In the Christian faith, a lot of objects carry a great semantic load. The lamp is no exception. This is a symbol of man's unquenchable faith in God. In addition, the lamp burning in the house in front of the icons means that the guardian angel protects this house and is in place. The living fire has entered the life of believers so tightly that it is difficult to imagine a church without the flickering flame of candles and lamps.
Story
The first lamps are primarily lamps. The word itself is of Greek origin. The literal translation is βa lamp burning before the saintsβ. Initially, they were really used to illuminate the first Christians in dark caves. There they ruled their services, hiding from possible persecutors.
Gradually, the lamps became the most important detail of the decoration of the temple and an attribute of some church rites. In the premises of almost any church in the daytime it is quite light, but it is impossible to find a building without burning candles or lamps. This causes a certain attitude in the souls of believers to communicate with the Almighty. It does not matter for what purpose the temple is visited: to pray for the health or repose of the soul, to repent or to thank God. Those who enter here will surely light a candle, a symbol of faith in God.
Value
There are no random things in the churches, any item carries its own semantic load. The spark of a candle in a bronze candlestick or lamp is a kind of symbol of prayer. In household use, a burning lamp is considered to be the presence of God's Law in the house.
The lamp, located directly in front of the images of the icons, is nothing but an expression of sincere gratitude to the saints for their sacrifice. They gave their lives for the salvation and forgiveness of the sins of others.
In the cemetery, you can often find burning little lights. Usually they are lit on the first, third, ninth and fortieth day after the funeral. This is a kind of request for mercy and forgiveness of the sins of the deceased before God. Many bring lamps when they visit their loved ones in this place of sorrow.
Device
In fact, the lamp is an advanced candle. One option is a container with paraffin, usually a glass (crystal) cup, on a stand. Reusable use provides easy replacement of combustible material. This is typical for desktop products. A metal stand with a border and curly legs, often decorated with symbols of the Christian faith. Interchangeable cups, different colors:
- red - for easter time;
- green - for daily use;
- blue, violet or colorless - for Lent.
Oil lamps are supplied with wicks. They can be of different designs:
- Thin plate with a small hole in the middle for the wick. It is placed on the surface of the oil, one end of the wick is above the plate (no more than one or two match heads in length), the other is dipped in oil.
- The Greek design is a cork float, into which a solid wick is stuck through.
The principle of operation is the same. The design provides the most comfortable conditions for continuous flame maintenance. In the icon lamps for the procession use wide short candles. They are inserted into an elongated vessel, which is closed by a tin lid with holes on top. This form allows the flame to burn long and evenly.
Kinds
Products can be divided into several types. It depends on the size, place of use and location:
- pendant or church lamps are used exclusively in temples or churches;
- wall mounted;
- tabletop;
- extinguishable;
- unquenchable - are placed in front of icons, relics of saints, some especially revered shrine, they always support continuous burning;
- for the procession;
- for household goods.
The size depends on the amount of oil that can be poured into the lamp. Large are considered to be from 100 to 500 milliliters. These usually illuminate icons in temples or churches. At home, small ones, 30-50 ml in volume, have proven themselves excellently.
The pendant lamp is not used in everyday life, it is more a ritual object that plays an important role in the Orthodox faith. It is used at baptism, burial, wedding, procession. Made of brass, copper, cupronickel, silver.
There are large chandeliers. They are a massive church chandelier with many lighted lamps and candles. It is customary to light them on holidays. The chandelier is located in the center of the building and looks very solemn. Often decorated with crystal pendants, in which the reflections of candles are refracted. Some copies can be compared to a work of art.
Oil
The real oil for the lamps is wooden. This is the name of the product obtained from the fruits of olives growing on a tree, and not from herbs or seeds. Oil is considered the purest and highest quality oil of the highest grade. When burning does not form carbon deposits, does not emit absolutely no harmful substances.
Due to its purity and healing properties, oil is used both for anointing the sick and in baptismal rites. Throughout the thousand-year history of Christianity, it was olive oil that was considered a worthy sacrifice to God.
Why light a lamp
A bronze candlestick near the icon may well become an alternative to a lamp. The essence of the burning flame is important:
- fire itself is a symbol of the annual miracle of the descent of the Holy Fire;
- it is a symbol of faith;
- burning fire in front of the icon - the memory of saints, sons of the light;
- fire encourages sacrifice;
- light cleanses from sins and dark thoughts.
According to church laws, lighting a lamp is possible only from a church candle.