savvá

Savvá is a historical term that refers to a type of portable religious icon, primarily used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. These icons were typically small, often made of wood or metal, and designed to be easily carried by clergy or laity. They served various purposes, including private devotion, use during processions, and as personal protective talismans. The imagery on savvá icons often depicted Christ, the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), or various saints. Their portability made them significant for individuals who were traveling or who wished to have a tangible link to their faith in their daily lives. The practice of using savvá icons was particularly prevalent in certain regions and historical periods within the Orthodox world, though the term itself is not as commonly used today as more general terms for icons. The creation and veneration of savvá were integral to the devotional practices of many Orthodox Christians, emphasizing the belief in the intercessory power of saints and the sacredness of religious imagery.