In the Christian faith, a lot of objects carry a great semantic load. Lampada is no exception. It is a symbol of man's inextinguishable faith in God. In addition, a lamp burning in the house in front of the icons means that the guardian angel protects this house and is in place. Living fire has entered the lives of believers so tightly that it is difficult to imagine a church without the flickering flame of candles and lamps.
History
The first lamps are, first of all, lamps. The word itself is of Greek origin. The literal translation is "a lamp that burns before the saints." Initially, they were really used for lighting in dark caves by the first Christians. There they held 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 during the daytime it is quite light, but it is impossible to find a building without burning candles or lamps. This causes a certain mood in the souls of believers to communicate with the Almighty. It does not matter for what purpose the temple is visited: to pray for he alth or the rest of the soul,repent or thank God. Entering here will surely light a candle, a symbol of faith in God.
Meaning
There are no random things in churches, any item carries its own semantic load. The light of a candle in a bronze candlestick or lamp is a kind of symbol of prayer. In domestic use, a burning lamp is regarded as the presence of God's Law in the house.
The icon lamp, located directly in front of the icons, is nothing more than an expression of sincere gratitude to the saints for their sacrifice. They gave their lives to save and forgive the sins of others.
In the cemetery you can often find burning 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 improved candle. One option is a container with paraffin, usually a glass (crystal) cup, on a stand. Reusable use ensures easy replacement of combustible material. This is typical for desktop products. A metal stand with a border and figured legs, often decorated with symbols of the Christian faith. Interchangeable cups, different colors:
- red - for Easter time;
- green - for daily use;
- blue, purple or colorless - for Lent.
Oil lamps are supplied with wicks. They can be of different designs:
- A thin plate with a small hole in the middle for a 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 lowered into the oil.
- The Greek design is a cork float with a solid wick stuck through.
The principle of operation is the same. The design provides the most comfortable conditions for long-term maintenance of the flame. In the lamps for the procession, wide short candles are used. They are inserted into an oblong vessel, which is closed on top with a tin lid with holes. This shape allows the flame to burn long and evenly.
Views
Products can be divided into several types. It depends on size, usage and location:
- pendant or church lamps are used exclusively in temples or churches;
- wall-mounted;
- desktop;
- extinguishable;
- inextinguishable - placed in front of icons, relics of saints, some especially revered shrine, they must keep burning continuously;
- for the procession;
- for household use.
The size depends on the amount of oil that can be poured into the lamp. Large are considered with a volume of 100 to 500 milliliters. These usually illuminate icons in temples or churches. At home, small ones, with a volume of 30-50 ml, have proven themselves to be excellent.
Hanging lamp is not used in everyday life,it is more of a ritual item that plays an important role in the Orthodox faith. It is used at baptism, burial, wedding, religious procession. Made from brass, copper, cupronickel, silver.
There are big chandeliers. They represent a massive church chandelier with many lighted lamps and candles. They are customary to light on holidays. The chandelier is located in the center of the building and looks very solemn. It is often decorated with crystal pendants, in which the reflections of candles are refracted. Some pieces can be compared to a work of art.
Butter
Real oil for lamps - wooden. This is the name of a product obtained from the fruits of olives growing on a tree, and not from herbs or seeds. Elei is considered the purest and highest quality oil of the highest grade. When burning, it does not form carbon deposits, does not emit any harmful substances at all.
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
The bronze candlestick next to the icon may well become an alternative to the icon lamp. The essence of the burning flame is important:
- the fire itself is a symbol of the annual miracle of the convergence of the Holy Fire;
- this is a creed;
- burning fire in front of the icon - the memory of the saints, the sons of light;
- fire encourages sacrifice;
- light cleanses from sins and dark thoughts.
According to church laws, lighting a lampada is possible only from a church candle.
