The Cross
Lent and the Cross
This exploration of the cross is in the context of Lent. A time when people consider almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Thinking of the meaning of the cross in these terms will help makes sense of how the Christian believer understands their place in the world and their relationship with God.
The Greek Cross
The so-called “Greek Cross” is formed by four arms of equal lengths. The Greek cross is usually considered as a sign of God. It is the preeminent graphic sign of the church and Christian society. The Greek Cross has its origins in ancient history. The Greek Cross is notable because all four arms are of equal length. This symmetry makes it easy to use in art, and it became popular in the Eastern Church. Ultimately, the symbolism is the same as that of the Latin cross, symbolizing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. One reflection is that the horizontal arm represents the human experience and the vertical, the divine. That they are equal in length represents the idea that living is equally about both.
Latin Cross
While the Latin cross is identified with the crucifixion. Otherwise known as a crucifix, the Latin cross is said to represent Christ’s crucifixion. Typographically, the Latin cross is a derivative of the dagger, or obelisk, used to indicate death. The cross originated as a pagan symbol in Asian and African countries and a platform for crucifixion in Ancient Rome. The Latin cross symbolizes the Passion of Christ and the atonement. It is considered the universal symbol for Christianity. Whenever you envision a “plain” cross, chances are pretty good that you are imagining what’s called a Latin cross. The Latin cross is one of the oldest forms of the cross, and some believe it was the shape of the actual cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Tau Cross
Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the symbol with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ez 9:4). Pope Innocent III opened the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 (which was very important to St. Francis) with a homily on this Scripture passage. St. Francis of Assisi eventually signed his letters not with his name but with this symbol. Many Franciscans wear such a cross on a piece of leather, and Franciscan pilgrimage programs often begin by giving each participant such a cross. It represents a journey never completed this side of heaven. The Tau reminds us of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.”
St Andrew’s Cross
A supposed variety of the cross of crucifixion consisting of two intersecting beams set up in the form of an X. The crux decussata or decussated cross, so called from its resemblance to the Roman decussis or symbol for the numeral 10, is in shape like the Greek letter chi ; it is also known as St. Andrew’s Cross, because that Apostle is said to have suffered martyrdom on such cross, his hands and feet bound to its four arms (Sandini, Hist. Apostol., 130).
Chi Rho
Adam is a Hebrew word meaning “man.”
Emperor Constantine ustilised this cross. It is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters—chi and rho in such a way that the vertical stroke of the rho intersects the centre of the chi.
Chi Rho Line
Anchor
People on pilgrimage would utilized a style of cross that might reflect the experience they are on. In this case the Anchor symbolises hope and stability in Jesus. It is the basis for the Jubilee cross.
Anchor Line
Celtic
Adam is a Hebrew word meaning “man.”
It has often been claimed that Patrick combined the symbol of Christianity
with the sun cross to give pagan followers an idea of the importance of the cross.
Celtic Line
Pectoral Pope Francis
Pope Francis’s pectoral cross is a significant symbol of his role as the Good Shepherd, inspired by the Gospel of Luke. It was designed by Italian artisan Antonio Vedele and reflects a personal concept of the Pope, emphasizing humility and service.
Pectoral P.Line
Ash Cross
Adam is a Hebrew word meaning “man.”
The ash cross serves as a significant symbol in various Christian traditions. Typically, this mark appears on the forehead during Ash Wednesday services, signaling the start of Lent. It’s made from ashes derived from burned palms, often from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, mixed with water or oil.
Canterbury
The Canterbury Cross is one of the crosses that are used to symbolise the Christian faith. It is so called because it was designed after a Saxon brooch, dating ca. 850 that was found in 1867 in Canterbury, England.
Coptic
It is a symbol of Coptic Christian’s faith and represents Christ, His sacrifice, and the eternal love of God. The Coptic cross is an evolution of the ancient Egyptian ankh, which is also called crux ansata, meaning cross with a handle.
Fleur De Lis
The Fleur-de-lis Cross is a cross adorned with lily petals at the arm-ends, and is mainly used in heraldry, especially in France. It is also associated with Scouts, where it symbolizes both perfection and scout unity. The symbol gained inspiration from water lilies that guided Clovis to cross a river safely during a battle, and it became a mark of triumph and victory.
Jerusalem
Adam is a Hebrew word meaning “man.”
The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the five-fold cross, consists of a large central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses, symbolizing the Four Evangelists and the spread of the Gospel. It represents the five wounds of Christ: two on his hands, two on his feet, and one through his side. This cross serves as a powerful symbol of Christian faith, unity, and the call to spread Christ’s message to the world. Historically, it also signifies the establishment of a Christian kingdom in the Holy Land.
Maltese
The Maltese cross symbolizes courage, honor and bravery, due to its associations with the Knights. It represents ‘fighting the good fight’.
Santiago
It is a red Latin cross (for the blood of Jesus) and a white background (sign of purity), which represents the suffering of the apostle Santiago when he was beheaded. It is a document where pilgrims can demonstrate that they have completed the entire Camino de Santiago.
Brigid
Brigid’s Crosses were intricately woven from rushes and sometimes straw, consisting of a central square surrounded by four arms at right angles. The cross would adorn the doors and rafters of Irish homes, usually in the kitchen, warding off fire and evil.
Contact Susan
Sr Susan Daily is a Loreto sister and religious artist
susan.daily@loreto.org.au