The pectoral icon has been accompanying its masters for many centuries, protecting from troubles, providing an opportunity to turn with a prayer for support and gratitude to the revered saint.
Pectoral icon in ancient traditions
The tradition of wearing crosses and pectoral icons came to Russia with the Christian faith back in 988.
Wearable icons of saints were first worn by wandering people. Roads in those days were dangerous and long. Therefore, in order not to deprive themselves of the opportunity to pray to the revered image - a symbol of faith and a talisman, they used underwear.
Icons in those days were made of wood, bone, copper, silver, gold. The choice of material depended on the class, rank and wealth of the owner.
The richer the man was, the more elegant his pectoral icon looked. It was certainly made of precious metal and decorated with expensive stones.
Many clergymen considered the same rich icons to be their duty, claiming their superiority over God.
The pectoral icon was made by hand, so the preserved samples of the XV-XVI century often have a much better appearance than the later period, when mass production came into fashion. Stamped icons often reach us in the form of a polished oval.
Ancient wearable icons made after the 16th century were often dedicated to certain events, rather than specific saints. Own icons were made for students, cadets of military schools: they could depict both the images of the Savior and the patron saints of the institution. There were also special officer images.
During the period of atheism in Russia, the tradition of wearing underwear icons was lost and began to revive only in the last few decades.
Pectoral image for a modern person
In modern traditions, the cross is considered the strongest symbol of faith , but the pectoral icon is becoming more and more popular. They wear it as a symbol of faith either on a separate chain or cord, or together with a cross.
It happens to meet people who wear Holy images as an accessory. This can be treated in different ways, but perhaps even unconscious wearing can melt the ice of unbelief.
How to choose an icon?
Which icons are more revered at present? Often men wear the image of the Savior, women the Mother of God, the image of an angel is well suited for children. Many revered nominal icons.
In Orthodoxy, there are traditions in special cases to pray to a particular Saint. Therefore, often the choice of underwear icon is associated with this.
Nikolai Ugodnik helps on the road, so travelers and drivers often prefer him. For healing from diseases, they turn to Panteleimon the Healer. Very often women wear icons of the Virgin. The choice of icon may also depend on certain conditions. So, they pray to the image of the Seven-shot, asking for a softening of the evil heart, the Healer - for recovery, Fedorovskaya is considered an assistant in childbirth.
What icons are made of
As in the old days, icons are made of different materials. Everyone can choose the right one. Any material has its own advantages, and each person has their own preferences.
There is an assumption that for men, gold pectoral icons are more suitable, and for women, silver. To be guided by this principle is a personal matter for each person.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that for a child the material of the icon should be light. Men often prefer more massive images, women - graceful.
Gold and silver wearable icons
Currently, the pectoral icon is not just a symbol of faith, but also fashionable jewelry. Wearable icons made of silver or gold are especially popular. Often such products are decorated with small precious or semiprecious stones, painted with enamel. Often, handmade products are transformed in the hands of masters into real works of art.
Wooden icons
The pectoral icon made of birch bark is becoming increasingly popular. This is because it is more affordable, made of environmentally friendly material. In addition, the tree has healing properties. It is pleasant to hold such an icon in your hands, it is always warm and acts on the owner soothingly, lightly and will not cause inconvenience to its mass.
Other materials
Copper icons are rare, but still lovers of this material exist. There are very simple icons of light alloys. They are usually bought for children or the elderly. Such icons are light, inexpensive. The image of the Saint depicted in the icon does not lose its significance.
At present, if you set a goal, you can find craftsmen who will make for you a body icon from more exotic materials. If there is a demand, an offer will appear.
And still I want to believe that the pectoral icon will become primarily a symbol of faith for its owner, and not a luxurious trinket for boasting.