Hello dear blog followers. We often present gifts for various occasions. But there are special things that make you think - is it possible, is it safe to give them?
These include not only knives, watches and money, but also icons. The surface information is quite contradictory, so I studied this issue ( Is it possible to give icons as a gift?), learned everything signs and I will submit my opinion to your judgment.
In the article you will find tips on how to properly not only give, but also receive images. You will also find information on the differences between purchased and hand-made icons.
Why donate icons?
Since ancient times, the icon has been considered a gift-amulet. Parents give icons to their children as a powerful protection against evil intentions and other people's views. Usually icons are given by relatives and close people for such events:
- on the wedding day to the family: the Fedorovskaya Mother of God, the faces of Fevronia and Peter, the images of the Mother of God and the Saint. The young wife is separately presented with the face of the Virgin, and the young husband is presented with the image of Christ;
- on your birthday;
- for christening to a newborn and his parents - Measured or Named, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Panteleimon the Healer, Matrona of Moscow, the image of the Mother of God;
- on the anniversary of the wedding or on the Intercession of families;
- on the day of adulthood - nominal icons;
- at a housewarming party - Skladen (the triune image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, Jesus Christ, the Virgin), Intercession, Conqueror of Bread, Indestructible Wall, Burning Bush, an image with a cross, Impassable door;
- at the time of a long departure to another city/country.
All these events are of a joyful nature, so the icon serves as a talisman and a reminder of true values. Many present icons to sick people in order to present a talisman, to give strength in the fight against illness.
The donor invests in the icon not only money, but also the desire to help, protect, protect from misfortune. Sincere love and care gives the gifted strength and hope in difficult situations.
If the image is bought not for the family, but for the person personally, then you can give preference to images according to the gender of the person.
For example, the following are considered male:
Holy Savior a must have for those who do not attend church regularly and prefer to pray at home, at a convenient time.
Travelers, drivers, truckers and other professions associated with traveling around the country - you can give an icon Saint Nicholas. The face of the Guardian Angel for men will help protect themselves from rash spending, revelry, troubles, temptations.
George the Victorious known as the patron of all military professions, hunters, fishermen and even farmers. After all, St. George will help protect crops from the elements and crop failure.
For women and girls, the following images are most often chosen:
- Family well-being gives a face Mother of God of Kazan. It is this face that is endowed with special power and helps to heal the ailments of all family members.
- If you want to start a family, you need to put the Mother of God of Bethlehem in a kiot.
- The well-being of children, their correct decision, the ability to follow the righteous path is in the hands of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
- Three-handed will help protect your home from evil forces and bad intentions, relieve heavy thoughts and even depression.
Each of the selected icons will bring to its owners, with proper treatment and respect, protection, help in difficult situations and peace of mind.
How icons are given:
Orthodox priests argue that the icon cannot be the subject of damage and the evil eye, because. personifies purity, spirituality and the sacred face.
Not to mention the fact that belief in signs and superstitions is contrary to Orthodoxy and is not approved by the clergy:
However, as practice shows, relations in many families began to deteriorate sharply after the donation of the icon.
Especially if this gift is made by hand: embroidered with threads, from beads, with wire weaving or carved frames.
How can this be? Probably, the gift was denigrated, damage was deliberately induced, or simply evil intentions and angry speeches of the donor played a role. It is not possible to find out whether this was done intentionally or by accident.
From here came the roots of the superstition that icons of one's own making should not be given as gifts.
Let's look at exactly how the energy of the icon "works":
When an icon is bought in a church, it is already consecrated; such an offering will only benefit the one who receives it.
If this is a hand-made gift, then without its consecration in the church, the icon does not carry a positive charge of energy. Let me emphasize that it is not negative, just neutral.
Therefore, in order for prayers to bring true peace and tranquility to the heart, each icon must undergo a rite of consecration before giving.
Priests say that it is a hand-made image, consecrated in a church and donated from a pure heart, that is a shrine. After all, creating a gift, a person has invested his time, thoughts, soul, and this, of course, is much more expensive than money.
Embroidering with a cross or beads is a very laborious task, even for an experienced craftswoman it is not one week, but even a month of painstaking work. It is logical to assume that if the donor would like to cause harm, he would simply buy a simpler icon.
- You should accept such a value only from people you know and are kind to you and your whole family. If during the visits you experience warm feelings from communication, after the meeting there is no fatigue, a feeling of emptiness, then feel free to accept such a gift and sincerely thank you.
- Perhaps the relationship with the donor is not so pure and frank. Just take the icon to the church and explain to the priest what exactly you are afraid of and what worries you. It will help solve the problem and calm your heart.
- When you know for sure that you are being treated unkindly, refuse the painting under any pretext, no matter how difficult it may seem to you. You will probably have to say a firm "no". If you cowardly accept the gift, hoping to secretly get rid of the icon, then you will commit a great sin. Under no circumstances should icons be thrown away, let alone given to another. The only way is to take it to the church and explain the situation.
- If you accepted a gift, it is important to thank not only the one who gives you the shrine, but also God, who will help you in difficult moments. Place your forehead on the image and thank you from the bottom of your heart.
As you can see, priests deny negative signs, and even more so from such a gift. The donated icon is not just the face of a saint, it is an invaluable help in a difficult moment.
Paintings depicting the face of one of the saints have long been considered a very significant and even pious gift.
If a person wanted to present the face of a saint to the recipient as a gift, then he treated the person with all sincerity and wished him exclusively good.
Giving icons as a gift is the most real tradition of Christians, and it will be appropriate only for people of faith.
How to choose an icon as a gift?
Before you choose and buy an icon as a gift for a birthday or other holiday, make sure that your gift will be welcomed and will not be taken with hostility.
The choice of the saint who will be on the icon you have chosen as a gift depends on who the icon will be given to and for what reason.
On what holidays is it appropriate to give an icon?
When giving an icon for personal holidays (such as birthdays)
the best option would be a gift with the image of the patron saint, that is, the namesake.
Alternatively, an image with a Guardian Angel is also suitable.
Such a gift will be appreciated, especially by a believer.
Icon as a wedding gift
For the most important sacrament - the wedding - you need to give two very significant icons.
It is required to choose images of the Lord equal in size and the image of the Virgin with a child.
According to custom, parents should buy such icons with the faces of saints, but as practice shows, this is not important, so you can safely give such icons to your friends.
After the wedding, they will be kept at the home of the young as a family heirloom, and will be passed on to the next generations.
Icon as a gift for the christening of a child
An icon will be a very pleasant and even touching gift for baptism or the bride of children.
This type of icons is called "princely",
that is, a native icon.
This is a very old tradition dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
but vanished.
Now this tradition is gaining popularity again, and is now called "dimensional",
as it is made individually for the size of the child.
Such gifts are made to order, which means they are unique in their kind, and cost a lot of money.
Icon as a gift for the wedding anniversary
Any deeply believing couple will be able to appreciate the icon presented for their wedding anniversary.
Such an icon, with the image of all the patron saints, will be a wonderful gift.
Such a gift of Orthodox significance will benefit both the giver and the donee. To you personally for doing a good deed.
All these Orthodox gifts will protect from all enemies and simply ill-wishers.
If your brother / husband / boyfriend serves in the army, then a donated icon with a patron will not interfere with him Alexander Nevsky.
Image George the Victorious would also be very helpful.
History of superstition
Not everyone is aware of the presence of superstitions associated with the presentation of icons as a gift, but they do exist.
Most likely, many have heard about various kinds of superstitions associated with the donation of icons. For those who are prone to a mystical perception of the world, we will answer the question "why shouldn't you give icons as a gift?".
The very first signs say that such Orthodox gifts (icons) should be accepted only from exceptionally benevolent people, perhaps not even from all family members.
It was believed that even despite all the life-giving power of icons, the sorceress and shamans can even give you an additional "gift" - evil spirits - through them.
Frightened by such assumptions, people began to believe in it, a placebo effect occurred - and discord ensued in the family. Of course, such quarrels were immediately attributed to icons donated by non-family members.
Particularly worried couples, knowing that it was impossible to throw out icons in any case, carried them to church, consecrated them, and the placebo effect worked again - and, lo and behold, everything was getting better!
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A loved one sometimes really wants to give an icon or a cross, but doubts arise - is it possible to give such gifts, does this contradict the rules of the church? Some superstitions claim that the donated cross brings illness, failure and suffering. And the icon presented as a gift becomes the cause of a quarrel.
Is it allowed to give a cross?
In fact, the church not only has nothing against giving a pectoral cross, but also approves such gifts in every possible way. It is believed that to give a friend or relative a cross means to wish him God's blessing for many years to come.
Some people argue that only godparents can give a cross. But in reality this is not the case, no restrictions have been established in this matter - parents, relatives and even friends can give a cross.
Before donating, it is absolutely not necessary to consecrate the cross, but in this case the recipient will need to be warned that the cross is unlit.
Of course, you can give a pectoral cross only to a loved one, whose faith leaves no doubt. If the hero of the occasion adheres to a different faith or is an atheist, the gift will look at least ridiculous.
Is it possible to give an icon
According to Orthodox traditions, icons are not only possible, but also necessary to give. The most important thing is to do it with love and faith. It is appropriate to give icons for a wedding, baptism, housewarming, the opening of a new enterprise, as well as on the road before a long business trip or trip.
Icons are allowed to be given only to deeply religious and close people. A great idea is to give a nominal icon, it will serve as a talisman and become a wonderful companion for the rest of your life. For the whole family, you can order an icon, which will depict the saints of each family member.
Icons should be used for prayers, and not as an expensive and fashionable interior decoration. Therefore, you should not buy them for people who are far from the Orthodox faith and church traditions. Before buying such a gift, you need to get to know a person well, not only superficially, but also spiritually.
Hello dear friends! Surely, you happened to stare at the icons in church shops, and, perhaps, the question arose: is it possible to give icons as a gift? What signs exist in this regard? If so, in what cases, which one to choose and how to behave when donating. That's what we'll talk about.
A bit of history
An icon is not just a picture, it is an Orthodox shrine with deep historical roots.
With the advent of Christianity in Russia, the first icon painters appeared. It was they who painted the faces of the saints, creating creations, painting the first temples. These images are the most ancient and valuable. The faces of saints were painted for rich princely families, royal dynasties. As a rule, icon painters at male monasteries were engaged in this.
Feeling in themselves a special gift to convey the image of Christ and his Apostles, some masters retired so that the bustle of life would not prevent them from glorifying God. In the Middle Ages, and later, until the October Revolution of 1917, the images of saints in Russia were of great importance for the state as a whole. The sacred face blessed the warriors for feats of arms. The construction of a temple, a house also began with a blessing.
Not a single wedding was complete without a parental blessing of a family heirloom. The image was passed on to a young family from parents or close relatives and became a family shrine for many years, and even for centuries.
In the twentieth century, after the October Revolution of 1917, the veneration of images was not welcomed, and their veneration was not flaunted among the faithful.
Another thing is collectors. They are always interested in replenishing their collections with a valuable item and are ready to pay a rather impressive amount for an old thing. Therefore, for people who are passionate about collecting valuable items, a rare copy of it will be the most desirable.
Is it possible to give icons as a gift to each other?
There are no barriers to donation (unlike knives). If you know the person well enough, are sure that he attaches importance to the holy image, or even needs some kind of shrine, donate boldly. There are plenty of reasons to donate.
- It can be a birthday, anniversary or name day - the day of memory of the saint whose name you were named.
- They present a revered thing for a wedding and for a wedding, while the words of a wish are sounded so that they take care of each other, and the relic helps to save the family during any life difficulties.
- The image can be presented as a gift to business partners - as a sign of sincere cooperation with a wish for prosperity.
- At the opening of the office, the image will become a significant gift, taking one of the prominent places. But this is if you know for sure that the leader is an Orthodox person and attends the temple.
- At the birth of a child and at baptism, a fold can be given to the parents of the baby.
- For a speedy recovery, you can also choose the image that suits this occasion.
- Coming to visit relatives or friends, you can give a sacred image, which, for sure, they do not have. Perhaps you will acquire it in a monastery or temple, i.e. in one of the places especially revered by believers.
What are the signs about Orthodox icons?
- Since ancient times, holy images were treated responsibly, they tried not to accept gifts from random people, not knowing how sincere they were in their souls. Therefore, they were purchased in church shops at churches.
- Such fears are completely unfounded. The fact is that such a thing is given only after consecration in the temple by a clergyman. It is believed that it is endowed with special power and is able to help when contacting it. Of course, it cannot be an object that works miracles right and left. First of all, a person must be a believer and not be lazy to turn to the shrine with prayers.
- There is also a prejudice that one should not give icons embroidered or painted by ordinary people who are not icon painters working in the temple. And this is just a fear. Such works can become real shrines if they are consecrated. If you yourself can carve the face of a saint on a wooden canvas, draw or embroider with threads, beads, then your work can be quite a worthy offering. Most importantly, before giving, go to the temple and ask the priest to bless your creation. After the ritual, the work you created will not differ from others.
To whom and in what cases can icons be given?
Shrines as a gift to women
- One of the most revered and loved by women is the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Protects against diseases and contributes to the preservation of family well-being. It is given both to young families and on a wedding anniversary.
- Able to get rid of heart disease Vladimir icon. Parents pray to the icon for their children.
- A woman who dreams of finding a family, of having a child, is presented with a Bethlehem icon as a gift.
- The Iveron Mother of God is prayed for forgiveness of sins.
- To protect the house and all its household members, they give the image of the Mother of God of Three Hands.
Shrines as a gift to men
- You can give a loved one the image of a Guardian Angel. It is believed that he is able to protect a man from various temptations and misfortunes.
- Many men often travel or are on the road. Present the image of St. Nicholas so that he keeps your spouse, brother, father, relative or friend on the way.
- Young people and everyone who is looking for themselves in the profession will be helped by the face of the patron saint in business. Such a present is appropriate for both graduates of schools, universities, and business people.
- Many men do not have the opportunity to visit the temple all the time, so you can present the Savior Not Made by Hands as a gift.
Icons that are given for housewarming
Hopes for the well-being of the family, for a new happy life are connected with the new house. In addition to household and interior items that are given for housewarming, you can present an icon as a gift to the owners. Your gift will not only respect the owners, emphasize your concern for the well-being of the family and its protection, but can also become a family heirloom. Don't forget to bless.
- You can give the image of the Savior as an intercessor and patron.
- From quarrels and disagreements in the family and with neighbors, the holy icon of the Mother of God "Seven-arrows" will help to get rid of, it is also called "Softener of Evil Hearts."
- The wooden house will be protected by the "Burning Kupalina", which, according to popular belief, saves houses from fire and from being struck by lightning.
- "The Bread Conqueror" helps believers avoid material difficulties, helps to maintain physical strength in work.
Icons that are given for christening
- Those invited can hand over the fold of the Mother of God, Nicholas the Wonderworker or the Guardian Angel.
- It is better for a child with poor health to choose the image of Panteleimon the Healer, or the image of St. Matrona.
- Now more and more often they began to give dimensional icons for baptism, which are ordered in advance in an Orthodox icon-painting workshop. It usually has a height corresponding to the height of the child, although this is not necessary.
- If the date of birth of the child coincides with one of the Orthodox holidays, then you can present an image that is dedicated to this day. For example, January 7 is the Nativity of Christ, January 19 is Theophany, April 7 is the Annunciation of the Mother of God, etc. Therefore, when choosing a face for a child, it is still worth checking the coincidence of his birthday with an Orthodox holiday. For the parents of the baby, such attention from the giver will be pleasant.
Icons that are given for a wedding
Many couples today seal their union not only with a seal in a state institution - the registry office, but also in the temple where the sacrament of the church takes place - the sky itself connects the two halves. Such a solemn, wedding atmosphere is accompanied by heartfelt congratulations and gifts from close relatives.
And, of course, something special is given as a keepsake, symbolizing the bonding of the union, corresponding to the spiritual state of the married couple. In this case, the image is one of the ideal spiritual objects.
- There is a "Family Icon", on which the image of the Mother of God is surrounded by saints who will patronize the young family.
- Often they give the faces of the faithful Peter and Fevronia, who protect the marriage of spouses. The history of this couple is interesting and instructive. Before becoming husband and wife, the lot of Peter and Fevronia fell to the test, with which they coped, and until the end of their days they were faithful to each other. The only thing they prayed to God for was to die one day. And so it happened.
Since 2008, on July 8, in honor of Saints Peter and Fevronia, our country has celebrated the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.
- The Leaping Baby is also given as a gift for christening, and is especially revered among believers.
Icons that give for a speedy recovery
- They pray and give the Image of Christ the Savior.
- They wish a speedy recovery and present the face of Panteleimon the Healer as a gift.
- Great power has the "quick to hearken", to which the blind and those suffering from leg diseases turn for help. And the image of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow." Also, for getting rid of blindness and in case of eye disease, they turn to the Kazan Mother of God.
- In case of diseases of the hands, they turn to the image of the "Three-Handed".
- Believers talk about the miraculous properties of the icon "Tenderness of Seraphim of Sarov".
- They pray for the health of children and deliverance from infertility of Our Lady "Healer".
- During pregnancy and before childbirth, they turn to the shrines “The Word of the Flesh of Being” and “The Mammal-Feeder”.
All these images can be donated. But at the same time, take into account whether such gifts are appropriate for a particular person, whether he considers himself an Orthodox people, whether they accept the Lord as an Intercessor and Savior. In a word, the soul of the one to whom you give must be open to accepting the sacred.
At the same time, the donor himself needs to take seriously the choice of a spiritually valuable thing. Do not buy in a hurry only what you like, but take an interest in history, its purpose, think over what words will accompany the presentation.
But most importantly, both the donor and the owner of the icon must remember that the images of saints must be prayed sincerely. In case of illness, you should also seriously take care of your health by contacting doctors. All together - medicine and prayer - help a person gain health. Doctors support the physical condition of the patient, and the spiritual component of Orthodoxy helps not to lose heart, and through faith in the Lord, find strength for recovery.
Believe in goodness and do good deeds yourself. Support your loved ones with an approving look and a heartfelt word, help in trouble and in joy. Sometimes, maybe you shouldn't wait for a reason to give a small icon with a holy face. Just give it to a loved one, and say that you think of him and are happy when he is doing well.
I wish you health and joy in life. I hope the blog helps you find an interesting idea. Tell your friends about the article. All the best to you!
Sincerely, Anastasia Skoreva
Many people often ask, is it possible to give icons as a gift? The choice of icons is a rather complicated procedure, since an icon presented to a person will serve as a talisman for him. The signs that relate to holy images are very contradictory. Such a surprise can cause a storm of emotions, both positive and negative. To begin with, you should ask if it is possible to give icons as a gift, and only then make surprises.
The opinion of priests on the donation of icons
Is it possible to give icons to loved ones? The sign about the donation of icons appeared in ancient times. At that time, images were inserted only in gold or silver frames. They were also sculpted from expensive stones, so such gifts were very much appreciated. The bow was hung on the wall so that everyone who entered the house could see it. Almost all priests approve of such gifts and recommend them to many people. It is the icon as a souvenir that means respect, love and care for the person to whom it is given. Pictures with images of the Saints help to find yourself if faith has long left you.
Is it possible to give icons to people? A gift in the form of a Holy image will be wonderful. With this gesture, you show the person your care and love. In the church, you can choose any face that suits a person. Priests insist that people do not believe in various signs that bring evil. Therefore, you should not worry, since it is impossible to annoy a person with an icon. It is consecrated and has only positive aspects.
How to accept gifts in the form of icons
If the Holy Picture was brought by a little-known person, and you are afraid that he does it with bad intentions, you still should not refuse the gift. The face must be accepted, go to church with it and ask the priest to help. You need to take a gift correctly and be sure to thank the person and God, and then touch your forehead to the bottom of the picture.
Of course, if you are sure that a person wants to annoy you and brought a gift to take revenge, then it is better not to take it. If the picture is spoken, then you expose your health, and your relatives. It is forbidden to throw away icons - this is a big sin. Go to church with her, and there they will tell you what is best to do.
Birthday gift
Is it possible to give icons for a birthday? The birth of a new life is quite an important moment. If you give a person an icon, then such an act will show your sincerity and respect for the birthday man. The face of the Saint will remind you when you are not around, and for the birthday person, the icon will serve as a talisman against all that is bad.
Of course, icons can be given, but choosing them is quite difficult. There are faces that are given specifically to women, and there are also faces only for men. In order not to confuse the gift and know exactly which icon is suitable for a particular person, it is worth studying the necessary information.
Charms for women and men
What images are suitable for a gift to the weaker sex?
- Kazan Mother of God - being at home, gives him well-being and heals from various diseases.
- The image of Vladimir - restores the work of the heart, as well as women pray to him and ask for their children.
- Mother of God Three-Handed - protects houses from negativity, cleanses a person from the misfortune that has happened to him.
- Face of Inver - removes and forgives sins.
- Bethlehem - it is presented to women who cannot become pregnant for a long time.
For men, the image of the Savior Not Made by Hands is chosen as a gift. It is suitable for those people who do not have time to go to church. Saint Nicholas - protects everyone who loves to travel, his face is often hung in a car. The icon is given to a beloved man to protect him from grief and save him from temptation. A picture with a Saint can be presented to those people who are confused in their lives. The holy face will put them on their feet and direct them to the right path. In addition, the holy picture helps couples to improve relationships.
Icons for the christening of a child
Is it possible to give icons to children? Baptism is a very important ceremony, especially for babies and their godparents. They will become spiritual teachers for children, and they will be responsible before God for their life and upbringing. The best gift for a child is a cross or an icon. Be sure godparents should give an icon and it is Measured. Signs say that it is made strictly according to the measurements of the child and his growth. In addition, you can give a nominal icon with the face of a Saint.
In order for the omen to have a positive effect, it must be holy, and only then given. The icon is given to the child after the rite of baptism is over. You need to place the gift in a conspicuous place and closer to the baby. Thus, he will talk with his Guardian Angel.
Icons for marriage and a happy life
Is it possible to give icons for a wedding, and how can they affect the fate of the young? You can often see newlyweds who want to get married in the temple. Parents of a guy and a girl should choose two icons for their wedding. You can give away your icons, the signs of such an act are respected and do not bring anything bad. But it is best if you buy new ones so that they remain with your beloved for a long memory. Be sure to buy one picture with the face of the Saint, and the second of the Mother of God.
Wedding icons help young people in all matters and protect them from troubles. Very often, Peter and Fevronya are taken as a couple. A wonderful gift will turn out if you give the face of the Fedorov Mother of God for a wedding. She is considered the intercessor of women, she brings good luck to pregnant women, protects them, gives strength to conceive and bear a child. It is customary to give the image of the Holy Forefathers so that beautiful and healthy children will be born to the young in the future.
You can and even need to give an icon for a wedding. Any image will bring young happiness and good luck. He will always protect them from all adversity. Is it possible to give an icon for a wedding? Yes, you certainly may. The main thing is to give it with all your heart and soul. But for starters, it must be holy.
housewarming gifts
Moving to a new place of residence is a rather important and serious moment. Is it possible to give icons omens also exist for housewarming, since they strongly influence the move itself and further life in a new house. Basically, it is customary to give the face of the Intercession. He protects the house from fire, flood and bad people. The gift is given on its own to people who are moving so that other guests do not see it.
You can give a gift in advance so that the family holds the Holy Image in their hands and enters the house with it. If people have such a face, then you can bestow a fold. The fold is an icon that has three pictures. The paintings depict Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and St. Nicholas. What is the best face to give to a settlement? Images of paintings can be selected from the list below.
What icon to give a boy for christening
Conclusion
Is it possible to give people icons? Many people are interested in this question when they pick up a gift. Signs insist that such a souvenir can bring tragedy into the house. But each person must decide for himself whether to accept the picture or not. For example, the church does not agree with this opinion. Priests insist that the best gift is the Sacred Face. He can’t bring anything bad, and if the image turns out to be charmed, then the damage will return to the one who made it.
Is it possible to give icons for a wedding? Young people will really like such a gift, as it is bestowed with all my heart and only with good thoughts. Basically, it is customary to give icons only for marriage, housewarming, name day and christening. Also, only close relatives should bring a gift in the form of the Holy Face. For all other cases, signs are not advised to give such gifts. Of course, if you sincerely wish to give your close friend the Holy Face, then no one will be against it. You need to choose it seriously and responsibly, as there are separate images for men and women.
