How to choose and install a wooden cross on the grave?

A wooden cross on the grave is a worthy alternative to the usual gravestones of regular forms and statuary statues. This version of the burial is used from ancient times. It is believed that the cross on the grave of a Christian believer is most correct. From what material should this element of cemetery decoration be chosen and what rules should be observed during installation?

Choosing the Wood

If you are faced with the need to design the last shelter for a loved one, you probably want the result of the work to look decent. The manufacture of wooden crosses on the grave is offered by many specializing in this workshop. Wood looks noble, however, when choosing this material for the manufacture of elements and structures that are under the open sky, its special characteristics should be taken into account.

Do not be afraid of water and do not rot only aspen. However, this breed is not used to make Christian attributes, since it is considered damned. It was on the aspen that Judas hanged himself, and therefore the tree does not have the best reputation in the Orthodox world. Oak is considered to be one of the most durable breeds, over the years it becomes stronger and acquires a noble dark shade. For about 30 years, products from beech, teak, ash can stand. If desired, it is not difficult to find a wooden cross on a pine grave, its undeniable dignity is low cost, but it will also lose its attractive appearance much faster than more expensive analogues.

Wood processing

Without special protection, wooden products that are in the open air can retain their attractive appearance for 5-7 years. During these years, under the influence of precipitation and temperature changes, the tree rot, darkens, and 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 decay of wood. 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 installing grave crosses

Previously, all elements of the burials were painted with colors. Today, the most popular crosses made of natural wood, made with preservation of its shade and texture. Such products can have a laconic form or be decorated with carved elements. In the cemetery, you can see Christian symbols with additional upper rails - these are the Old Russian wooden crosses on the grave. Photo of the deceased can also be attached to the funerary crucifix, sometimes it is limited to a name plate with a year of life or an icon.

Having installed the cross on the grave, do not forget to follow it. Remember that this is a sacred element of decoration and it should always look like it should. Once a year it is useful to treat wood with a protective compound. The cross should stand evenly and point the tip exactly to the sky. Over time, the crucifix can be skewed, in this case it should be carefully corrected and fixed in the correct position.

It is useful to know before putting a wooden cross on the grave

You can place an Orthodox symbol on the burial place of a believer. Separately with the clergyman should discuss the choice of such a monument for an unbaptized person or committed a serious sin. It is not customary to put crosses on the graves of suicides, but today some priests agree to sing the funeral of those who died out of their own free will, and bless the installation of Christian monuments on their burials.

What to choose: a traditional monument or a cross? This is a matter of personal taste and faith, but 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. Funeral crucifixes today are made not only from wood, if desired, you can order an interesting version of 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 to the grave, take into account the location of neighboring monuments and the surrounding of the grave as a whole. The standard height of crucifixes is 180-200 centimeters, and the length of the crossbeams can vary significantly depending on the shape of the product.