A wooden cross to the grave is a worthy alternative to ordinary gravestones of regular shapes and sculptural statues. This option for registration of the burial has been used since ancient times. It is believed that on the grave of a believing Christian it is most correct to establish just the cross. What material to choose from this element of the cemetery decoration and what rules should be observed during installation?
Choose wood
If you are faced with the need to arrange the last shelter for a loved one, you probably want the result of the work to look decent. The manufacture of wooden crosses to the grave is offered by many workshops specializing in this. Wood looks noble, however, choosing this material for the manufacture of elements and structures in the open air, one should take into account its special characteristics.
It is not afraid of water and does not rot only aspen. However, this breed is not used for the manufacture of Christian paraphernalia, as it is considered damned. It was on the aspen that Judah hung himself, and therefore the tree has not the best reputation in the Orthodox world. Oak is considered one of the most durable species, over the years it becomes stronger and acquires a noble dark shade. For about 30 years, products made of beech, teak, ash can stand. If you wish, it’s not difficult to find a wooden cross on a pine grave, its undeniable advantage is its low cost, but it will also lose its attractive appearance much faster than its more expensive counterparts.
Wood processing
Without special protection, wooden products located outdoors can retain their attractive appearance for 5-7 years. Over the years, under the influence of precipitation and temperature extremes, the tree rots, darkens, cracks may appear. Wooden crosses to the grave are treated with special antiseptics and protective impregnations. However, there is no composition capable of completely preventing wood decay. Even the most expensive and high-quality wooden cross on the grave will have to be replaced after a while. In the best case, this period will be 30 years.
Rules for installing grave crosses
Previously, all the design elements of burials were painted with paints. Today, crosses made of natural wood, made with the preservation of its shade and texture, are most popular. Such products can have a simple shape or be decorated with carved elements. In the cemetery, you can see Christian symbols with additional upper crossbars - these are old Russian wooden crosses to the grave. The photo of the deceased can also be attached to the grave crucifix, sometimes instead of it they are limited to a sign with a name and years of life or an icon.
Having established a cross on the grave, do not forget to follow it. Remember that this is a sacred element of decoration and it should always look appropriate. Once a year it is useful to treat the wood with a protective compound. The cross should stand straight and point the top straight into the sky. Over time, the crucifix may squint, in which case it should be carefully corrected and secured in the correct position.
Good to know before putting a wooden cross on a grave
You can establish an Orthodox symbol at the burial place of a believer. Separately, the clergyman should discuss the choice of such a monument for an unbaptized person or who committed a serious sin. It is not customary to put crosses on the graves of suicides, but today some priests agree to funeral for those who died of their own free will and bless the installation of Christian monuments at their graves.
What to choose: a traditional monument or a cross? This is a matter of personal taste and faith, but more and more often you can see the graves on which both are installed. More often the cross is placed at the head of the deceased, and the monument is at the feet. Mourning crucifixes today are made not only of wood, if desired, you can order an interesting option from metal or stone. However, wood products also amaze with a variety of shapes and design options and look no less solemn.
The customer can independently choose the dimensions of the wooden cross on the grave, the location of neighboring monuments and the environment of the grave as a whole should be taken into account. The standard height of crucifixes is 180-200 centimeters, and the length of the crossbeams can vary significantly depending on the features of the shape of the product.