Even in Ancient Russia, every Christian, regardless of his position in society, wore a cross on his chest. Used for this chain, made of various metals, or laces, which were called gaitans. Nowadays, this accessory can be seen on the neck of both young people and older people. How to choose gaitan for a cross? What material lace is right for you? The answers to these questions can be found in the article below.
What materials do cross laces are made of?
For the manufacture of laces use the following materials:
- silk;
- textile;
- silicone;
- rubber;
- skin.
A silk lace for a cross is perfect for a child. Such material has a delicate texture, but at the same time it is very practical to use. Another plus - silk laces come in various colors.
Gaitans for babies can also be made from cotton fabric. Such cross laces are sold in church shops. They are practical to wear. If the textile cord gets dirty, then in the process of bathing the child, it is cleaned of pollution. Like silk, such a gaitan can be of any color. Cotton shoelaces have the lowest cost compared to the rest.
Silicone laces began to be used not so long ago, when the principle of "combine incongruous" became fashionable. Such material for gaitan is characterized by elegance, softness, but at the same time durability. He is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such shoelaces remains glossy for a long time, so the external attractiveness of silicone gaitans is not lost throughout the entire time of use.
The most popular materials for laces are leather and rubber. Each of them will be devoted to a separate section below.
Leather lace
The main advantages of leather laces are versatility and practicality. Such gaitans are reliable, aesthetic and durable. Leather is a natural material. That is why such shoelaces have the following characteristics:
- Flexibility and softness. Thanks to these properties, a leather lace for a cross during the entire period of use does not lose its external appeal.
- Moisture resistance. Leather gaitans are treated with a special compound that repels water. As a result, moisture cannot penetrate the lace.
- Wear resistance and durability.
Leather gaitans may vary in design. When choosing, you should remember that in a tandem with a massive heavy cross, a woven thick lace will look great. And a fine leather gaitan is suitable for an elegant cross. It will look stylish and neat.
A leather lace for a cross perfectly complements almost any look. That is why such gaitan is recommended for everyday wear.
Rubber lace
A rubber lace for a cross can be seen both in a young person and in an older person. After all, such gaitans are simple and concise. They are worn with pleasure by both women and men. Rubber laces have the following advantages:
- Elasticity. Due to their flexibility, such gaitans are reliable. They stretch well, but do not tear.
- Softness. This property makes the use of rubber lace as comfortable as possible.
- Haze. The lack of gloss on the flat surface of such a gaitan gives it a noble and stylish look.
- Low price.
However, rubber laces also have disadvantages. For example, in people who have especially sensitive skin, an allergic reaction to this material may occur. Another disadvantage of using rubber gaitan is the hardening of such a lace when moisture gets on it. That is why it is recommended to remove gaitan for a cross before performing water procedures.
Lace or chain?
Having purchased a pectoral cross, a person most often asks himself a question about how to supplement it - with a cord or a chain? There is no exact answer. It is fundamental that a cross is present on the Christian’s chest. And what will be used to hold him on his neck is completely unimportant. After all, Christians from ancient times used both chains and laces. The choice depended on the well-being of a particular person and on his position in society.
In our time, this issue should be guided only by practical points. For example, for a child it is better to choose not a chain, but specifically gaitan. Moreover, the material for the manufacture should be textiles or silk. A stiff metal chain can cause a baby to feel uncomfortable and even rub his delicate neck. Also, the child can easily break it.
The rules for choosing gaitan for the cross
The lace must be chosen, primarily based on the material from which it is made. Which gaitan to pick up for a cross made of gold? In this case, it is better to purchase a product made of leather or rubber. You should pay attention to the lace for the cross with a gold clasp and inserts from the same metal. Jewelry made of silver will look perfect on a leather lace. It should be remembered that the thickness of the acquired gaitan directly depends on the massiveness of the cross. A wood product will harmoniously look on a cord made of leather, rubber or silicone. Children's gaitan should be made of silk or textile.
The next step when choosing a lace is to determine its required length. The smallest value of this parameter is 40 centimeters, the largest is 70. The length of the baby lace for the cross is 40 or 45 cm. The appropriate size of the gaitan for a teenager or fragile girl is 50 centimeters. The optimal length of the female lace for the cross is 55 cm. And the size of the gaitan for men is ideally 60 or 70 centimeters.
Conclusion
Gaitan is an accessory for wearing a cross on the neck. Such laces can be made of different materials, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. For a child, it is recommended to purchase textile or silk gaitan for the cross. A lace of leather or rubber will appeal to any adult, regardless of age and gender. To choose a suitable gaitan, you need to pay attention to the material from which it is made, and the length of the product.