Armenian crosses. Religious symbols

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

The Armenian people, like the Slavs, profess Christianity. But, as for the main religious sign, there are certain differences. The patterns that adorn Armenian crosses symbolize life-giving power, and not a means of punishment. Translated from the Armenian language, they are called flowering, germinated. The creed of this people has an unusual appearance, characterized by the expansion of the endings, sprouting branches, ribbon design.

For the first time, the cross was widely used by the ancient Egyptians. Ankh (Ankh) has traditionally been considered the personification of life, the power of the gods. Its shape is a regular cross with a loop at the top. Archaeological excavations constantly prove that this symbol existed long before the rise of Christianity. Various types of crosses were used by the pagans as an homage to the forces of nature. Evidence of this is found virtually all over the planet.

For example, in India, a religious sign was displayed above the head of a deity who kills children, onhands of Krishna. The Muisca living in South America were convinced that with the help of this object evil spirits were expelled, so they put it in babies' cribs. By the way, the cross is still used as a divine symbol in those countries where the activity of 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, is a footrest. However, in Russia they are quite often found both on the tops of domes and on the heads of churches, and at the same time they have significant differences from the above. At the base of the cross is a figure resembling a boat or a crescent. There are many versions that interpret the meaning of the symbol, but they are all extremely far from the truth.

Anchor Cross

The true origin story was revealed in Soul Reading, published back in 1861. The object we are considering is a vestige of the Anchor Cross. This form has come down to us since early Christian times. Christians depicted similar crosses in catacomb churches on the walls. For example, in pagan rituals, the anchor served as a symbol of a safe harbor, and in relation to public life meant stability and prosperity.

For Christians, the anchor symbolizes security, invincibility, hope. In particular, Saint Paul, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, noted thathope is a kind of anchor for the soul. Sometimes a similar cross was depicted with two fish hanging from a cross bar or a lone dolphin.

So, in its configuration, the anchor is comparable to a fish, and is a symbol of ancient Christianity. Its shape definitely resembles an Armenian cross entwined with vegetation. A photo depicting a traditional symbol of Christianity clearly shows this.

If we consider 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 and the Russian one

Traditionally, Armenian crosses look slightly elongated due to the elongated stem. Its expanding wings emanate from the very center, ending in dovetail rays. All items are richly decorated with floral, flowering elements. Crucified Jesus Christ is extremely rare to find if this symbol is Armenian.

The Orthodox cross differs from the one 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, who is on the right, went to heaven, and the one who offended Jesus went to hell. On Orthodox crossessometimes either the skull and crossbones or the head of Adam, located below, are depicted. According to legend, the remains of Eve and Adam are buried under the place of execution of Christ (Golgotha). Accordingly, the blood of Christ, having symbolically washed the bones, washed away the original sin both from them and from their descendants. In addition, the image of the crucified Jesus can often be found on the cross.

Features of the pectoral cross

Any pectoral cross is not an ornament. Initially, it is a distinguishable symbol of faith. Its consecration is carried out only once. Re-consecration is possible only when it is severely mutilated or came to you, but you are not sure whether it is consecrated or not. When a person receives the sacrament of Baptism, he is given a pectoral cross for daily wear.

The Armenian cross is also a Christian symbol, however, it is still somewhat different from the Orthodox one in its form. Therefore, when choosing it, first of all, you need to focus your attention not 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, it is a tool of protection against evil, heals and gives life. Therefore, the cross, the photo of which is presented below, is often called life-giving, life-giving. In addition, a wearable Christian symbol is able to protect a person even when it is not possible to cross himself. For example, during sleep, the believer is under the invisible protection of God, so this item is not desirable.take off even while swimming, and in the bath you can put on a cross made of wood.

The Silent Witness of Faith

In addition, the pectoral cross is a silent witness. He says that the wearer is a direct follower of Jesus. That is why the sin lies with those who wear a cross as an ornament, while not being an adherent of the Church. 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 work unconditionally! A person is obliged to live a righteous, spiritual life, obeying the commandments. Only in this case, a person can count on the support of God, ridding himself of temptations and sins.

Khachkar is proof of devotion to God

Historical events that took place in 301 confirm that the Armenian people were the first to adopt Christianity. Since then, despite the 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 issue of faith and devotion resurfaced 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 have suffered a lot, thus proving their disposition towards God. In confirmation of the seriousness of intentions and stability in their positions, the Armenians established characteristicarchitectural structures called Khachkar.

The Armenian cross (khachkar) is a stone stele with a carved cross in the center. All work related to the design of the plate and the symbol itself was carried out without any established rules. Such a skill for Armenians is a kind of way to reveal their piety, a kind of outlet and something exclusively their own. By the way, khachkars have never, anywhere, been installed by anyone except them. Throughout Armenia, there are tens of thousands of samples, and each is decorated with an individual ornament.

Stone reliability of the cross

Christianized Armenians came up with a completely unique way of erecting religious signs. Previously, Armenian crosses were installed in the form of wooden structures, which in a matter of seconds could be destroyed by fierce haters of Christianity. Then it was decided to use stone instead of wood. It is impossible to burn a stone - it will take both fanaticism and gigantic efforts to destroy the slab.

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 the enemy, healing the sick, or simply as a symbol of faith, near a roadside, mountain spring. Skilled stone cutters are called warpets. Bas alt, petrified volcanic lava or tuff are used in the manufacture of the cross stone.

Making a khachkar

Naturally, the first khachkars were not particularly decorated in any way, they did not look like a work of art. A cross was simply carved into a stone stele. However,later, Armenian craftsmen began to approach their work creatively, in connection with which it is customary to separate early and late khachkars. The oldest surviving items date back to the 19th-10th centuries. Virtually all known khachkars are made of light, porous tuff.

Near the village of Noradouz there is the most extensive cemetery, containing many crosses of the late period, which depict a whole millennium. Before making a slab, the master selects the rock for a long time, which was also intended for its foundation. Then he worked for a long time on the scale of the stone. The most difficult work is the decoration of the future khachkar.

What is a khachkar?

Carved Armenian crosses are not a crucifix, but practically a tree of peace. It is all strewn with the most elegant patterns and ornaments. The image of the cross is similar to a flowering tree as an image of a new life. Almost always under the cross there is a circle that personifies the sun, the cycle of life, harmony. In ancient times, a pair of birds, mostly pigeons, was depicted. This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, immortality.

The whole area between the main images is full of geometric shapes. They are woven with floral ornaments, mainly pomegranate, vine. Sometimes the patterns were so miniature that craftsmen often used a needle instead of a cutter. In this case, the master no longer carved, but wrote on stone. The song, displayed in stone, is passed from one generation to another to this day. The skill of creating khachkars was included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage in 2010year.

Majestic Tsasum

Many tourists, and the Armenians themselves, come to the khachkars, as to a genuine monument, healing or guiding force. Tsasum belongs to these. Translated from the Armenian language, this name literally means "rage". It is believed that Tsasum pacifies all human disasters that people suffer from.

Each khachkar has its own legend, history. In Armenia, crosses erected in honor of heroes who died for the Motherland or lovers who were forced to part because of class inequality are extremely popular.