The work of icon making is called ‘icon-writing’. The name derives from Greek language in which ‘writing’ meant almost ach activity which left some marks, such as drawing, writing, painting, and icon-writing’ as well.
For people who are of Orthodox religion, it doesn’t have a deeper meaning. For them the icon is not only a portrait of Saint or a biblical scene but also a full of mercy thing in which the Christ, Virgin Mother or Saint is. The icon is written in colour, word and feeling. Each move while writing is a line of a prayer.
For a very long time people could not buy an icon but they must have asked for it in a monastery which created them. After being made the ready icons were taken by the solemn procession. People did not give money for the icons but they left wheat or other agricultural products. Nowadays, the icons can be bought, but only those, which haven’t been sacred yet.
The icon was cherished with respect. Very often so called ‘rusznik’ (embroidered towel) was hanged above it. When there were some argument at home the icon was covered with this towel.