There are two opinions about fallen crosses, but they agree that this is an unfavorable sign. Some argue that a toppled tombstone can simply be reinstalled, but with a better installation this time. According to others, the fallen cross should be burned and a new one installed in its place. Be that as it may, the Church recommends ordering a prayer service for the repose or lighting a candle if this happened at the grave of your loved one.
Signs and superstitions
Many people associate various superstitions with grave crosses. They cast fortunes on them, remove and damage them, cast love spells and conspiracies. The Orthodox Church disapproves of such rituals; they are called pagan. The Holy Fathers assert that if you notice unkind signs associated with tombstone crosses, as if someone wants to bring trouble upon you, you should not be afraid and take it too seriously. You need to strengthen your faith, go to church, pray, take holy communion, then no misfortunes will be able to touch you or your family.
One way or another, many different signs and religious requirements are associated with crosses. To bury a loved one, thoroughly observing the instructions of the Church, is a laudable, good desire, but if faith lives in the heart and sincere prayers for the deceased come from the depths of the soul, then you should not be afraid of making small mistakes associated with the installation of a tombstone cross.
The cross in Orthodoxy is not just an object of worship, it is a powerful tool for repentance and atonement for sins, for receiving God's grace. There are many crucifixes and they are different. It is common among people to divide them into male and female, for the domes of temples, etc. There are Orthodox and Catholic. There are no canons in the church that separate crosses by gender, just as there are no special ones for baptism and other holidays.
There are many secrets hidden in the crucifixion. For the Orthodox, this is a kind of strongest amulet against the evil spirit, the evil eye, and unpleasant accidents. They are worn without taking them off. Once upon a time, when a child left home or left his father's house, a cross was tied around his neck. It was called wearable.
The mind must honor the words of prayer, the laws of God. The heart must be in repentance and tears for sinful actions.During baptism, a cross is also worn. It is believed that by removing it, you open the way for dark forces to reach the baby. Therefore, the rope or chain is made so long that it is comfortable for the child and cannot be removed.
When you enter church, you mark yourself with a cross, this is a righteous sign and faith in its power.
Image of orthodox cross
The meaning of the Orthodox cross
The cross is an integral part of Orthodoxy. Denotes the crucified Jesus and the life he gave for us sinners. Atheists think that Orthodoxy worships the instrument that killed Christ. But this is far from true. Believers worship the symbol of eternal life. The Church says “the life-giving cross,” which means that Jesus, in terrible agony, begged the Almighty for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life for the laity.
By placing a cross on themselves, Orthodox Christians honor the Almighty, His laws, and fulfill the Word of God. They accept humility and receive blessings. That is why the cross is the redemptive power of faith for the life Jesus gave.
Types of Orthodox crosses
Patriarchal cross
Used in the middle of the last century. Such a large cross is located in the Museum of Russian Art.
Four-pointed cross
“All-honorable cross, four-pointed power, blessing to the Apostles.”
Six-pointed cross “Russian Orthodox”
This crucifix has its purpose. The lower bar serves as a kind of scale of good and bad deeds. This is how Jesus defined the two criminals who were crucified on either side of him. One of them repented and departed into another world with a pure soul, and the second blasphemed Christ and ended up in hell.
Eight-pointed cross
Christ was executed on a four-pointed crucifix. And only when they drove the nail into the feet, the lower bar, the foot, appeared at the crucifix. After this, they attached the top bar at the headboard with the inscription.
This is how the eight-pointed cross, now known throughout the world, appeared.
Seven-pointed cross
Such crosses were depicted in 1500 in northern Russia. They are also installed on the domes of Russian churches.
Cross “crown of thorns”
“The whole earth is cursed because of you. Only thorns will grow,” these were God’s words to Adam. Jesus, without coercion, took upon himself all the sins of mankind, and the crown of thorns is like the thorny road he passed while carrying the cress for crucifixion. Completely atoned for Adam's sin.
Cross “gallows”
Such crucifixes can be seen in almost all churches. All church objects are crowned with them.
Cross “grapevine”
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). This designation was given by Jesus to himself and to the Lord God. The combination of a crucifix and a vine can be found on the domes.
Cross “Greek”, or ancient Russian “korsunchik”
One of the oldest in Rus'. Saint Prince Vladimir was baptized with this cross.
This designation was given to the micro-ecumenical cross.
Domed cross with crescent
The domes are topped with such crucifixes. This is the form of the distant 1570s. It is designated as the birthplace of Christ, as the anchor of hope for eternal life, as the enemy of the Lord God at the feet of Jesus.
Trefoil cross
Altar crosses in churches are crowned with this design. It is on the symbols of the Russian state.
Cross “Maltese”, or “St. George”
It got its name after the assassination of Pavel Petrovich the Russian Emperor. He was an adherent and trustee of the Order of John of Jerusalem in Malta. This organization opposed Freemasonry. That's why the Masons killed the Emperor.
The cross of St. George the Victorious was used to award cavalry.
Cross “Prosphora-Konstantinovsky”
The very name already suggests that they place it on prosphora. You have the opportunity to see and eat them in church after communion.
Old printed “wicker” cross
Such drawings can be seen on printed ancient books in Russia.
Four-pointed “drop-shaped” cross
When Christ died in terrible agony, drops of his blood dripped onto the cross on which he was crucified. Giving it special power.
Cross “crucifixion”
Before the 1800s, Jesus was presented as living or resurrected. Since ancient times, crosses had a footstool, and the legs were nailed separately, and Jesus seemed to be leaning against the crucifix. And only Catholics have a clear image of Christ with sagging arms. It can be seen in what terrible agony he died. The bottom line is this: the laity must see the power of Christ’s love for his people, that he gave his life for them.
Schema cross, or “Golgotha”
They are embroidered on the priests' clothes. This is an image of a spiritual cross. Used to illuminate a room, glued to 4 walls. His designation is true guardian.
Gamma cross
It was used in ancient times to decorate church objects. It is also visible under the dome of the Hagia Sophia, on the door drawings of the Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral.
Correct Orthodox cross
A four-pointed crucifix is considered correct. It should have an image of Christ, his feet nailed with two nails.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross
Christ was executed on such a crucifixion.
And only when they drove the nail into the feet, a foot appeared at the crucifixion. After this, they attached the top bar at the headboard with the inscription. This is how the eight-pointed crucifix appeared, now known throughout the world.
It can also be considered as eight periods of human life. The eighth is another world, a future life. One end looks towards the Kingdom of God. The crossbar for the legs speaks about sin on earth, that Jesus broke stereotypes, showed people that there is God, explained to them what sin is.
Proportions of the Orthodox cross
The cross consists of a base and three additional parts:
- Inscription plate;
- The one in the middle is for the hands with which Jesus embraces the world, showing his love for it;
- Bottom, foot base.
The base for the feet has this shape for a reason. According to scripture, believers will stand on the right hand of Christ, sinners on the left. Those on the right will go to the Kingdom of God, those on the left will go to utter hell.
By standards. Hands spread out in width are proportional to the person’s height. Accordingly, part of the middle bar of the cross must correspond to the length from the middle to the beginning of the bottom bar. This means that with a base of 1, the length of the bar will be 0.618, from the middle to the bottom it will also be 0.618. From the top to the beginning of the crucifixion 1-0.618=0.382. Difference 0.382/2=0.191
What is the difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one?
On the Catholic cross, Christ's legs are crossed, nailed with one nail. He is depicted alive, experiencing terrible torment. The inscription has the designation INRI.
The Orthodox crucifix shows us Christ after the resurrection. Legs are not crossed. The inscription has the designation ІНЦІ. It is also on the back side of “Save and Preserve”
Orthodox cross for men
Crucifixes are in fashion these days. Silver represents earthly life, gold represents heaven. They have a simple look, a little rough. There may be no crucifixion at all.
Women's Orthodox cross
Women are supposed to hide the crucifix under their clothes. It is believed that this way she will be closer to God. Her prayer comes from the heart, and the cross nearby gives her strength. A woman has the Lord's blessing when she carries a child under her heart. In defense, she is given the same pectoral cross.
Nowadays, the cross also serves as a beautiful decoration.
Orthodox crosses on churches
Inscriptions on the Orthodox cross, meaning
- The designation NIKA (victory) is Jesus' victory over death and his resurrection.
- The ICXC designation is Jesus Christ the King of Glory.
- The designation INCI is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
- The head of Adam signifies his sin and death, located at the feet of Jesus as a sacrifice for the atonement of sins.
Dimensions of the Orthodox cross for the grave
The cross is a symbol permitted by the canons of the church, which takes place during burial. Its life-giving power allows the soul to say goodbye to the world and fly away with relief into the Kingdom of God.
What does the crescent on the cross of an Orthodox church mean?
It was used in ancient times to decorate church objects. It is also visible under the dome of the Hagia Sophia, on the door drawings of the Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral. Quite common. Has a crescent, which is located at the base of the cross. They are installed on the domes of temples and churches. It signifies the birth of Jesus. They can also interpret it as the Mother of God.
There is an opinion that such a designation gives the Orthodox faith an advantage over the Muslim faith. But Muslims had such an image of the cross much earlier than it appeared in Orthodoxy.
In reality, it is a cross anchor. In the old days, the church was a life-saving ship; it guided the laity to the true path, showed them the way to the Kingdom of God.
Prayer orthodox cross
"Lord Jesus, save me, a sinner"On the back of the crucifix there is a prayer embossed - a petition, this is the most important prayer for the Orthodox.
Calculations and model creation
First you need to draw a sketch of a model of the future cross. At the same time, you will develop a design concept and lay out the required dimensions of the product. They are calculated in accordance with the proportions of the “golden ratio”, characteristic of the ideal human body. This tradition comes from ancient times. Such was the cross of the Savior on which he was crucified.
If as the base height of the cross take a value of 1.618 m, then further relationships should have the following form:
The length of the central crossbar will be 1.618 m;
- the distance from it to the top, as well as the length of the top bar will be 0.382 m;
- the top crossbar should be 0.236 m from the middle one;
- from the top to the first short crossbar the distance is calculated to be 0.146 m;
- between the lower braid and the base you need to measure 0.5 m.
Only after careful measurements and calculations, as well as subsequent accurate drawing of the sketch, proceed to creating a layout, according to which you can subsequently begin to make the cross itself.
Materials for production
It is necessary to decide what the grave crucifix will be made of. The entire subsequent process of preparation, and then the actual manufacturing of the product, primarily depends on this. The most popular materials in our case are wood, metal and stone.
The easiest way is to make a wooden cross yourself. To get a correct and beautiful frame of the model, you will need basic carpentry skills.
If you then want to decorate the almost finished product with carvings, you will also need artistic abilities. At the very end of the work, the wood must be treated with stain and varnished to protect it from the negative effects of the environment.
Metal is a less malleable material than wood and requires very special skills and approaches. At the same time, it is no less suitable for artistic processing. A skilled craftsman is able to produce very beautiful things from it. The most common method of making a metal grave cross is forging. With this processing method, the material receives an additional reserve of special strength and oxidation resistance, which is later enhanced with the help of an anti-corrosion coating and subsequent painting.
If you know how to forge iron and the necessary technical means are available to you, then you have the opportunity to give the cross you made any unusual configuration from those offered by Christian culture. Stone is the most labor-intensive material, but all the manufacturing difficulties are more than compensated for by its outstanding performance qualities and, above all, durability. It is distinguished by its natural uniqueness, beauty and durability. At the same time, the finished product made from it will require minimal maintenance and will last for centuries.
Grave crosses, which are placed on Christian graves immediately after the funeral of the deceased, are most often made of wood.
Usually they are purchased along with other necessary accessories at a funeral store. However, sometimes situations arise when, for example, the store is inaccessible, and a cross is necessary. Alternatively, someone may simply want to make their own crucifix for the grave as a special way to express their love for the deceased.
Of course, this work will require both artistic and special technical skills from a person.
Only their presence will allow you to work fruitfully with the material from which you plan to make the cross. In addition, each stage of the manufacturing process will require its own special tool.
Calculations and model creation
First you need to draw a sketch of a model of the future cross.
At the same time, you will develop a design concept and lay out the required dimensions of the product. They are calculated in accordance with the proportions of the “golden ratio”, characteristic of the ideal human body.
This tradition comes from ancient times. Such was the cross of the Savior on which he was crucified.
Dimensions
If we take the value of 1.618 m as the base height of the cross, then further
the ratios should be as follows:
— the length of the central crossbar will be 1.618 m;
- the distance from it to the top, as well as the length of the top bar will be 0.382 m;
— the top crossbar should be 0.236 m from the middle one;
- from the top to the first short crossbar the distance is calculated at 0.146 m;
- between the lower braid and the base you need to measure 0.5 m.
Only after careful measurements and calculations, as well as subsequent accurate drawing of the sketch, do you begin to create a layout, according to which you can subsequently begin making the cross itself.
Materials for production
It is necessary to decide what the grave crucifix will be made of. The entire subsequent process of preparation, and then the actual manufacturing of the product, primarily depends on this.
The most popular materials in our case are wood, metal and stone.
The easiest way is to make a wooden cross yourself. To get a correct and beautiful frame of the model, you will need basic carpentry skills.
If you then want to decorate the almost finished product with carvings, you will also need artistic abilities. At the very end of the work, the wood must be treated with stain and varnished to protect it from the negative effects of the environment.
Metal is a less malleable material than wood and requires very special skills and approaches.
At the same time, it is no less suitable for artistic processing. A skilled craftsman is able to produce very beautiful things from it. The most common method of making a metal grave cross is forging.
The results of the measurements turned out to be very encouraging. The cross of 1637 practically coincided with, in which the royal fathom is used as a large crossbar, and the axis is the sum of the church and folk fathoms!
Really:
1) The large crossbar of the Nikon cross is 193.5 cm. This is only 4 cm less than the value of the royal fathom given in and used in drawing up the projects. When considering, it should be taken into account that the projects involve the production of crosses from logs with the upper part of the axle and crossbars hewn out onto the timber. And Nikon's cross is made of thick boards.
2) The height of Nikon's cross from Golgotha is 309.5 cm. The exact height of the original Golgotha is not known. If we put it equal to 20 cm, then the height of Nikon’s cross with Golgotha exactly matches the height of the project cross(also with Golgotha).
3) The width of the crossbar of the Nikon cross is 21.5 ± 0.3 cm, which is the most. In the projects of the author of the site, this size is proposed to be taken as spans from the basic fathoms: royal, church and folk. Consequently, in the cross of 1637, apparently, the fourth basic fathom was used - the measured flywheel.
When analyzing the results obtained, the following circumstances must be taken into account:
1) The dimensions of Old Russian fathoms were determined on the basis of measurements of numerous structures. And mostly large structures - church buildings. And when measuring large structures, the errors are inevitably larger than when measuring relatively small structures, such as a cross.
are inevitably of an evaluative nature, and no assessment of the error of the results obtained is given. From this it can be assumed that either the nominal value of the royal fathom given in requires correction, or carrying out, removing the difference between 197.4 and 193.5.
2) When installed, any cross goes into the ground a little more or a little less than planned. The boulder calvary is also assembled without the use of graph paper.
3) There are also manufacturing errors. For example, I planned to make a crossbar 23.3 cm wide, but after marking the log, cutting with an ax, and stripping with a staple, you can get 22 cm. At the same time, on different sides of the crossbar, the dimensions always differ, at least slightly. By the way, the manufacturing error in the width of the crossbars on Patriarch Nikon’s cross is about 0.6 cm.
Consequently, some discrepancy in the sizes of the crosses (which were not even transferred from place to place) does not at all indicate that they were made according to different projects. Moving the cross to another place (as happened with the cross of Patriarch Nikon) inevitably changes its size.
Interestingly, the relative parameters of the projects and the cross of 1637 are almost the same:
| Table No. 8. | H/A | B/A | |
| D/A | 339,4/193,5=1,75 | 274,9/193,5=1,42 | 21,5/193,5=0,11 |
| Cross 1637 | |||
| Projects (vintage diagram) | 1,72 | 1,41 | 19,9/197,4=0,1 |
| Dfolk = 19.9 cm. | 1,72 | 1,36 | 23,3/197,4=0,12 |
| Dchurch=23.3 cm. | 1,72 | 1,34 | 24,68/197,4=0,13 |
Dtsarskaya=24.68 cm.
Considering that our ancestors followed traditions much more zealously, we can assume that the Savior was crucified on a cross of precisely this size.
Rule for determining the size of crosses
The following rule for designing crosses can be formulated:
When determining the overall dimensions of crosses, 2-4 fathoms should be used. Between the large crossbar (A) and the distance from the large crossbar to the ground (B) the relation B = sqrt(2)* A must be satisfied. The best set of fathoms is church, royal, folk. It was this set of fathoms that was used in the design of temples.
It is important to note that such a cross contains an encrypted formula that will save Russia: “Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationality.”
