How and where to properly hang icons in the room, apartment, house: Rules for accommodation, design and care

In former times, in every house, regardless of material status, there was its own iconostasis, the correct placement of which would be discussed in this article.

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Our ancestors belonged to this place reverently, considering him a saint. It was called - the “holy corner” or “red corner”, but was usually located in the most honorable place of the house. Here people could retire, talk with God, ask him for blessings and read a prayer. Accordingly, much attention was paid to the design of this corner.

It was customary to equip it according to certain rules, especially if it was necessary to hang icons. Now such an attitude towards the iconostasis can be found mainly in religious families. In ordinary houses, icons are often used as an interior attribute and are placed without taking into account any Christian rules. And this is a gross mistake!

Where to hang icons in the room, apartment, house, place the iconostasis?

Avoid Western — Avoid the western course

Previously, the most honorable place in the house was allocated for the iconostasis! The first rule is a lot of light! The second condition is The angle of the eastern zone.But the southeastern direction is also allowed.
In modern apartments, you can not always find a place for a goddess on the eastern wall, so it will not be a big mistake to arrange an iconostasis In any bright part of the room,on the nightstand or chest of drawers. It is also allowed if you hang icons on the wall.

Important: but at the same time there should be no modern technology nearby - TV, computer, music center, as well as decor items - vases, figurines, paintings. You can not place the icons on the windowsill, refrigerator or TV. The proximity of posters, reproductions, photographs is unacceptable with them. On the goddess, you cannot put any extraneous objects or books that do not correspond to Orthodox creation.

We take into account the instructions from firefighters. We choose a place, starting From the location of curtains, curtains and other flammable canvas.The farther the better! By the way, we hang the icon towel for the same rules.
The iconostasis should be closed by domestic animal. And, of course, near this place where communication with God is taking place, A special peaceful atmosphere should be created, without screaming and abuse, you can not smoke and drink alcohol near it.

Specialization of the premises: In which rooms can I hide the icons?

If it speaks specifically for the room, then it should be ideally living room. That is, for the main place in which the icons will need to be hung, such an atmosphere is needed that all members of the family will get together. And each of them will be able to pray at the right moment at any moment.
- Moreover, in this expanse of the room it is not so important on which wall the icons will hang, since these parts are most sunny light in these parts.
In addition to the main iconostasis, other corners with icons can be created in the house. For example, In the dining room or kitchen, Where when going at the dining table, the family can pray before meals. And at the end of the meal, thank God for the granted food and prosperity.
Icons must be placed In the children's room, Where a child from an early age should be accustomed to pray and honor biblical covenants. Their place - At the head of the sleeping one.

Interesting: the child should be put in a corner for misconduct, but not for punishment, but for lining sins! Therefore, it is forbidden to get a child on buckwheat and other cereals, he must be turned to face the icons in the house!

At least one icon should be placed in others sleeping rooms, So that every family member or guests at home has the opportunity to contact God at any time.
Also in front of entrance You can hang a saint in a dwelling The cross or image of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hodegetria guide -she blesses a person on the road.

Important: it is forbidden to place icons in only two places - the bathroom and toilet!

How to hang icons and arrange the iconostasis itself correctly?

It is important that there is an iconostasis near Enough space for praying people.Previously, it was not customary to hang icons on the walls, they were put on a specially made wooden shelf or cabinet. Such a shelf was called Goddess or kiot- She was usually made two- or three-tier, decorated with a beautiful carvings.
On the icons We hung a fighter- an embroidered elongated woven towel, which was supposed to cover the icons placed on the shelves on top and on the sides.
In addition to icons, they kept on the goddess A prayer cross, holy books, candles, lamps and other church supplies.
To the holidays iconostasis decorated with fresh flowers, twigs of the sacred vertthey lit a lamp placed on a shelf or suspended above the God to the ceiling.
It is also worth noting that you need to hang or put icons not lower than the level of your eyes, It is allowed at the same level. But you must understand that inquisitive children should not reach icons.

The arrangement of the iconostasis in the modern world may have some differences, but it is desirable that the basic Orthodox norms are not violated.

What to hang icons at home?

It is not necessary that a lot of icons are placed on the goddess! Even more - do not make their holy faces make a gallery of images.

Preference should be given to icons written by artists, but the use of reproductions is also acceptable. The main condition is to buy them in the church.

It is necessary not only to hang icons, but also to take care of them.

Proper care for the iconostasis at home

There is probably no need to say that the holy place in the house should contain in cleanliness and order, andicons in favorable conditions for them.
They should not be exposed to direct sunlight, a sharp temperature difference or high humidity - All this adversely affects wood and paint, leading the holy relics as worthless.
Icons should be constantly cleaned from dust with a dry cloth or a special soft brush. With severe pollution, they cannot be washed, but should be given for restoration.
Napkins and towels decorating the iconostasis periodically follows wash and ironmandatory. Hanging a crumpled towel is forbidden.
And as a small recommendation - if you leave the house for a long time, then do not forget to hang the curtains so that the sun's rays do not fall on your iconostasis.

As you can see, there are no strict rules, how to properly hang icons in the house. But still there are simple recommendations that our ancestors still adhered to. Therefore, it is worth taking them into account!