Vandal acts regarding worship crosses are not uncommon in recent times. Attackers cut them, set fire, saw them. Perhaps the answer to such unhealthy at first glance actions lies not in the fact that people have nothing sacred, but in the fact that they simply do not know their story, in which such a symbol as a worship cross always had a special meaning.
The tradition of setting worship and monumental crosses has ancient origins. The first symbols of Christianity appeared in apostolic times and designated the enlightenment of a particular earth by the light of the sermon and teaching of Christ. In Russia, the pious custom of the installation of the cross arose several centuries later and gained particular popularity during the Mongol-Tatar invasion.
Even then, the cross was perceived not only as a sacred symbol, but also had a very practical application - for example, a protective function.
What are worship crosses
In most cases, worship crosses are made of wood, less often - of metal. Since the cross should be clearly visible from a long distance, its dimensions are quite large - starting from 2 meters or more in height. Sometimes the cross is erected on a special pedestal - a kind of slide, poured from stones and symbolizing Calvary and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
