Thus, for those who know the “Law of God” as part of Sunday school, this material can be skipped... And for those who are interested, I present a new article for the March issue of the magazine "Loza"
Images of saints in Orthodox iconography have one common attribute - a halo. A halo, as we know, is a circle symbolizing the holiness of the person depicted (sometimes, a halo can also signify the royalty of a character or, in more rare cases, accompany a figure that is an allegory of a time of day, a natural phenomenon, a city or a country).
All halos are, to a greater or lesser extent, the same type, and only the halo of the Lord Jesus Christ has certain differences.
Even during the period when the iconography of the Savior was just taking shape, various attempts were made to highlight His image with various signs. For example, the monogram of Christ was inscribed in the halo (the combined Greek letters “chi” and “rho”, the so-called “chrisma”), and on the sides of the figure of the Lord the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet “alpha” and “omega” were written (“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8)). Which once again demonstrates the Divinity of Christ.
Later, the main symbol of our salvation, the cross, began to be depicted in the Savior’s halo. This attribute is very firmly entrenched in the iconography of Christ and remains to this day an almost indispensable attribute of it. Such a halo is called cross.
The shape of such a cross was different at different times, as was the color. The cross could be white, golden ocher, red, purple, or sky blue.
It could be flat, have a conventional volume, simple or decorated with “jewels”.
Over time, the Greek word “ό ών”, which means “Existing”, began to be inscribed in the three visible blades of the cross. “And Moses said to God, Behold, I will come to the children of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you. And they will say to me: What is His name? What should I tell them? God said to Moses: I am Existing. And he said, Thus shall you say to the children of Israel: Jehovah has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:13,14) .
For a long time, Constantinople was the center of development of Christian iconography; it is all the more interesting that the letters in the halo of Christ in Byzantium itself appeared relatively late, while they were already used on the periphery of the Byzantine world - for example, in Southern Italy and Rus'.
So, “ό ών”, the Greek letters “omicron” (in this case, this is a masculine article) and “omega” with “nu” (“ni” in Byzantine pronunciation), in fact, the word “being” itself. Usually on icons they are located as follows: in the upper blade “omicron” and below from left to right relative to the viewer, “omega” and “nu”.
Less often, letters are arranged clockwise and even counterclockwise.
There are many examples in world culture when the meaning of a certain symbol is forgotten and, over time, begins to have a different meaning. Unfortunately, this happened with the letters of the cross halo. By the 16th century, practically no one knew the Greek language in Rus'. The interpretation of “ό ών” - “existing” was lost. However, I really wanted to unravel the mystery of the “mysterious letters”. Greek letters are very similar to Slavic ones (especially since the fonts at that time were practically the same), the Greek “omega”, with superscripts, was mistaken for the Slavic letter “from” T. And this already gave a certain scope for interpretation.
In Old Believer literature, which ignored Greek sources, there are several options for interpreting the new letter combination: T OH. For example: T - “there are also father marks”, O - “mind”, N - incomprehensible.” Or: T- “came from heaven”, ABOUT - “They don’t know Me” N - “crucified on the cross”, etc. There were also popular interpretations, like: “He is Our Father.”
In the same way, the nine lines of the cross in the halo (a rudiment of volume) also began to be endowed with symbolic meaning, for example - 9 ranks of angels. What relation the angelic ranks have to the cross of Christ is absolutely unclear, but at first glance it may seem that there is nothing terrible in these alternative readings.
But still. The very tendency to attach deep meaning to random little things (like the same lines of the cross) and invent your own interpretations, ignoring the historical meaning of the symbols, can sooner or later lead to sad results.
So, recently, information has been spreading that supposedly the date of the end of the world is encrypted in the Savior’s halo: http://samlib.ru/n/nostr_a_g/kod2.shtml
This technique, taking advantage of our illiteracy and inertia, is often used by various sectarian groups. Knowledge of your tradition is the best antidote.
Source bizantinum
There are things that are considered “generally known” in certain circles; it is all the more surprising to come across an opinion that contradicts what, it would seem, all Orthodox Christians should know. And I had to be convinced of this more than once.
Thus, for those who know the “Law of God” as part of Sunday school, this material can be skipped...
And for those who are interested, I present a new article for the March issue of the magazine "Loza"
Images of saints in Orthodox iconography have one common attribute - a halo. A halo, as we know, is a circle symbolizing the holiness of the person depicted (sometimes, a halo can also signify the royalty of a character or, in more rare cases, accompany a figure that is an allegory of a time of day, a natural phenomenon, a city or a country).
All halos are, to a greater or lesser extent, the same type, and only the halo of the Lord Jesus Christ has certain differences.
Even during the period when the iconography of the Savior was just taking shape, various attempts were made to highlight His image with various signs. For example, the monogram of Christ was inscribed in the halo (the combined Greek letters “chi” and “rho”, the so-called “chrisma”), and on the sides of the figure of the Lord the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet “alpha” and “omega” were written (“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8)). Which once again demonstrates the Divinity of Christ.
Later, the main symbol of our salvation, the cross, began to be depicted in the Savior’s halo. This attribute is very firmly entrenched in the iconography of Christ and remains to this day an almost indispensable attribute of it. Such a halo is called cross.
The shape of such a cross was different at different times, as was the color. The cross could be white, golden ocher, red, purple, or sky blue.
It could be flat, have a conventional volume, simple or decorated with “jewels”.
Over time, the Greek word “ό ών”, which means “Existing”, began to be inscribed in the three visible blades of the cross. “And Moses said to God, Behold, I will come to the children of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you. And they will say to me: What is His name? What should I tell them? God said to Moses: I am Existing. And he said, Thus shall you say to the children of Israel: Jehovah has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:13,14) .
For a long time, Constantinople was the center of development of Christian iconography; it is all the more interesting that the letters in the halo of Christ in Byzantium itself appeared relatively late, while they were already used on the periphery of the Byzantine world - for example, in Southern Italy and Rus'.
So, “ό ών”, the Greek letters “omicron” (in this case, this is a masculine article) and “omega” with “nu” (“ni” in Byzantine pronunciation), in fact, the word “being” itself. Usually on icons they are located as follows: in the upper blade “omicron” and below from left to right relative to the viewer, “omega” and “nu”.
Less often, letters are arranged clockwise and even counterclockwise.
There are many examples in world culture when the meaning of a certain symbol is forgotten and, over time, begins to have a different meaning. Unfortunately, this happened with the letters of the cross halo. By the 16th century, practically no one knew the Greek language in Rus'. The interpretation of “ό ών” - “existing” was lost. However, I really wanted to unravel the mystery of the “mysterious letters”. Greek letters are very similar to Slavic ones (especially since the fonts at that time were practically the same), the Greek “omega”, with superscripts, was mistaken for the Slavic letter “from” T. And this already gave a certain scope for interpretation.
In Old Believer literature, which ignored Greek sources, there are several options for interpreting the new letter combination: T OH. For example: T - “there are also father marks”, O - “mind”, N - incomprehensible.” Or: T- “came from heaven”, ABOUT - “They don’t know Me” N - “crucified on the cross”, etc. There were also popular interpretations, like: “He is Our Father.”
In the same way, the nine lines of the cross in the halo (a rudiment of volume) also began to be endowed with symbolic meaning, for example - 9 ranks of angels. What relation the angelic ranks have to the cross of Christ is absolutely unclear, but at first glance it may seem that there is nothing terrible in these alternative readings.
But still. The very tendency to attach deep meaning to random little things (like the same lines of the cross) and invent your own interpretations, ignoring the historical meaning of the symbols, can sooner or later lead to sad results.
So, recently, information has been spreading that supposedly the date of the end of the world is encrypted in the Savior’s halo: http://samlib.ru/n/nostr_a_g/kod2.shtml
This technique, taking advantage of our illiteracy and inertia, is often used by various sectarian groups. Knowledge of your tradition is the best antidote.
Nimbus (halo) translated from Latin means “cloud”, “cloud” (nimbus) and is a brightly shining circle above the head. It can be different in shape: triangular, round, hexagonal. But a distinctive feature of images of Jesus Christ is a round (crossed) halo, into which a cross is inscribed.
Although its images are most often found in Christian or paintings where there are saints, the history of its origin goes back to ancient times. Drawn halos illuminating people's heads have been found for centuries in various cultures - ancient Greek, Byzantine, Muslim, Christian. In the East, a luminous halo around the forehead has always symbolized the reward for a righteous life and signified Enlightenment.
Halo over your head: origin story
There is not one, but several versions regarding how such a symbol of holiness as a halo appeared. According to some scientists, it was preceded by a Greek meniscus - a metal circle that was located around the heads of the statues in order to protect them from birds and bad weather. Other experts argue that the halo around the head arose as a consequence of the tradition according to which a shield was placed on the back of heroes.
The most reasonable interpretation is still considered to be the Greek one, based on mythology. According to ancient legends, they often appeared to people in human form. A clear, dazzling light emanated from them, relating to the luminous ether, the above-ground atmosphere, the habitat of the gods. It follows that glow is a sign of belonging to the gods. A little later, mere mortals who had the honor of becoming on the same level with heavenly representatives began to be awarded it. Over time, the divine glow was slightly reduced, and only a luminous halo above the head was applied to the images. Later, this symbol of holiness was borrowed from the Greeks by Christians, Egyptians, Romans and Buddhists.
Distinctive features
For Christians, a halo around the head is still a sign of the Mother of God, angels and saints. But on icons he can be depicted in different ways. For example, the halo above the face has a triangular shape or the appearance of a six-pointed star. The Holy Spirit can also be depicted as a dove with a triangular halo. As for the Savior Christ, they draw a glow for him, in which the cross is inscribed. Jesus may also have a halo, where instead of a cross there are three lines of light or a beam of rays emanating along a radius from the center of the disk.
The halo of the Virgin Mary is round in shape and decorated with twelve stars, a radiant crown or diadem. Angels, martyrs, apostles and saints are depicted with round gold halos around their heads. Patriarchs and prophets usually have a silver glow color.
There are certain differences between the images of halos in Orthodox and Catholic icon painting. In the Christian tradition, a divine halo is drawn around the entire head, and among Catholics, above it in the shape of a circle.
What do the halos above the saints' heads symbolize?
A halo, or considered a sign of a perfect person, is a confirmation of his special mental strength. Most often, attention is paid to the aura of superpersonality in the head area. This zone of light in a square or circle speaks of the emanations of the soul, the spiritual energy of saints or divine persons.
Initially, the luminous halo around the head was compared to the solar disk and was considered a manifestation of the power of the Sun, an attribute of its gods. In eastern iconography, solar deities were identified in this way. The halo above the head spoke of endowed power, power or spiritual strength. In secular iconography, such an attribute was the crown.
The luminous halo sometimes acted as an attribute of the Phoenix, which is a symbol of immortality. In some drawings, Satan also has a halo, for example, in Byzantine art. This made it clear that he was also endowed with power.
Color accompaniment and shape
The golden halo usually represented Christian art, among the Hindus it was red, among the ancient gods it was blue. In some cases, there was a rainbow one.
The round halo (halo) in Byzantine art was a distinctive sign of the dead, who during their lifetime were distinguished by high morality, and the mercy of heaven descended on them. For example, the Virgin Mary is always depicted with a round and often elaborately decorated halo around her head. For divine persons and saints, the halo is similar, but without ornaments.
A cross within a circle or a cruciform halo is a specific symbol that characterizes the Atonement and Crucifixion of Christ. But a halo in the form of an ellipse speaks of spiritual light.
A hexagonal or square halo indicates a saint among the living or an ordinary person, but, for example, a donor. Here the square is considered inferior and serves as a symbol of the earth, while the circle, in turn, is a sign of eternal existence, heaven. The square halo is also interpreted as follows: its three sides are the Trinity, and one is the whole, the head.
The triangular halo is a sign of the Holy Trinity, or Triune God. A halo, shaped like a triangle or rhombus, is depicted on icons of God the Father.
Polygonal halos have always been used to depict persons famous for their virtue, or other allegorical figures. The hexagonal halo spoke of great virtues or, again, emphasized the allegorical nature of the iconographic design. The double aspect of the deity was indicated by a double halo or rays.
How do halos differ among different religions?
It is very informative and interesting to find out what the halos above the heads of saints of different religious denominations mean. Buddha, for example, has a red halo and shows the dynamism of solar activity. In Hinduism, Shiva has a rim of flame, symbolizing the Cosmos. Among the Persians, a luminous halo spoke of the power of Ahura Mazda. In ancient and Asian art, the halo was a favorite means of conveying the greatness of kings, rulers and Roman emperors deified on cash coins. In Mithraism, the halo is an indicator of the light of the Sun, as well as Mithras as its god. Psychology gives the following designation to the halo around the head: this is the solar crown.
Halo in Christianity
It is believed that the halo came to Christianity from the iconography of Mithraism, which was initially ousted by it from the Roman Empire. It was borrowed from images of rulers and pagan sun gods. There is an opinion that the halo on the heads of saints first appeared in the Roman catacombs of Calixtus in the 2nd century. They crowned the head of Christ, then in the same way they identified the special divine status of Mary and the angels.
Nimbus Halo or halo. Originally it personified the power of the Sun and the solar disk and, therefore, is an attribute of the Sun gods. Also symbolizes divine radiance; power consisting of fire and energy of the deity; the radiance emanating from holiness; spiritual energy and the power of light; Circle of Glory of Genius; valor; radiation of vital force coming from the head; the life force of wisdom; transcendental light of knowledge. The halo sometimes surrounds the entire figure. A round halo, or halo, signifies a dead person; a square or hexagonal halo indicates a living saint. In addition, it can symbolize the wholeness of the head of the deity, where three sides signify the Trinity, and the fourth - the head as a whole. The three rays mean the Holy Trinity. The double halo, halo or rays represent the dual aspect of the deity. The halo in the form of a cross is a feature of Christianity. A hexagonal halo indicates great virtues. The halo sometimes signifies spiritual power, as opposed to temporal power represented by the crown. Sometimes the halo is used as an attribute of the Phoenix bird as a symbol of solar power and immortality. The halo can be blue, yellow or rainbow. In Buddhism, the Red Halo of Buddha is an indicator of dynamic solar activity. In Christianity, the halo was not depicted until the 4th century. It means holiness; saint A triangular or diamond-shaped halo signifies God the Father. The halo in the form of a cross points to Christ. In Byzantine art, Satan was sometimes depicted with a halo, signifying an emission of power. In Greek mythology, a blue halo is an attribute of Zeus as the god of Heaven. Phoebus, the sun god, also has a halo. In Hinduism, Shiva's halo with a rim of flame symbolizes the cosmos. In Mithraism, the halo refers to the light of the Sun and Mithras as the Sun God. The Romans had a blue halo - an attribute of Apollo and Jupiter. An ordinary halo implied greatness, a demigod or a deified emperor.
Dictionary of symbols. 2000 .
Synonyms:See what "Nimbus" is in other dictionaries:
Nimbus, ah... Russian word stress
nimbus- a halo, and... Russian spelling dictionary
nimbus- halo/… Morphemic-spelling dictionary
- (lat. nimbus cloud). The light circle with which ancient painters surrounded the heads of gods and heroes; radiance around the head of a saint, a halo. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. NIMB [lat. nimbus] radiance,... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
A; m. [lat. nimbus] 1. radiance above the head or around the head of God, the Mother of God, a saint, depicted (on icons, in painting, sculpture) in the form of a luminous, radiant circle; symbol of holiness, divinity. Golden n. Light from the halo. Cross n.... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Halo, crown, radiance; radiance, aura Dictionary of Russian synonyms. halo radiance, crown, halo Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language. Z. E. Alexandrova. 2011… Synonym dictionary
nimbus- a, m. nimbe m. lat. nimbus cloud. Radiance, depicted as a circle around the head (in ancient statues, on icons, etc.), as a symbol of holiness and divinity. BAS 1. || About what l. glowing circle. BAS 1. | About the circles of hell in Dante. But I… … Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
NIMB, halo, husband. (Greek nymbos) (special and poetic, obsolete). Shining in the form of a circle around the head (on Christian icons, ancient statues, etc.). “Like a halo, love, your radiance is above all who died loving.” Bryusov. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N.... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
NIMB, huh, husband. In images of saints, in church sculptures: a symbol of holiness is a radiance in the form of a light circle around the head. | adj. halo, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
- (from Latin nimbus - cloud), an image of a radiance around the head of characters in Christian and Buddhist fine arts, a symbol of holiness or divine origin. It has been widespread in Christian art since the 4th century. Halos usually have... Art encyclopedia
nimbus- NIMB, a, m Part of the image of God or a saint in an icon or painting of religious content, a glow around the head or above the head as a symbol of divinity, holiness; Syn.: crown (1), halo. On the restored icon, the face of the Savior “came to life”, and the halo... ... Explanatory dictionary of Russian nouns
Books
- Halo, Alexandra Adornetto. Messengers of Heaven descend to Earth in order to look after people and protect the world from evil. After all, our dimension has long served as an arena for the struggle of...
