Since ancient times, every Christian in Russia, whether it be a prince, a merchant or a simple peasant, wore a pectoral cross. To keep this attribute on the neck, we used both chains made of gold, silver or cheaper metals, as well as laces made of various materials. Another name for them is gaitans. What materials are made of modern laces for crosses? How to choose a quality gaitan? The answers to these and other questions are given in the article below.
Types of Shoelaces
Depending on the material of manufacture, the following laces for crosses are distinguished:
- silk;
- textile;
- silicone;
- rubber;
- leather.
Silk lace is the best choice when it comes to gaitan for a child. This material has a delicate texture, but at the same time is practical to use. In addition, silk laces can be of various colors.
Another version of gaitan material for a child is cotton fabric. Such a lace on the neck for the cross can most often be bought right in the church shop. It is practical to wear. If the lace from textiles gets dirty, then when bathing the child, he seems to go through the washing process and becomes clean again. Like silk, these gaitans can be painted in various colors. A cotton drawstring with a clasp has the lowest cost compared to the rest.
Silicone laces appeared relatively recently, when it became fashionable to "combine incongruous." This material is soft, elegant and durable. Silicone is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such a lace always remains glossy and does not lose its attractiveness over time.
The last two varieties of laces around the neck - leather and rubber - are the most popular. Therefore, a separate section will be devoted to each of them below.
Leather lace
The main features of leather laces are practicality and versatility. Such gaitans are durable, aesthetic and reliable. Due to the fact that the skin is a natural material, these shoelaces have the following properties:
- Moisture resistance. Leather gaitans are treated with a special composition that repels water. This prevents moisture from entering the cross stitch.
- Flexibility. Due to this property, the appearance of gaitan remains attractive throughout the entire period of use.
- Strength and wear resistance.
Leather laces can be of various designs. A wicker thick gaitan will approach a massive heavy cross. In a tandem with an elegant cross, a thin leather lace will look neat and stylish.
Gaitan from this material will perfectly combine with almost any clothing, so it is ideal for everyday use.
Rubber lace
Rubber laces for crosses with pleasure are worn by both young people and older people. Such gaitans are simple and concise. Both men and women and children can wear them. Rubber laces have the following advantages:
- Flexibility. Due to their elasticity, such gaitans are reliable. They are stretched, but not torn.
- Softness. This quality provides comfort when using rubber lace.
- Haze. The smooth surface of gaitan without gloss looks noble and stylish.
- Low price.
The disadvantages of rubber laces include the possibility of allergic reactions to this material in people with especially sensitive skin. Another disadvantage of using such gaitan is that it hardens when exposed to moisture. This means that before water procedures, the rubber cord must be removed.
Lace or chain?
When buying a pectoral cross, a person often asks himself the question: on what is it better to wear it - on a chain or on a lace? There is no clear answer. The main thing is the fact of the presence of a cross on the neck of a Christian. And what it will be suspended on does not matter. Indeed, since ancient times, Christians used both laces and chains to wear a cross. It depended on the social status of a person and his well-being.
If we are talking about a child, then, of course, you should opt for gaitan. Moreover, it is recommended to purchase laces for crosses made of silk or textile. The chain, due to its rigidity, can deliver unpleasant sensations to the delicate neck of the baby and even leave the rubbing. In addition, it can easily break.
How to choose a lace for a cross?
For the right choice of gaitan, first of all, it is necessary to designate the material from which it should be made. How to choose a lace for a golden cross? In this case, a leather gaitan or rubber product with gold accents will look good. For a pectoral cross made of silver, leather lace is ideal. Moreover, the more massive the jewelry, the thicker the gaitan should be for it. A wooden cross will look harmoniously both on a leather lace and on rubber or silicone. For a child, you need to get gaitan from textile or silk.
The next step is to determine the required lace length for the cross. The minimum value of this indicator is 40 cm, the maximum is 70. Children's laces for crosses should be 40 or 45 centimeters long. For teenagers and fragile girls, a suitable size is 50 cm. Fifty-five centimeters is the optimal length for female gaitan. And finally, the size of the men's lace for the cross should be 60 or 70 cm.
Conclusion
Gaitan is used to wear a pectoral cross on the neck. Such a cord can be made of various materials, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. For children, gaitans from textiles or silk are most often purchased. Among adults, the most common are rubber or leather laces for the cross. For the right choice of gaitan, two main parameters should be determined - material and length.