Church traditions have not changed for many centuries. At the same time, various obligatory attributes are used for various services and other obligatory rituals. These include the banners. These religious banners are in various currents of Christianity.
Destination of the banner
This church banner has another name. It is also considered correct. Often it is called a "banner". Most often it is used in the so-called religious processions, gathering a huge number of people and timed to some solemn events and church holidays associated with religious traditions. At the very beginning of the procession, they are carried by special ministers, called gonfalconers. As a rule, several such religious banners are simultaneously used in the procession. Who uses the sacred banners? This attribute is required in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Material for manufacturing
What are banners and what are they made of? For its manufacture, use such expensive fabrics as silk, velvet, taffeta, twill. Finish them with silver and gold cords in the form of a fringe or tassels. The images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the Trinity are applied to these banners using a special application technique. They also often depict the most revered Saints. Brocade and velvet banners are embroidered with gold thread. In some cases, they are made of metals, and decorated with decor of gold, silver, enamel and enamel.
The flagpole shaft is long wooden poles connected in the form of a cross. Some large banners are made with special devices so that 4 people can carry them at the same time. In the central part of the banner is often located an embroidered icon made using the technique of front sewing.
Banners in the church
For the first time, such banners were made by decree of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (272-337 CE). According to legend, it is believed that the banners are a divine message that he saw in the sky. After that, he commanded the use of such banners in various church rituals. Over time, the sacred banners began to spread rapidly in different countries where Christianity was practiced. The banners represent the symbol of victory over the devil and death.
Between the processions, these banners are stored inside the church. Most often they are located next to the right or left choir (the place where at the time of the service the readers and singers are located). These sacred banners are venerated in the same way as icons.