In Orthodox Christianity has its symbols.The eight-pointed star is one of them.Each of the characters describes a certain way Orthodoxy.Probably everyone has ever thought about what it means eight-pointed star in the religion and not only.After she met in the culture of many peoples in different epochs.Certainly it is diverse, and value.To understand all this, it is necessary to trace its appearance in the history of mankind and in the symbolism of Orthodox Christianity.
star with eight rays
In Christianity, it is the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ.According to Scripture, it lit up the sky, when the Messiah was born.Her eight-rays were brighter than other stars.Seeing them, the ancient wise men (magi) remembered the prophecy and realized that the long-awaited Saviour was born.They hurried to the east to worship the Son of God.The star of Bethlehem pointing the way old men, moving forward until it stopped over the place where Jesus was born.
in the cave of the Nativity have the Star of Bethlehem.What rays on it known for certain.Place the appearance of Jesus in the light indicates a silver star with fourteen rays.This number is not accidental.It symbolizes the way stop at the Cross of Jesus in Jerusalem.
Star of Bethlehem.History of
Today the Orthodox churches found eight-pointed star, the value of which can be understood by referring to the history of its occurrence.
But initially the Star of Bethlehem was a five-rays, the number of the wounds of Jesus Christ.It also symbolized the health: the number of fingers, senses.But the main point of it was in the human nature of Christ.
In the Renaissance, the star associated with the occult.And the upside, it has become a symbol of Satan.But Christians, this option is considered a sign of rebirth of Christ.And even numbered among the saints the church, the Roman Emperor Constantine had a stamp with an inverted five-pointed star.It was he who made Christianity the state religion.
for Russia is historically a symbol of a star with five rays alien.He was more accepted to personalize with Judaism and Freemasonry.Although the years of Soviet power was chosen was the star with five rays as a national symbol.
eight-pointed star in Orthodoxy.Background appearance
five pointed star of Bethlehem was replaced by a six-rayed in about the fifteenth century.Actually, this character emerged in the early Neolithic period.It meant six of the world.Everyone knows that there are four (east, west, north, south), but, for example, residents of ancient India, seeing the character with so many rays, understood its meaning as "the six sides of the horizon."
then, at some of the periods in Russia was a seven-pointed star of Bethlehem.Once magicians wore the same symbol as a distinctive sign, but indicating a planet near each beam.
value of eight-pointed star in Russia
And finally, there was an eight-pointed star - a symbol, known in Russia for a long time.Long before the twentieth century, the inhabitants of ancient Russia, even in pagan times, it means the presence of the chief deity.Image of a star placed on military banners, clothing and various household items and cult.
in Orthodox Russia eight-pointed star importance was no less important.After all, it is lit in the sky at the birth of our Savior and led the Magi to the place of birth of Jesus.
eight-pointed star in the iconography
Today, this sign is present in all the Orthodox churches, symbolizing Russia.Star with eight rays can be found on all Russian icons of the Mother of God, patroness of our Fatherland.About this character we have in Russia, say the star of the Virgin, Russian and Bethlehem.
As mentioned above, the icons of the Virgin Mary is depicted eight-pointed star, the value of which is very important in Orthodoxy.This is understandable as soon as one fact that the symbol is located on the shoulders and the head of the Virgin.The icon "Burning Bush" and does the image of the Mother of God is inscribed in oktogrammu (because even called a symbol with two superimposed squares, forming eight-character).Star is closely connected with the Virgin, her secret.
If you remember the value of the symbol with eight rays, the traditionally understood it like an eternity, unwavering stability and going beyond this world.Also oktogramma - a sign of Paradise, the heavenly Jerusalem and the end of the Transfiguration.
stars Meaning different nations
eight-pointed star - the symbol of balance, order creation, if it is inscribed in a circle.So in antiquity signified the calendar seasons (all material changes, but the main thing remains the same).
eight-pointed star is found in the cult of Latvians, Udmurtia.In a double cross or a forked end can be seen in the folk ornaments and Karelian Finns, as well as the northern nations (such as the Finno-Ugric).Here she is guiding and rebirth, is a symbol of light and glory.
In addition, a star with eight rays can be found on the coats of arms of the Republic of Karelia, Likhoslavl and district (whose residents are also Karelia), Colombia, Peru.On the flag of United Kingdom and the Philippines also observed octal symbols.
eight-pointed star, the value of which the Egyptians were the identity of the divine sign, occurs in Sumerian.In their language it is this symbol indicates a word that is translated as "god, star of the sky."
believed that the eight-sign symbolizes the seven periods in the history of mankind, and the eighth ray - the life of the next century.That is the time when the kingdom of God.
star in the tradition of the Christian
eight-pointed star of Christmas has always been a major holiday on the tops of spruce trees.She also served as decoration in homes and on the street.During Soviet times, the star was replaced with a five-pointed.
Children were given an eight star of Bethlehem in the well-being and happiness.
As the tradition of the church, one of the apostles brought before any land in the Russian news about the Christian faith.Apparently, therefore, the highest award of czarist Russia, which had the shape of an eight-pointed star, was called the Order of St. Andrew.Today, as it has a high status returned by presidential decree in 1998.
Star of Bethlehem, no matter how many rays had, is of great importance in the history of Christianity.The Magi, guided by it, know where the Savior, and tell the world of his birth.Today, this character, as always, is guiding the faithful, recalling that the material and spiritual interconnected.But if one goes by without a trace, something else is eternal and imperishable.Striving to live in the kingdom of God, we must remember that in this world, everyone can be a guiding star for someone, to do good works, and thus closer to the Lord.Perhaps in this lies the true meaning of the symbol with eight rays.Peace and harmony you!
