What was icons supposed to represent?
Icons were meant to represent historical figures and Christian teaching in a manner that was recognizable and understandable for viewers. Since icons were venerated as a way of showing devotion to the figure represented, understanding who was depicted was particularly important.
What do colors in icons mean?
White means divine light and purity, blue is the color of the Kingdom of God, red symbolizes life on earth, purple is the color of royalty, gold is reserved for Jesus Christ, green is the color of hope and eternal renovation, and finally black is a symbol of evil and death.
Why do Orthodox have icons?
Purpose of Icons The Orthodox Church uses icons to assist in worship. Icons are a ‘window to heaven’ and they help us to focus on the divine things.
Why do Orthodox venerate icons?
Icons are more than merely religious pictures and when Orthodox believers venerate icons, they demonstrate respect and honour for them, since they understand that they are simply expressing deep feelings for the people and events that are depicted.
What does blue mean in iconography?
Symbolism And Meaning Of Blue While blue conjures images of sky and sea, it’s also the color of bravery and dedication. Blue represents introspective journeys and symbolizes wisdom and depth of understanding. But blue is also a symbol of depression and the depths of the human psyche.
Why is gold used in icons?
In some icons, gold hatching appears on the pointed domes of churches, never covering them, but making them glitter with rays. The ethereal quality of the rays of gold give the surface of the icon the appearance of live, glowing, moving light.
Are Russian icons valuable?
An image of Saint Nicholas, the patron Saint of Russia, will be more valuable that an Icon of a random Metropolitan or other obscure subjects. Additionally, Icons that have decorative covers called oklads, made of gold and silver with precious and semi-precious stones, are typically worth more.