Human nature is rich in prejudice and superstition. People avoid black cats, but boldly run across the road at a red light, they are afraid to meet a janitor with an empty bucket, but pass under the roofs of houses from which huge icicles hang. People are especially sensitive to bans on various types of gifts: knives, watches, icons. And if the ban on knives and watches can somehow fit in the head, then why it is impossible to give icons is not clear.
Popular belief: icons cannot be gifted
It is popularly believed that by giving an icon, people can cause damage. And since the face of the saints is located in a conspicuous place, in the room where people are most often found, the effect of this damage grows stronger every day. Households begin to swear and quarrel with each other.
It is possible to free oneself from its negative influence only by communion. In this case, the icon must be given to the church, in no case should it be thrown away.
When can I give icons
The clergy argue that the donation of an icon is a great sacrament, because it carries in itself a particle of the spiritual and the eternal. Therefore, it is possible to give the face of a saint, but only from a pure heart and only to an Orthodox person. Such a gift, presented from the bottom of my heart, will bring only happiness and good to the recipient.
At the same time, a person should understand that an icon is not just an element of the interior, it requires an appropriate attitude towards itself - respectful and respectful.
Despite the fact that it is possible to donate icons, it is necessary to understand that not every holiday is a reason for such an offering. Most often, the faces of saints are given as a gift at certain celebrations.
When the baby is baptized. On the day of this sacrament, measured icons are usually presented. This tradition originated in the royal family, when the godparents presented the newborn with an icon equal to his height. She had to protect him from misfortune and grief.
In Russia, growth was called "measure", hence the name of the icon - "measured".
For the wedding. In honor of this celebration, this gift is usually given by parents to their children, blessing them. It is believed that the icon will strengthen the family union, giving joy and love to the home. Such an icon can be passed on as a valuable relic from generation to generation.
For birthday. In this case, nominal icons depicting the face of the patron saint are presented as a talisman.
On a church holiday.
Who can give icons
You can give icons to any Orthodox person. A relative, friend, colleague, business partner is not so important. The main thing is that the gift should carry positive energy and be consecrated in a church or temple, otherwise the face of the saint will become just a picture.
For colleagues and partners, as a rule, icons of St. George the Victorious and Alexander Nevsky are chosen. Placed in the workplace, they will contribute to the spiritual development of a person and bring success to all his endeavors.
