The pectoral cross is a symbol of the Lord's love for people and their Salvation. Visible evidence of Church membership. He is a weapon against demons and their influence.
It happens that the cross darkens, turns black or turns green. What are the main reasons for the loss of its aesthetic appeal?
Chemical composition
Crosses are made from alloys of different metals, so color change is an oxidation reaction. Most often, items made of silver, bronze, brass, low-grade gold and copper turn black (a large percentage of copper appears on the cross with a greenish bloom). Non-precious metal alloys simply darken.
Health problems
Promotional video:
Most often, crosses turn black in people with increased sweating. From the course of chemistry and biology, it is known that many chemical compounds are released with sweat, which, reacting with silver, cause it to darken.
It is believed that the cross darkens when a person is sick. It makes sense. If the blackening has occurred abruptly, you should think about going to the doctor.
Factors affecting the increase in sweat aggressiveness:
- Stressful situation.
- Taking medications, especially iodine, including externally.
- Metabolic disease.
- Intense physical activity.
- Increased body temperature.
- Liver and kidney problems.
- Pregnancy (changes in hormonal levels).
- Eating a lot of eggs, fish, and legumes.
Environment
For people living in areas with a humid climate, especially on the seaside, blackening of the cross is common. Hydrogen sulfide rapidly oxidizes silver.
In addition, water and air pollution has reached unprecedented proportions. Drinking water is disinfected with chlorine, and industrial plants release huge amounts of sulfur compounds.
Detergents and cosmetics
The composition of decorative cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, cleaning products, washing powder and other household chemicals has a negative effect on silver items. Alkalis and acids contained in them gradually change the color of the cross.
Evil eye, damage, unrepentant sins
Some people associate the darkening of the cross with the guidance of the evil eye or damage. Others believe that the owner of the blackened silver item has committed a grave sin.
Having put on a cross, remember that it is not a magical amulet or amulet that will automatically protect the owner from evil forces without the participation of the person himself. One should not believe in about church superstitions and grandmother's gossip, they distract from prayer and interfere with the fight against sins.
If the pectoral cross is broken, blackened or lost, and at the same time your conscience convicts you of any sin, then go to confession.
“Simply wearing a cross is not everything. We must visit the temple of God, confess, receive communion, live the life of an Orthodox Christian, then God will keep from all evil,”says priest Dionysius Svechnikov.
How to clean a cross?
“Silver oxidizes and darkens over time. So, if your cross has darkened - this is a natural process, there is nothing wrong with that, the cross can be cleaned,”says priest Alexander Ilyashenko.
Simple ways:
- Put in kefir overnight, wipe with a soft cloth in the morning;
- Immerse for a few minutes in the water where the potatoes were boiled. Wipe dry with a soft cloth;
- Brush with toothpaste.