In ancient times, a person felt defenseless in front of the outside world. Nature was not only a good ally to him, but also an insidious enemy. Diseases, wars, crop failures and famine threatened innumerable troubles. And the darkness, the spirits of the night, ghosts and demons, which were not so easy to deal with, were especially terrible. As an effective protective agent, an ancient man put an amulet around his neck. The darkness of centuries swept over the planet for a long time. However, in our advanced era of computers and the Internet, no, no, and you will see someone around the neck, next to the pectoral cross, the treasured bag.
What is an amulet
Linen, canvas, silk or satin, on a coarse cord, thin rope or chain, hidden on the chest, this bag was worn under the clothes of a noble secular beauty, and a royal grandee of blue blood, and a hard worker-plowman, from dawn to dawn to those who water the fields with their sweat. Such different people, however, believed that the amulet would save them from many troubles and misfortunes. What is it, we found out. But what are the contents of these pouches? Here you can do a whole study.
Magic item
Even in the time of paganism, there were various amulets and amulets that people tried to have with them. These were objects spoken by sorcerers and shamans, mixtures of aromatic herbs, tinctures, elixirs and much more that human superstition elevated to the rank of an absolute. In general, it was for magical purposes that the amulet was invented. That this is the strongest amulet, the effect of which is not limited by time, no one had any doubts. The main thing was to fill it correctly. The bones of animals and birds, dried frog legs and snake skin, claws and teeth of predators were used. Or “magic” stones (in ancient times, for example, magnets were considered as such), which included some precious and semi-precious ones. This is what the amulet looked like in general terms in pre-Christian times. What kind of amulet is this, what function did it perform among different peoples - many books have been written about this by ethnographers.
Christian Times
With the spread of Christianity, the contents of amulets began to change. A little church consecrated incense was placed in a body bag, which, it was believed, drives away evil spirits, dispels obsessions, cleanses the body and soul of a person. By the way, hence the name of the bag: amulet. It is difficult to say what it actually gave those who wore it. It probably really helped. In addition to the aromatic substance, various shrines were sewn into it. For example, special, protective prayers and psalms, copied by oneself or by monks, small icons depicting Christ, the Mother of God, holy martyrs. Sick,suffering from bodily ailments, they tried to get pieces of the relics of their heavenly patrons or saints known for healing. They, too, were carefully sewn into amulets. When Catholic priests sold indulgences in the Middle Ages, naive believers tried to keep these absolutions in pouches.
Special purpose
In addition to the universal ones, special amulets were also made for men and women. For example, when collecting a son, brother, husband for war, his relatives made sure to make a charm, where saving prayers were put. According to popular beliefs, they were supposed to protect against arrows and knives, bullets and projectiles, avert trouble during the battle, and promote the rapid healing of wounds. In addition to other ordinary shrines, a handful of native land was poured into such Orthodox amulets, so that it would give the warrior physical and spiritual strength, so that he would not forget his father's house and family, his wife. Other amulets were also made. In order for a man to retain his ardor and reproductive function until old age, special herbs and charmed objects were sewn into it. For women, the corresponding amulets helped to conceive and bear a child, safely resolve the burden, and remain attractive and desirable for her husband. Such an amulet on the neck contained prayers to the Mother of God, suitable Dreams of the Virgin and ritual consecrated or spoken little things.
Home iconostasis
Churched people keep icons at home - family, nominal. Hang them in the corner provided for this or put them on the shelves. In the old days such a cornercalled red. A church amulet is installed near them. Usually this is a censer where pieces of incense lie. They are set on fire and fumigated living quarters or left to smoke slowly under the icons. This is also the name of containers where aromatic liquids or oils are poured. By purifying the air in a house or apartment, such an amulet helps to establish a special blissful atmosphere in the home. However, an ordinary porcelain saucer or a small plate can also perform its function.
Attitude towards amulets of church ministers
This question, it is worth noting, is not even an idle one. The Orthodox Church will not approve of magical rites and rituals, amulets and amulets, among which, as already mentioned, wearable amulets are included. Although their name is associated with church incense, nothing is said about amulets in any texts of the Bible, writings of the holy fathers, lives and other religious literature. There are no decrees, resolutions, recommendations about them among the documents adopted during the Ecumenical Councils. There are no data in other church teachings. This is how the priests of Orthodox churches answer the question about amulets. What is the conclusion? That's right, about the pagan nature of these now Christian relics. Therefore, the Church does not bless the wearing of amulets next to baptismal crosses. But it doesn't prohibit either.
Wearing rules
How to wear an amulet and whether to wear it at all is a personal matter for every Christian. This may be an additional shrine, which seems to a person a reliable protection from demonic and other evil. He himself determines the composition of the amulet. Relatives can also give it, explaining necessarily what is in the body bag, how to use it, which saints to pray to. Parts of the clothing of the martyrs of the saints and their relics, consecrated monastic ground, pebbles picked up in the Holy Land and many other cult items containing God's grace, of course, are difficult for an ordinary Orthodox to get. But incense is the most accessible shrine. The pouch with it and other relics, as already mentioned, is worn around the neck. You can pin it to underwear. During water procedures, the amulet, of course, is removed. Washing the bag is not recommended. Just over time, transfer its contents to another bag, and use it further. Some, using the techniques of village magic, after 3 months carry the bag on themselves, part of the incense from it is buried on the territory of the existing monastery. Church egregor, connecting to a person, helps him.
May God bless you, Mother of God and holy angels with archangels!
