God-pleasing or sacrilege? In the shops there were Christmas toys with icons

It is not even mid-November, and the shelves of shops are already bursting with festive New Year decor. This season, buyers noticed something unusual on the windows, causing a mixed reaction - glass Christmas tree toys with images of Orthodox shrines.

The balls bear the image of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God. On the packaging, manufacturers proudly point out that it is handmade. Another popular option is a graceful glass suspension with a classic Christmas story: the Virgin Mary, Joseph the Betrothal and the Baby Jesus in the Bethlehem manger.

In the description of the goods, retailers without a shadow of a doubt write that such jewelry "is perfect for decorating the house and New Year's Eve.".

For many, however, this approach is a cause for serious reflection. The icon is a sacred image intended for prayer and veneration, which is traditionally given an honorable place in the red corner of the house. Putting the face of a saint on a Christmas tree, which in a couple of weeks will be dismantled, and the toys will be removed in a distant box until next year, for some looks like excessive commercialization and even disrespect for the shrine.

On the other hand, there is an opinion that such toys help to create a special, spiritual atmosphere of Christmas, reminding children and adults about the true, deep meaning of winter holidays, and not only about gifts and olives.