Orthodox cross for a grave in a cemetery: what it looks like, what proportions, dimensions, how to make it correctly with your own hands from a profile pipe. Drawing download for free

For whom a cemetery cross is installed. What an Orthodox cross looks like in a cemetery. Photo

It is not always possible to see crucifixes on the territory of the churchyard. This is due to the fact that such a religious attribute is established only after the funeral of believers. Atheists, suicides, agnostics, the unbaptized, and atheists do not belong to this category. There are no exceptions to this rule, unless relatives keep silent about the religion of the deceased. But in this case, the cross on the grave will not help you get closer to the Kingdom of God when the time comes. On the contrary, installing it fraudulently can have consequences: those of the deceased’s relatives who decided to do this will share the sin of the deceased without faith.

There are many types of crucifixes. After the death of Orthodox Christians in Russia, the eight-pointed version is most often installed. For comparison, the six-pointed variety is generally accepted among Belarusians. But both options are interchangeable, because they are Orthodox. The eight-pointed type has another crossbar at the top. This is a symbol of a tablet on which in ancient times it was customary to write the status and guilt of a crucified person.

A four-pointed cross can also be found on a grave - this is the earliest version. Initially used in the Armenian church, where for the first time in world history Christianity was recognized as the state religion (4th century AD).

There is also an option with a roof. It covers the upper part of the structure, usually has a small width, i.e. it is not intended to protect people from precipitation, but only fulfills its function - it symbolizes the house of the deceased.

The cross is a traditional symbol of Christianity

What kind of crosses do Old Believers put up?

If the deceased was an Old Believer, an eight-pointed, ancient cross is installed on his grave. It is he who denotes belonging to this branch of Christianity.

The second version of the Old Believer funeral symbol is cabbage roll (cabbage roll). This is a cross with a “roof” on top. In the early tradition - a column with a small house or “roof”. It was believed that this is a refuge in which the soul rests in peace and security.

Cross cabbage roll (golubets)

The tradition of installing a crucifix. Its meaning on the grave

When a raised platform is formed on the grave, this not only helps prevent subsidence of the ground after the funeral, but also symbolizes Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. However, the tradition of installing the cross did not appear immediately after the great event - the resurrection of the Son of God. The approximate time of its origin is after the Baptism of Rus'. The first crucifixions were different from the current ones. In the V-VI centuries. Jesus was depicted after the resurrection - he was in a dress. Later, closer to the 10th century, the external signs of the Savior changed: wounds, blood, and a crown of thorns appeared.

The general meaning of the cross on the grave is joining the Orthodox faith, striving for God. But the symbolism can be different, depending on where this ritual attribute is installed:

at the head of the head - a sign of victory over the Devil; when the time comes, the crucifix will become a banner;
in the legs: means support, eternal life, when the Last Judgment comes, the dead will rise from their graves, it is believed that it will be more convenient for them to rise (holding on to a reliable structure).

Orthodox cross at the head of the grave

Arrangement of the grave according to Orthodox canons

The cemetery cross must always be present at the grave of the deceased. But it is permissible to choose any of the options:

standing separately;
combined with a tombstone;
in the form of an engraving on the monument.

Engraving on a monument is too weak a symbol of belief; this method is usually used by the relatives of a deceased suicide in order to bring the deceased at least a little closer to the shrine. To arrange the grave of a believer, it is better to choose a free-standing cross or combined with a tombstone.

Religious attributes are placed on the grave immediately after burial. For this, a wooden product is used, since it is distinguished by its low weight - the object will not press through loose soil. But it is customary to change it to a more reliable option, only later. They put up a large, heavy tombstone. Due to this, the product looks monumental.

It is recommended to replace it no earlier than after 1 year. This is the most correct option, because by that time the soil will be completely compacted, and the condition of the cemetery plot can be assessed. If you dismantle the wooden cross earlier and then start installing a heavy tombstone, the soil will quickly subside and the monument will sag. At the same time, they are considering the option of installing a flower bed, a table, or a table. It is important to fence the area with a low fence.

What to do with the cross after installing the monument?

Most priests argue that after a wooden cross is replaced with a monument, it must be burned and the remaining ashes scattered on the grave in the form of a Cross. If it is impossible to burn it, then in this case the cross is dismantled and buried in the tombstone.

The church allows the wooden cross to be cut and buried next to the grave or given to poor people who do not have the means to install such funeral paraphernalia.

If there is a church or chapel on the territory of the cemetery, then, as a rule, the cross is brought to the clergy, and they make sure that it is burned according to all the rules.

Parameters of the Orthodox cross on the grave

Religious trappings may appear to be made on a whim. But in fact, these are designs that are thought out to the smallest detail. You can consider, for example, a cross on a grave. It will become obvious that all proportions are met. The product will look perfect - there will be no discomfort when looking at it. You can get this result if you strictly follow the production rules.

Divine section

At all times, the cross on the grave looked beautiful and harmonious. The secret to obtaining such a result is following the rule of the divine cut. In this case, the proportions of the Orthodox cross are taken into account. The Divine Section is determined using the values:

F-2 = 0.382;
F-3 = 0.236;
F-4 = 0.146.

Here F is a designation given in honor of Phidias, the sculptor who first used this method of production.

If we take the height of the cross as a basis, equal to 1.618 m, then many parameters will correspond to the value of 0.382: the length of the upper crossbar, the distance from the lower crosshair to the upper and lower points of the oblique bar, as well as the distance from the upper point of the cross to the center line of the middle crossbar.

Standard cross sizes

There are no strict restrictions when making a ritual attribute. The crucifix most often has a height from 400 to 1200 mm. But it is also permissible to use an option that corresponds to human height. You can also choose standard varieties:

700x400x50 mm;
1200x600x80 mm.

You can do either of them, in both cases it will be correct. When making it yourself, the divine section is not always taken as a basis. As a result, when consecrating a crucifix, the clergyman may note imperfect proportions.

The meaning of the oblique crossbar

Particular attention is paid to the lower part - the crossbar, located at an angle. This is a footstool for Christ. Today it can be seen on crucifixes, beveled, which means “the measure of righteousness.” Symbolizes the mental state of a person who can rush from righteous to sinful behavior.

Table: materials for making a cross, pros and cons

Design and shape are not the only parameters that are paid attention to. It is necessary to take into account the properties of the product, which means determining the appropriate type of material. To do this, it is recommended to carry out a simple data analysis:

Type of material	Advantages	Flaws
Tree	light weight; attractive structure of the material - natural pattern formed by fibers; ease of manufacture and installation.	exposure to water; short service life; low resistance to insects and microorganisms.
Metal	high strength; resistance to external factors; average service life.	the need for processing to avoid rusting; expensive equipment is required; experience is needed to perform welding work.
Stone	high strength; attractive appearance; reliability, long service life; the ability to create complex compositions, statues, monuments.	difficulty in processing in the absence of experience; some types of stone (marble) are susceptible to moisture; heavy weight, it is impossible to carry the product yourself.

Various materials have a number of operating features and properties that affect the quality of processing and application.

Before making a choice, you need to compare different types of wood, metal and stone.

Wooden cross

A crucifix is made in the simplest form. This is due to the fact that even those who have not had such experience can work with the material. But it is possible to make more complex ritual attributes - carved ones. They can have different shapes, which are given using tools for carving and firing.

Wooden crosses

Types of wood

Considering that natural material is susceptible to moisture, it is necessary to increase its service life by all means. For this purpose, wood with special properties is selected. Some breeds are more resistant to water:

oak;
beech;
larch;
pine;
teak;
Iroko.

The most affordable option is coniferous wood. Teak and iroko are elite varieties of wood. Oak is a middle option between the above and is highly durable. Larch can remain in water for a long time without changing shape or losing properties.

How to protect the cross

You can further improve the characteristics of a wooden cross. For this, various compositions are used:

antiseptic;
hydrophobic;
primers;
paint and varnish.

It is necessary to protect the tree from the effects of fungi, mold, and microorganisms. Antiseptic liquids are used for this. Hydrophobic materials increase the wood's resistance to water. The primer improves the quality of the finishing coat due to improved adhesion.

Paint and varnish materials make the structure attractive and also further increase resistance to moisture, but they require constant updating.

Metal cross

In terms of external qualities it is inferior to most types: wooden, stone. But some types of metal structures still have decent characteristics. But, regardless of the type, the material requires strong fastening - the welding method is used.

Metal cross on the grave

Welded

Individual elements are made: from profile pipes, corners, sheet metal. First, a cross is created, then decorative elements are added. This option has disadvantages:

high risk of metal rusting in areas where welds are located;
low level of attractiveness, even after cleaning the seams, unevenness remains, traces of joining parts are visible.

Forged

Made from metal, the result is a cross with excellent external properties. This is due to the use of forged structural elements. This crucifix has a high level of strength. But forging is often combined with welding.

Stone cross

If you need to preserve the appearance of the deceased over the centuries, you should definitely choose a stone for making a tombstone. But the properties of different types of materials differ, some last longer than others, and are more attractive.

Stone structures are difficult to make with your own hands if you don’t have experience. In this case, you need to be able to work with a special tool, an array of materials.

Orthodox stone cross on the grave

Granite

Natural stone, like its synthetic counterpart (porcelain stoneware), is characterized by a high level of strength. Due to this, it is possible to preserve the product for centuries. There are different types of it: with green, brown, red, gray and black undertones. Images and inscriptions, like polishing, will be preserved for a long time. In addition, the material is completely moisture resistant.

Marble

Almost as durable as granite, but still slightly more susceptible to mechanical stress. Marble is also inferior in some other parameters: moisture resistance, acid resistance. But products made from such material are attractive, and there are options in different shades.

Classification of religious crosses

When you plan to install a cross on a grave, choose an option according to the religion of the deceased. Ritual attributes may have external similarities, but different purposes.

Orthodox

For modern people, the eight-pointed version is the most familiar. But this does not mean that the four- and six-pointed view is unacceptable. On the contrary, there are options of various forms and purposes:

eight-pointed papal - used in the Middle Ages, distinguished by the presence of two horizontal crossbars instead of one;
six-pointed patriarchal - an improved version of the four-pointed one.

Orthodox and Catholic crosses

Catholic

Believers representing this denomination often erect a four-pointed cross on the graves of the dead. Moreover, the most common are the simplest tombstones. They look like a straight cross without decorative elements. Less commonly used are six-pointed structures, which have a crossbar on one side.

Armenian

Initially, the standard four-pointed version was used. But later its appearance improved somewhat. Now in Armenian cemeteries you often see crosses with decorative elements at the ends of the ritual attribute; one of the design options is forked edges. This is a symbol of flowering, sprouted branches.

Byzantine

The cross was named after the place of its appearance and use - in the Byzantine Empire. Moreover, this definition is also used for the Russian crucifixion. Thus, the traditional Orthodox eight-pointed cross is called Russian-Byzantine. These options differ in appearance. The original Byzantine version is a more decorative product. There are a large number of forms. But almost all of them are four-pointed.

Byzantine cross

Wood for a grave cross

The biblical cross that stood on Mount Golgotha was made of wood. Crosses in Belarusian cemeteries continue the historical tradition, especially since we can make them from different types of wood. The only exception is aspen. According to popular legends, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ, hanged himself on an aspen tree, which has since trembled with horror at the slightest breeze. Therefore, its wood is not used to make grave crosses.

Most often, the cross is made of pine or oak. Pine wood is less dense, the cross made from it is lighter. However, if solid pine is impregnated with a protective composition and varnished, the product made from it can withstand the effects of precipitation, wind, sun and temperature changes for a long time. Oak is much denser, heavier and more durable. Crosses made from bog oak can stand almost in their original form for decades.

When choosing ritual goods, a person focuses on his duty towards the deceased. After all, organizing a decent funeral in Minsk is the only thing that a living person can do for someone who has passed on to another world.

Ritual goods

How to make, paint and install a wooden cross with your own hands. Drawings download for free

To make a wooden cross, you need to create a drawing. It is better not to make ritual attributes at your own discretion; you can download a ready-made diagram, since it is important to maintain the ratio of the side lengths. First, it is proposed to make a simple cross; for this, bars are cut and processed. Before installation, the product is coated with protective compounds. Place the cross in the hole. Clay is used to backfill it, because it does not wash out, does not sag over time, and is highly dense. But the hole in the ground is first filled with stones to increase the reliability of fixation of the installed structure.

Drawing for making an Orthodox wooden cross

Carved inscriptions and decor of a wooden cross

Wooden beams are used to make the cross. The wood is treated with a protective agent and sanded. At the intersection of the planks, notches are made, thanks to which the component parts of the cross will be inserted into one another and held together with glue.

The crossbars may have carved designs, such as vines or thorn branches. The upper bar of the eight-pointed Orthodox cross is decorated with a carved inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” or the abbreviation IS HS, INCI. The decor and letters are also applied with paint.

The surface of the finished product must be covered with a layer of varnish or wax mastic to create additional protection for a sufficiently long period.

Cross made of corrugated pipe: how to make it, how to protect it, installation features

To make the crucifix more durable, most often they consider the option of a square or rectangular profile. But sometimes round pipes are also used. It is enough to prepare the material: 25x25 cm, 25x40 cm, 40 cm. The size of the cross on the grave can be standard, corresponding to the golden ratio. First you need to download the finished scheme. But all structural elements will have to be welded. The seams are cleaned and the product is coated with a primer. The lower part is treated with liquid bitumen, the rest of the surface is painted. There are several options to consider for installation:

backfilling with soil;
compaction with stones, filling the cross from a corrugated pipe with cement mortar;
pouring concrete over the reinforcement frame installed in the pit.

Drawing of an Orthodox cross from a profile pipe