Icon as a Gift – How to Choose the Most Suitable One?

An icon is one of the most popular gift choices for any significant occasion—a wedding, baptism, anniversary, or the blessing of an apartment or office. An icon is a spiritual and personal gift that brings protection to the person who receives it. In addition, it has enduring artistic value and expresses respect for Bulgarian Orthodox traditions. 

If you have decided to give an icon to someone close to you, you have made an excellent choice. But perhaps you are wondering which exact icon would be most suitable for the particular person or occasion. 

In this article, we have prepared several basic guidelines to help you make the best choice:

Choosing a Saint 

The first thing you might consider is choosing a saint. 

A Gift for a Birthday or Name Day:

For these two occasions, you could choose an icon according to the name of the birthday person or name-day celebrant. The saint after whom a person is named is their heavenly protector, who helps them whenever they pray to him or her. That is why it is good for a person to have an icon of this saint in their home. If the person is not named after a saint, you can give them an icon of the saint commemorated on the day of their birthday, since in this case that saint is their patron. 

For a birthday or anniversary gift, you can always choose an icon of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, Saint Elijah, or Saint John the Baptist. These saints are patrons of health and longevity. 

A Gift According to the Profession:

Another option is to choose an icon according to your loved one’s profession or calling. As we know, different saints are patrons of different professions and trades. St. Demetrius, for example, is the patron saint of merchants. St. Nicholas helps fishermen and sailors. St. John the Evangelist is the patron saint of dentists, while St. Panteleimon is the patron saint of doctors and midwives. St. Charalambos is the protector of beekeepers. 

A Gift According to the Life Situation:

A gifted icon is one of the best ways to show care and affection for someone dear to us. In fact, it is more than a gift, as it is a sacred object with the power to help and protect. Before giving an icon, you might consider what your loved one currently needs most. 

If he is about to take an important professional step, you could give him an icon of St. George, who symbolizes determination and courage. St. Catherine, meanwhile, helps with successfully taking exams. She also protects mothers and helps during difficult childbirth. St. Anthony protects against illness.

An Icon Gift According to the Occasion 

In addition to choosing a saint, another good way to select a suitable icon as a gift is according to the specific occasion. 

Wedding gift: 

An icon of the Virgin Mary is one of the most common wedding gifts. This is because the Mother of God watches over the home and family, protects pregnant women, and helps ensure an easy birth. 

An icon of Jesus Christ is also an excellent choice as a wedding gift. The Son of God is the patron of Christian values and helps families remain healthy and united even in times of difficulty and hardship. 

Another very suitable wedding gift is an icon of St. Mina, as he is the protector of the family and the family hearth. This saint also helps with difficulties conceiving. 

You could also choose an icon of St. Ivan of Rila—he is the heavenly patron of Bulgarians, and it is believed that every Bulgarian home should have an icon depicting him. 

If you are looking for an icon as a gift for godparents, you have probably heard that the most suitable choice is an image of St. John the Baptist.

Gift for a newborn or a nursery: 

The best gift choice for a newborn is an icon of St. Michael the Archangel—he protects the child and shields them from harm. An icon of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, as well as one of Jesus Christ, is also a very suitable choice. In addition to these icons, it is a good idea to have an icon depicting the saint whose name the child bears in the nursery. 

Icon gift for a baptism: 

When the occasion is a baptism, there are several good choices for an icon as a gift. You could give an icon depicting the Epiphany (the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River). You could also give an icon of Archangel Michael, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saint after whom the child will be named. 

Icon gift for a new home: 

Among the most suitable icons to give as a gift for a new home are those of the Virgin Mary, St. Mina, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Petka, and St. Stylian. They are patrons of the family and protect the strength of the family spirit.

Icon gift for a new office: 

To bless an office, you can give an icon of St. George, St. Demetrius, St. Nicholas, or St. Blaise. These saints are patrons of commerce. 

In conclusion

An icon is one of the best gifts for any occasion, but it is important to remember that it is not merely a gift, but a sacred object. The giver should treat the icon with care, and it is recommended to wrap it without ribbons or inscriptions. It is also desirable for the person or family receiving the icon to be able to appreciate not only its artistic value but also its spiritual significance.