The Armenian people, like the Slavs, profess Christianity. But, as for the main religious sign, there are certain differences. The patterns adorning Armenian crosses symbolize the life-giving power, not a means of punishment. Translated from the Armenian language they are called flowering, sprouted. The creed of this people has an unusual appearance, characterized by the expansion of endings, sprouting branches, ribbon design.
For the first time, the cross began to be widely used by the ancient Egyptians. Ankh (Ankh) has traditionally been considered the personification of life, the power of the gods. Its shape is an ordinary cross with a loop at the top. Archaeological excavations constantly prove that this symbol existed long before the advent of Christianity. Various types of crosses were used by pagans as a worship of the forces of nature. Evidence of this is found virtually across the planet.
For example, in India, a religious sign was displayed over the head of a deity killing children in the hands of Krishna. Mouisks living in South America were convinced that evil spirits were expelled with the help of this item, so they put it in the cots of infants. By the way, the cross is still used as a divine symbol in those countries where the Christian church is not widespread.
Orthodox symbol of Russia
The Russian Orthodox cross, referred to only as the Lazarus Cross or the East, consists of eight endings. The upper crossbar is called "titulus", the name of the executed was indicated there. The skewed crossbar located below represents a footrest. However, in Russia they are often found both on the tops of domes and on church heads, and at the same time they have significant differences from the above. At the base of the cross is a figure resembling a rook or crescent in shape. There are many versions that interpret the meaning of the symbol, but they are all very far from the truth.
Anchor cross
The true story of origin was revealed in the journal "Useful Reading", published back in 1861. The subject we are considering is the rudiment of the Anchor Cross. This form has come to us since the early Christian times. Christians depicted similar crosses in the catacomb churches on the walls. For example, in pagan rites, the anchor served as a symbol of a safe marina, and in relation to public life it denoted stability and prosperity.
For Christians, the anchor symbolizes security, invincibility, hope. In particular, St. Paul in his “Epistle to the Jews” noted that hope is a kind of anchor for the soul. Sometimes a similar cross was depicted with two fish hanging from a transverse crossbar or a lone dolphin.
So, in its configuration, the anchor is comparable to fish, and is a symbol of ancient Christianity. Its shape definitely resembles an Armenian cross twined with vegetation. A photo depicting the traditional symbol of Christianity clearly shows this.
If we take into account that the predecessor of the anchor was a heavy stone, then the origin of the Armenian khachkar reveals its essence even deeper. The fact is that in Armenian the word “khachkar” literally sounds like “cross-stone”, which conveys the external form of solid sculptures.
This is a kind of anchor cross standing on an indestructible rock or embodied in it, and representing faith in the Savior.
The difference between the Armenian religious sign from Russian
Traditionally, Armenian crosses look slightly elongated due to the elongated leg. Its expanding wings emanate from the very center, ending with rays in a dovetail. All objects are abundantly decorated with floral, flowering elements. Crucified Jesus Christ is extremely rare to see if this symbol is Armenian.
The Orthodox cross is distinguished from the indicated not only by the presence of eight endings: it has two transverse crossbars located in a horizontal position, and not one. The lower crossbar, skewed to the left, symbolizes that the repentant criminal, located on the right, went to heaven, and insulted Jesus - to hell. Orthodox crosses sometimes depict either a skull and bones, or the head of Adam, located below. According to legend, the remains of Eve and Adam are buried under the place of execution of Christ (Golgotha). Accordingly, the blood of Christ, symbolically washing the bones, washed the original sin from them and from the descendants. In addition, on the cross you can often see the image of the crucified Jesus.
Pectoral cross features
Any pectoral cross is not an ornament. Initially, it is a distinguishable symbol of faith. His sanctification is carried out only once. Re-consecration is possible only when he is severely mutilated or came to you, but you are not sure whether he is consecrated or not. When a person receives the sacrament of Baptism, he is presented with a pectoral cross for daily wear.
The Armenian cross is also a Christian symbol, however, it is still somewhat different from the Orthodox in form. Therefore, when choosing it, first of all, you need to focus on the material from which the product is made, but on its configuration. Due to the fact that the pectoral cross is worn near the heart on the chest, preferably under clothing, it has another name - pectoral.
In addition, he is an instrument of protection against evil, heals and bestows life. Therefore, the cross, the photo of which is presented below, is often called life-giving, life-giving. In addition, the pectoral Christian symbol is able to protect a person even when there is no opportunity to cross. For example, in the period of sleep, the believer is under the invisible protection of God, therefore it is not advisable to remove this item even during bathing, and in the bathhouse you can wear a cross made of wood.
Silent witness of faith
In addition, the pectoral cross is a silent witness. He says that his wearer is a direct follower of Jesus. That is why sin lies with those who wear a cross as a decoration, while not being a supporter of the Church. The meaningful wearing of a body sign is a wordless prayer to the Almighty.
The Cross of Christ is able to protect, even if the owner did not ask for help. However, the Power of the Lord does not act unconditionally! A person must live a righteous, spiritual life, obeying the commandments. Exclusively in this case, a person can count on the support of God, saving himself from temptations, sins.
Khachkar is a proof of devotion to God
The historical events that occurred in 301 confirm that the Armenian people were the first to adopt Christianity. Since then, in spite of oppression and persecution, he has not changed his faith. Even despite the massacre that occurred on religious grounds in 1915, called the Armenian genocide. Later, the question of faith and devotion arose again in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The people of Armenia have clearly shown their unwillingness to be conquered, and even more so to serve anyone. Therefore, we can say with confidence that the Armenians suffered a lot, thereby proving their affection for God. In confirmation of the seriousness of intentions and stability in their positions, the Armenians installed characteristic architectural structures called Khachkar throughout the country.
The Armenian cross (khachkar) is a stone stele with a carved cross in the center. All work associated with the design of the slab and the symbol itself was carried out without any established rules. A similar skill for the Armenians is a peculiar way of revealing their piety, a certain outlet and something exclusively their own. By the way, khachkars have never been installed anywhere by anyone except them. Tens of thousands of samples are counted throughout Armenia and each is decorated with an individual ornament.
Stone Reliability Cross
The Armenians converted to Christianity came up with a completely unique way of raising religious signs. Previously, Armenian crosses were installed in the form of wooden structures, which in seconds could destroy the fierce haters of Christianity. Then it was decided to use stone instead of wood. It is impossible to burn a stone - in order to destroy the slab you will need both fanaticism and gigantic efforts.
Khachkar can be erected not only on the grave - it can also be installed in honor of some significant event. For example, the birth of a desired child, victory over an enemy, healing a sick person or simply as a symbol of faith, near a roadside mountain spring. Skillful stone cutters are called warps. In the manufacture of stone-cross, basalt, petrified volcanic lava or tuff is used.
Making khachkar
Naturally, the first cross-stones were not particularly decorated in any way, they did not look like a work of art. In a stone stele, a cross was simply carved. However, later Armenian craftsmen began to approach the work creatively, in connection with which it is customary to separate the early and late khachkars. The oldest surviving items date back to the 19th – 10th centuries. Virtually all known cross-stones are made of lightweight, porous tuff.
Near the village of Noraduz there is the most extensive cemetery, containing many crosses of the late period, which depict the whole millennium. Before making the slab, the master selects the rock for a long time, which was also intended for its foundation. Then he works for a long time on the scale of the stone. The most difficult work is the decoration of the future cross-stone.
What is a khachkar?
Carved Armenian crosses are not a crucifix, but practically a tree of peace. It is all strewn with exquisite patterns, ornaments. The image of the cross looks like a flowering tree as a way of new life. Almost always, under the cross there is a circle representing the sun, the life cycle, harmony. In ancient times, a pair of birds was represented mainly by pigeons. It is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, immortality.
The entire area between the main images is saturated with geometric figures. Plant ornaments are woven into them, mainly pomegranate, vine. Sometimes the patterns were so tiny that craftsmen often used a needle instead of a cutter. In this case, the master did not cut, but wrote on the stone. The song, displayed in stone, is transmitted from one generation to another to this day. The skill of creating khachkars was included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage in 2010.
Majestic Tsasum
Many tourists, and the Armenians themselves, come to khachkars as an authentic monument, healing or guiding force. These include Tsasum. Translated from the Armenian language, this name literally means “rage”. It is believed that Tsasum pacifies the universal disasters from which people suffer.
Each khachkar has its own legend, history. Crosses established in honor of heroes who died for their homeland or lovers forced to leave due to class inequality are extremely popular in Armenia.