Wooden Orthodox cross for grave dimensions. Grave crosses and their differences

A wooden cross is most often placed on a grave. This is done immediately after the coffin with the deceased is lowered into the ground. They are purchased at a funeral store, along with other accessories necessary for a funeral.

However, sometimes there is no such store at the cemetery, and it becomes necessary to make a crucifix for the grave yourself. In order for the cross to comply with all Christian canons, you need to know some data, which will be discussed in our article.

What types of crosses are there?

The Old Russian Orthodox tradition, which is strictly observed today, is customary to use two types of wooden crosses on the grave:

1. Six-pointed. In this version there is a lower oblique crossbar (it is usually called the “righteous measure”). The whole essence of sinful human nature and the possibility of receiving forgiveness from the Lord is symbolized by its two ends:

• the lower left end, signifying the sin of unrepentance, is directed towards the crucified one on the left, who blasphemed Jesus and ended up in Hell;
• the upper right end symbolizes purification after repentance, since it was on this side that the thief who repented and went to Paradise was crucified.

1. Eight-pointed. There is a shortened upper crossbar located slightly above the long horizontal one. It is generally accepted that this completely replicates the shape of the cross used to crucify Jesus. The upper shortened bar is assigned the role of a tablet, which was written before the execution by order of Pontius Pilate. It read that this was “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

We calculate and create a model

First, you should draw a sketch of the future cross, chosen from the two options described above. On it, in addition to design solution, you should display all the dimensions that will have finished product. To calculate them, it is customary to focus on the proportions of the “golden section”, which reflect the ideally proportioned human body.

Dimensions

The base height of the eight-pointed cross is taken to be 1.618 m. In accordance with this, all other dimensions will look like this:

• The vertical crossbar is 1.618 m long.
• The length of the top crossbar is 0.382 m. It is installed at a distance of 0.146 m from the upper end of the vertical crossbar.
• Next, stepping back another 0.236 m from the center, a crossbar with a size of 1,000 m is mounted.
• 0.500 m is measured from the lower end and an oblique crossbar is installed.

Only after producing accurate calculations and having drawn the sketch, you can begin to make the layout. Once it is ready and the compliance with all the proportions established by Christian canons has been checked, you can begin making the cross itself.

What materials can be used to make a cross for a grave?

The following materials can be used to make grave crosses:

• Tree.
• Metal.
• Stone.

Wood is the easiest to process and its cost is affordable for almost everyone. True, to make a high-quality cross you will need some carpentry skills. However, even if they are not available, they can be acquired quite quickly, especially since the manufacturing process itself is very simple.

So that the finished cross stands on the grave for as long as possible loved one, it must be protected from moisture and direct sun rays. For this purpose, several options can be used, which will be discussed further.

Varnishing a wooden cross

Before applying any type of protection, the surface of the cross must be cleaned and sanded. Only after this can you begin to apply varnish, which should have been intended for outdoor use. That is, it is pre-designed to withstand the effects of moisture, freezing temperatures and direct sunlight.

What are the advantages of using:

• Varnish applied to a wooden cross allows you to protect it from moisture for a long time.
• The chemical properties of the varnish allow it to penetrate deeply into the structure of the wood, filling it with oils.
• The vapor permeability of the varnish allows the wood to breathe, which prevents its damage.
• The varnished surface is resistant to mechanical stress and abrasion.
• The varnish is able to provide protection from the harmful effects of sunlight.
• Pests, fungi and mold cannot penetrate the wood through the varnish.

Negative properties:

• When varnished, the shade of the wood from which the cross was made changes.
• It takes quite a long time for the varnish to dry completely.

Using paint

Paints, like varnishes, can have different basis. To paint a wooden cross on a grave, you must use one with an oil base.

The advantages include:

• High-quality oil-based paint, intended for outdoor use, resists moisture well.
• The oil coating protects the wood from the development of harmful microorganisms.
• A well-dried layer of oil paint practically does not react to mechanical impact and is abrasion resistant.
• Through oil paint UV rays do not penetrate.

Indicators related to minuses:

• The color of the wooden cross changes greatly, since the base is completely opaque.
• The structure of the tree is hidden.
• Over time, the original color of the paint fades under sunlight.

Stain coating

Only those types of stains that are intended for outdoor work are used.

• Impregnation is an excellent antiseptic.
• The stain penetrates deeply into the structure of the wood, which helps protect the material from the inside.
• Prevents the development of mold, fungi and insects.
• It is very easy to apply and does not take much time to absorb.
• The stain is formed protective layer on a tree.
• The composition contains non-evaporating and non-leaching biocides.
• Maximum preservation of such decorative functions wood, like structure and color.

• Fragility of the applied layer.

Coatings containing wax

What's good:

• Provides protection from weather conditions.
• Does not allow sunlight to pass through.
• While slightly changing color, it retains the structural features of the tree.
• There is a wide variety of colors.
• The surface becomes silky.
• Repels water.

What's bad:

• The elasticity of the coating does not provide protection against mechanical stress.

We treat the wooden cross with a colorless coating containing absorbents and UV filters

Positive properties of the coating:

• Able to protect a wooden cross from sunlight.
• The structure of the tree is not only preserved, but also complemented by shine.
• The presence of absorbents and UV filters keeps the product in its original form for a long time.
• There are no cracks on the surface, it is easily renewed.
• Prevents pests from entering.

Negative properties of the coating:

• It takes a long time to dry completely.
• Requires application in several layers.

Where and how to place a wooden cross on a grave

After completing the manufacturing work, you can proceed to installation. Where should the cross be? The deceased is lowered into the grave so that he is turned to face the east, waiting for the Morning of Eternity, to immediately see the coming of the Savior.

A wooden cross, as a symbol of salvation, is placed at the feet of the buried person. In this case, the crucifix should be turned towards the face of the deceased. In this case, when the Sunday of the Dead comes, he, having risen from the grave, will see a sign signifying the victory of the Lord over the devil.

The opinion of the clergy

The cross is the main one on the grave in which the Orthodox lies. And he should stand at full height, and not, for example, be drawn on a tombstone. The cross is the hope and hope of a Christian. The monument is nothing more than a soulless block; it cannot in any way replace a standing cross.

If you really want to erect a monument, then this should be done in such a way that the cross remains in its place. In this case, the monument can be placed either next to the cross or opposite it, that is, in the heads. If it was not possible to save the cross, then it should be placed on the ground next to the grave.

When making a grave cross, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the size it will have, but also not to forget about Orthodox traditions. Many customers do not understand how to distinguish Catholic from Orthodox. It all depends on religion. It is customary to use grave crosses made of valuable wood. For them to serve long time, you must follow the manufacturing technology of the product. Under no circumstances should you use bad or damp wood, and it is also necessary to take into account the processing of the finished structure.

Differences between the Orthodox cross.

In shape and size they are similar to each other, but in the image of the crucified Christ there are some differences. Orthodox tradition says that the feet of our Savior were nailed with two nails. And the Catholic one indicates that only one nail was used during the crucifixion. There are some other differences as well. For example, the shape of an Orthodox cross is most often eight-pointed or six-pointed. In the cemetery, Christian believers have mostly wooden grave crosses. In this way, they perpetuate the memory of the deceased. On wooden product in the Orthodox faith it is allowed to use the image of Jesus Christ. On the grave of the deceased, it must be installed in the correct direction, this means being at the feet of the deceased person, and his crucifix in front of his face.

Advantages of a wooden product.

The most accessible and the best option considered to be a grave Orthodox cross made of wood. For its production they use only valuable species trees. Wood is mainly obtained from aspen, bog oak, pine, cypress, iroko. IN modern world There are a variety of designs for graves, and the choice can be made based on what is available and what you like.

Calculations and model creation

First you need to draw a sketch of a model of the future cross. At the same time, you will develop a design concept and lay down required dimensions products. They are calculated in accordance with the proportions of the “golden ratio”, characteristic of the ideal human body. This tradition comes from ancient times. Such was the cross of the Savior on which he was crucified.

If as the base height of the cross take a value of 1.618 m, then further relationships should have the following form:

The length of the central crossbar will be 1.618 m;
- the distance from it to the top, as well as the length of the top bar will be 0.382 m;
- the top crossbar should be 0.236 m from the middle one;
- from the top to the first short crossbar the distance is calculated at 0.146 m;
- between the lower braid and the base you need to measure 0.5 m.

Only after careful measurements and calculations, as well as subsequent accurate drawing of the sketch, proceed to creating a layout, according to which you can subsequently begin to make the cross itself.

Materials for manufacturing

It is necessary to decide what the grave crucifix will be made of. The entire subsequent process of preparation, and then the actual manufacturing of the product, primarily depends on this. Most popular materials in our case they are wood, metal and stone.

The easiest way is to make a wooden cross yourself. To get a correct and beautiful frame of the model, you will need basic carpentry skills.

If you then want to decorate the almost finished product with carvings, you will also need artistic ability. At the very end of the work, the wood must be treated with stain and varnished to protect it from negative impact environment.

Metal is a less malleable material than wood and requires very special skills and approaches. However, it is no less suitable for artistic treatment. A skilled craftsman is able to produce very beautiful things from it. The most common method of making a metal grave cross is forging. With this processing method, the material receives an additional reserve of special strength and oxidation resistance, which is later enhanced by anti-corrosion coating and subsequent painting.

If you know how to forge iron and you have access to the necessary technical means, then you have the opportunity to give the cross you made any unusual configuration from those offered by Christian culture. Stone is the most labor-intensive material, but all the difficulties in manufacturing are more than compensated for by its outstanding performance qualities and above all durability. It is distinguished by its natural uniqueness, beauty and durability. In this case, the finished product from it will require minimal care and will last for centuries.

The results of the measurements turned out to be very encouraging. The cross of 1637 practically coincided with, in which the royal fathom is used as a large crossbar, and the axis is the sum of the church and folk fathoms!
Really:
1) The large crossbar of the Nikon cross is 193.5 cm. This is only 4 cm less than the value of the royal fathom given in and used in drawing up the projects. When considering, it should be taken into account that the projects involve the production of crosses from logs with the upper part of the axle and crossbars hewn out onto the timber. And Nikon's cross is made of thick boards.
2) The height of Nikon's cross from Golgotha ​​is 309.5 cm. The exact height of the original Golgotha ​​is not known. If we put it equal to 20 cm, then the height of Nikon’s cross with Golgotha exactly matches the height of the project cross(also with Golgotha).
3) The width of the crossbar of the Nikon cross is 21.5 ± 0.3 cm, which is the most. In the projects of the author of the site, this size is proposed to be taken as spans from the basic fathoms: royal, church and folk. Consequently, in the cross of 1637, apparently, the fourth basic fathom was used - the measured flywheel.

When analyzing the results obtained, the following circumstances must be taken into account:
1) The dimensions of Old Russian fathoms were determined on the basis of measurements of numerous structures. And mostly large structures - church buildings. And when measuring large structures, the errors are inevitably larger than when measuring relatively small structures, such as a cross. are inevitably of an evaluative nature, and no assessment of the error of the results obtained is given. From this it can be assumed that either the nominal value of the royal fathom given in requires correction, or carrying out, removing the difference between 197.4 and 193.5.
2) When installed, any cross goes into the ground a little more or a little less than planned. The boulder calvary is also assembled without the use of graph paper.
3) There are also manufacturing errors. For example, I planned to make a crossbar with a width of 23.3 cm, and after marking the log, trimming with an ax, and stripping with a staple, you can get 22 cm. At the same time, different sides Crossbar sizes always vary at least slightly. By the way, the manufacturing error in the width of the crossbars on Patriarch Nikon’s cross is about 0.6 cm.
Consequently, some discrepancy in the sizes of the crosses (which were not even transferred from place to place) does not at all indicate that they were made according to various projects. Moving the cross to another place (as happened with the cross of Patriarch Nikon) inevitably changes its size.
Interestingly, the relative parameters of the projects and the cross of 1637 are almost the same:
Table No. 8.

	H/A	B/A	D/A
Cross 1637	339,4/193,5=1,75	274,9/193,5=1,42	21,5/193,5=0,11
Projects (vintage diagram)
Dfolk = 19.9 cm.	1,72	1,41	19,9/197,4=0,1
Dchurch=23.3 cm.	1,72	1,36	23,3/197,4=0,12
Dtsarskaya=24.68 cm.	1,72	1,34	24,68/197,4=0,13

Taking into account the above, we can conclude that the designs of the crosses exactly coincide with the oldest surviving cross from 1637. Since the projects were developed on the basis of the ancient Russian system of measures of length without using the measurements of the Nikon cross, one can with good reason hope that the designs of the crosses are approaching the Divine Law. At the same time, we can assume with a high degree of confidence that the method that ancient masters used when designing the Nikon cross and, apparently, other similar crosses has been revealed.
Considering that our ancestors followed traditions much more zealously, it can be assumed that the Savior was crucified on a cross of precisely this size.

Rule for determining the size of crosses

Can be formulated next rule cross design:
When determining overall dimensions crosses should be used 2-4 fathoms from. The relationship between the large crossbar (A) and the distance from the large crossbar to the ground (B) must be B = sqrt(2)* A. The best set fathoms are church, royal, folk. It was this set of fathoms that was used when designing temples.
It is important to note that such a cross contains an encrypted formula that will save Russia: “Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationality.”

The cross is sacred symbol Orthodox faith, which accompanies every baptized person practically from birth to the end of earthly life. It is this that the clergy recommend using as a monument at the grave of the deceased, because it will spiritualize the burial place and help the deceased move on to another world. The dimensions of the cross on a grave can be very different, but it must necessarily correspond to the accepted “golden ratio”.

What shape should the cross be?

Since the advent of Orthodoxy, crosses have become an integral part of Christian life, symbolizing the immortality of the soul. The custom of installing a crucifix in cemeteries originated in the time of Prince Vladimir and to this day it does not lose its relevance. There are several versions of the cross, but only two types are most often used on graves:

• Six-pointed, in which only the lower oblique crossbar is provided - the “righteous standard”. According to some apocryphal data, such a crossbar was a support for the steps of Christ. Its two sides symbolize the spiritual component of a person, as well as the possibility of forgiveness for everything that has been done. An end lowered down is not a sin of repentance, but an end raised upward is a virtue of repentance. As a rule, the left half is lowered down, since according to legend, it was on the right side that there was a robber who repented before his death. When constructing a cross, it is important to maintain a forty-five degree angle of inclination of the plank.
• Eight-pointed, complemented by a short upper horizontal crossbar. It is alleged that the same bar was on the original crucifix and a tablet was attached to it with the inscription - “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” It is the eight-pointed cross that is most often chosen for a cemetery, since it fully reflects the immortality of the soul and salvation in Christ.

It is worth emphasizing that according to the canon, there should be no epitaphs or photographs of the deceased on the crucifix located on the grave.

What size should a crucifix be?

The Orthodox eight-pointed cross is created on the basis of the classical human proportions, which are also called the “golden ratio”. It should consist of four crossbars, each of which is located in a specific place. Since their location has an ancient sacred meaning, deviations of even a couple of centimeters are unacceptable.

According to the “golden ratio” the coefficient ideal ratio sides is 1.618. It is according to this that classic grave crosses are created. The location of all crossbars must comply with the following parameters:

• The vertical main crossbar, responsible for the height of the cross, is 1.618 meters.
• The longest longitudinal crossbar, to which, according to legend, the hands of the Savior were nailed, is 1.618 meters. It is located 0.382 meters below the end of the vertical bar.
• The top crossbar, which is the prototype of the sign, is 0.382 meters. The distance from it to the main crossbar is 0.236 meters.
• The lower crossbar, symbolizing the footstool or scales of justice, is located at an angle of 45 degrees. Its ends should diverge to the sides by 0.125 meters from the main vertical. The central part of the crossbar is located at a distance of 0.5 meters from the lower edge of the cross.

It is worth emphasizing that the height of the grave cross can be any, but it is important to comply with all established proportions. Only in this case will the crucifixion be correct from a church point of view.

What to make a crucifix out of in a cemetery?

It is necessary to select the material for making a cross for a grave taking into account the time of its operation. If you plan to install a granite monument, then you do not need to choose expensive materials. Today crucifixes are made from:

• Trees are classic version, used in 90% of cases. Wooden crosses they are easily disposed of after losing their appearance, they are inexpensive and accessible to everyone. If you plan to leave the wooden crucifix for more long term, then you should cover them in advance with stain, drying oil, paint or varnish. This will make the crucifix weather resistant.
• Metal - in lately This material is used infrequently, but it is durable and picky. Metal crosses made using artistic forging, look no worse than expensive monuments, but they more fully reflect the spiritual component of human life.
• Concrete, granite, stone are expensive options used as an analogue to memorial monuments. Durable and attractive appearance and resistance to weather conditions.

The cross should be placed at the feet of the deceased, as it symbolizes immortality and future resurrection. Addressed to the face of the deceased, it will help him quickly part with his body and move to another divine dimension.