In many families before the baptism of a child arguing that I should buy the godmother, and that parents who have to buy the cross, and who – shirt. The Church has not established any rules, and folk traditions vary from town to town and even from village to village. Who exactly will buy a crucifix, no matter how and where it will be purchased. The purchase of the cross in the Church shop has only one advantage before you purchase in a jewelry store: buy a cross in a Church shop, it will not have to sanctify – where they sell already sanctified.

If the family kept the pectoral cross that belonged to my grandfather or other relative of the deceased, it is possible to give it to the child. No need to be afraid that the child will "inherit" the fate of the deceased – such fears belong to the superstition that a Christian should not pay attention to.


Orthodox cross



The main requirement for pectoral cross at baptism in Orthodoxy –conformity to Orthodox traditions. Contrary to popular belief, the Orthodox cross is not required to be octagonal, the Church recognizes and six-pointed and four-pointed crosses. The picture of the crucifixion can be present or absent – the cross without the crucifixion, too, cannot be considered "Catholic".

The main difference between the Catholic crucifix from the Orthodox lies in the extremely naturalistic depiction of the crucifixion: sagging body, crossed legs, nailed with a single nail. Such a cross is really not suitable for baptism in the Orthodox faith. If you still have doubts, it is safest to buy a cross bench in the Church when the Orthodox Church – there just don't sell Catholic crosses.

The material, size and other criteria



Pectoral cross can be gold, silver, aluminum, copper, wooden. From the point of view of faith, the material does not matter. However, some leaders of the Church say that gold and silver crosses indicate the predilection for luxury, which is not consistent with Christian virtues, but the prohibition of precious metals does not exist.

From a medical point of view, it should be noted that the cross worn not over clothing and directly on the body, but in terms of allergic reactions on the skin the most dangerous copper, therefore, to acquire for the child a copper cross is not recommended.

Have a crucifix should not be sharp edges that can damage the tender skin of the baby. From the point of view of jewelry technology, cast product in this respect preferably stamped.

Sometimes for infant baptism try to acquire a very small and thin cross, believing that it is more suitable for the baby. It is hardly necessary to be guided by this criterion, because of wearing a pectoral cross is life, not just in childhood. Moreover, too little cross for baby junk. Of course, parents will teach a child to careful handling of the relic, but it will take time. Even a three year old child can pull a pectoral cross, pull it in the growth of extremely delicate and elegant cross stitching with this easy to bend or even break. It is better to give preference to cross larger and durable.

Do not buy your child an expensive cross – luxury, inlaid with precious stones. Such a cross might be a temptation for parents, they will treasure it not as a relic but as an expensive thing. Child will learn parents have this attitude, and it will overshadow the true meaning of the Shrine.