The wooden cross on the grave is a worthy alternative to the usual tombstones of regular shapes and sculptural statues. This type of burial design has been used since ancient times. It is believed that it is most correct to install a cross on the grave of a believing Christian. What material to choose this element of the cemetery decoration from and what rules should be observed during installation?
Choosing 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 for the grave is offered by many workshops specializing in this. Wood looks noble, however, when choosing this material for the manufacture of outdoor elements and structures, one should take into account its special characteristics.
Not afraid of water and only aspen does not rot. However, this breed is not used to make Christian paraphernalia, as it is considered cursed. Right on the aspenJudas hanged himself, and therefore the tree does not have 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 desired, it is not difficult to find a wooden cross for a grave made of pine, its indisputable advantage is its low cost, but it will also lose its attractive appearance much faster than more expensive counterparts.
Woodworking
Without special protection, outdoor wooden products can retain their attractive appearance for 5-7 years. Over the years, under the influence of precipitation and temperature changes, the tree rots, darkens, cracks may appear. Wooden crosses on the grave are treated with special antiseptics and protective impregnations. However, there is no composition that can completely prevent wood decay. Even the most expensive and high-quality wooden cross on the grave will have to be replaced after a while. At best, this period will be 30 years.
Rules for the installation of grave crosses
Earlier, all elements of the design of burials were painted with paints. Today, the most popular are crosses made of natural wood, made with the preservation of its shade and texture. Such products can have a concise form or be decorated with carved elements. In the cemetery you can see Christian symbols with addition althe upper crossbars are old Russian wooden crosses on the grave. A photo of the deceased can also be attached to the tomb crucifix, sometimes instead of it they are limited to a plate with the name and years of life or an icon.
When you place a cross on the grave, don't forget to keep an eye on it. Remember that this is a sacred piece of furniture and should always look the part. Once a year it is useful to treat wood with a protective compound. The cross should stand straight and point straight to the sky with its top. Over time, the crucifix may become lopsided, in which case it should be carefully adjusted and fixed in the correct position.
Good to know before placing a wooden cross on a grave
You can install an Orthodox symbol at the burial place of a believer. Separately, the issue of choosing such a monument for an unbaptized person or one who has committed a serious sin should be discussed with the clergyman. It is not customary to put crosses on the graves of suicides, but today some priests agree to bury those who died of their own free will and bless the installation of Christian monuments on their graves.
What to choose: a traditional monument or a cross? This is a matter of personal taste and faith, but it is increasingly common to see graves with both. More often, the cross is placed at the head of the deceased, and the monument is at the feet. Funeral crucifixes today are made not only of wood, if desired, you can order an interesting version of metal or stone. However, wood products also amaze with a variety of shapes anddesign options and look no less solemn.
The customer can independently choose the size of the wooden cross on the grave, taking into account the location of neighboring monuments and the environment of the grave as a whole. The standard height of crucifixes is 180-200 centimeters, and the length of the crossbars can vary significantly depending on the shape of the product.
