Kryzhma

Baptism procedure. Parents and close relatives prepare for it very carefully. They choose people who will become the child's godfather and mother, find a place for baptism, and also prepare all the necessary "paraphernalia" of this sacred sacrament. In addition to the cross, without which this ceremony cannot be done, the godmother must buy Kryzhmy. Many modern parents do not know what it is, why it is needed, and where it can be purchased.

Kryzhma, used for baptism, is a piece of cloth. Although it can be a diaper or a towel. In some cases, even white clothes are used. It is he who symbolizes the purity of a person who is associated with a newborn child. Today, you can buy a baptismal font, or rather a ready-made set, using the Yaroslav online store. Practically all of the proposed options feature an Orthodox cross, which testifies to the spiritual purpose of Kryzhma.

Size and appearance of Kryzhma

Of course, the size of Kryzhma depends on the height and weight of the baby. If he is no more than a few months old, then you can choose a piece of fabric 75 cm long. From six months to a year - the parameters of Kryzhma increase to 1 m. Christening sets with hoods are considered very convenient. They are suitable for the smallest children. If it is a cold  season - winter, late autumn or early spring, then a terry towel can act as a Kryzhma. Atlas will be appropriate to buy for the summer. It is worth remembering that the material for this sacrament should be pleasant to the touch, perfectly absorb moisture and allow air to pass through.

If the rite of baptism is intended for a girl, parents often choose pink or yellow colors. Kryzhma  can be decorated with bows, flowers, embroidery. As for the ice cream for a boy, blue, pale green, blue or lilac shades are chosen for it.

The originality of Kryzhma for baptism is provided by various geometric elements, ribbons, applications. The most popular in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine are decorations with angels, doves, and name inscriptions.

What is allowed to be done with Kryzhma?

Most often this piece of fabric is hidden and no longer used. But in some cases, for example, if the baby is very restless, Kryzhmy is used as a blanket. It is considered a strong talisman, which he took into himself along with holy water in the process of baptism. Most often, Kryzhmy are placed in a box or arranged near the baby's bed. She should be in close proximity to him. And, nevertheless, to be hidden from public view.

What is forbidden to do with Kryzhma?

Despite the fact that there are no clear recommendations on this, clerics recommend not to do these three things with Kryzhma. Moreover, this applies not only to children, but also to adults

• First of all, this baptismal towel is not to be washed. It is implied that it must be new before the rite and remain intact after it.
• Secondly, Kryzhma cannot be thrown away. It is considered one of the most important attributes of baptism, which should be valued and preserved.
• Thirdly, you cannot baptize another baby in this Kryzhma.

This is a personal thing. Moreover, it is often decorated with the child's name, date of baptism, and appropriate drawings. Rites held in the church are sacred, so everything related to them should be treated with respect.