Why Do Saints in Icons Have Such Big Heads?

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One of our teens asked me why one of his fellow SOYO members had such a big head....I'm reserving their names for their own protection.

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The questions did spark another one, though....why do saints in icons have such big heads?

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Well, think of it this way...an icon isn't a literal depiction of how the saint looked while they were on earth. Icons are more like abstract art; they're full of symbolism.

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One explanation I recently heard was that icons were the way God sees the saints.

Here is some of the symbolism:

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Large heads = Spiritual Wisdom

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Thin Noses = The saints don't care for the "scent" of this world; rather, they are focused on the heavenly incense of the Kingdom of God.

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Large Eyes = Eyes open to see God

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Large Ears = They listen for the Word of God

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Small Mouths = They don't engage in idol talk

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Everything in icons is symbolic, meant to teach us something. They are scripture, theology, and prayer in color.

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Icons are more than just teaching tools; they also allow us to experience Christ or the Saint/event shown in the icon in real way. When I venerate an icon of Christ, Christ is really standing before me - not that he's "in" the icon, but the icon reveals Him to me.

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When I kiss an icon of the Resurrection, it's as if I am there, at the Resurrection. It all happens in a mystical way that we can't always notice, outside of time. For this reason, icons are called "windows into heaven."

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Don't be afraid or embarassed to properly venerate an icon. Stand before the icon, prayerfully (not like a speed demon) make the sign of the Cross, and bow from the waist. We do this twice, then kiss the icon. Then we step back and cross ourselves and bow a final time.

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So be proud of your faith, and the icons for which so many people suffered and died for, so we could have them today. They're not just "a nice picture" to look at; they are an integral part of our faith, and part of our identity as Orthodox Christians.