Since ancient times, every Christian in Russia, be it a prince, a merchant or a simple peasant, wore a pectoral cross. To keep this attribute on the neck, both chains made of gold, silver or cheaper metals were used, as well as laces made of various materials. Another name for them is Gaitans. What materials are modern laces for crosses made of? How to choose a quality gaitan? The answers to these and other questions are given in the article below.
Types of shoelaces
Depending on the material of manufacture, the following laces for crosses are distinguished:
- silk;
- textile;
- silicone;
- rubber;
- leather.
Silk lace is the best choice when it comes to baby gaitan. This material has a delicate texture, but at the same time it is practical to use. In addition, silk laces can be of various colors.
Another version of the gaitan material for a child is cotton fabric. Such a neck lace for a cross can most often be bought directly in a church shop. It is practical to wear. If the textile cord gets dirty, then when bathing the child, it seems to go through the processwash and get clean again. Like silk ones, these gaitans can be dyed in different colors. Cotton drawstring with clasp is the least expensive of all.
Silicone laces appeared relatively recently, when it became fashionable to "combine the incongruous." This material is soft, elegant and durable. Silicone is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such a lace always remains glossy and does not lose its attractiveness over time.
The last two types of neck laces - leather and rubber - are the most popular. Therefore, a separate section will be devoted to each of them below.
Leather lace
The main features of leather laces are practicality and versatility. Such gaitans are durable, aesthetic and reliable. Due to the fact that leather is a natural material, these laces have the following properties:
- Moisture resistance. Leather gaitans are treated with a special compound that repels water. This prevents moisture from getting inside the cross stitch.
- Flexibility. Thanks to this property, the appearance of the gaitan remains attractive throughout the entire period of use.
- Strength and wear resistance.
Leather laces can be of various designs. A wicker thick gaitan is suitable for a massive heavy cross. In tandem with an elegant cross, a thin leather lace will look neat and stylish.
Gaitan from this material will be greatPair with almost any outfit, so it's perfect for everyday use.
Rubber lace
Rubber cross laces are worn with pleasure by both young people and older people. Such gaytans are simple and concise. They can be worn by men, women and children. Rubber laces have the following benefits:
- Flexibility. Due to their elasticity, such gaitans are reliable. They stretch but do not tear.
- Softness. This quality provides comfort when using a rubber lace.
- Matte. The smooth surface of the gaitan without gloss looks noble and stylish.
- Low price.
The disadvantages of rubber laces include the possibility of allergic reactions to this material in people with particularly sensitive skin. Another disadvantage of using such a gaitan is that it hardens when exposed to moisture. This means that before water procedures, the rubber lace must be removed.
Lace or chain?
When buying a pectoral cross, a person often asks himself the question: what is better to wear it on - on a chain or on a cord? There is no clear answer. The main thing is the fact of the presence of a cross on the neck of a Christian. And on what it will be suspended - it does not matter. Indeed, since ancient times, Christians have used both laces and chains to wear a cross. It depended on the social status of the person and his well-being.
Ifwe are talking about a child, then, of course, you should opt for gaitana. Moreover, it is recommended to purchase laces for crosses made of silk or textiles. The chain, due to its rigidity, can cause discomfort to the delicate neck of the baby and even leave chafing. Plus, it can break easily.
How to choose a lace for a cross?
For the right choice of a gaitan, first of all, you need to designate the material from which it should be made. How to choose a lace for a gold cross? In this case, a leather gaitan or a rubber product with gold inserts will look good. A leather cord is ideal for a silver pectoral cross. Moreover, the more massive the piece of jewelry, the thicker the gaitan should be for it. A wooden cross will harmoniously look both on a leather cord, and on a rubber or silicone one. For a child, you need to purchase a fabric or silk gaitan.
The next step is to determine the required length of the lace for the cross. The minimum value of this indicator is 40 cm, the maximum is 70. Children's laces for crosses should be 40 or 45 centimeters long. For teenagers and fragile girls, the appropriate size is 50 cm. Fifty-five centimeters is the optimal length for a female gaitan. And finally, the size of the male cross lace should be 60 or 70 cm.
Conclusion
Gaitan is used to wear a pectoral cross around the neck. Such a lace can be made of various materials, each of which has its own characteristics.or other advantages and disadvantages. For children, gaitans made of textiles or silk are most often purchased. Among adults, the most common are rubber or leather laces for a cross. To choose the right gaitan, two main parameters should be determined - material and length.
