Christian cross facts
Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Crucifix inside Eslöv Church, Church of Sweden Diocese of Lund

A reliquary in the form of an ornate Christian Cross

The Christian cross is the best-known religious symbol of Christianity. It is a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is related to the crucifix (a cross that includes a representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of cross symbols.

History of use of the symbol

Pre-Christian cross-like symbols

The cross-shaped sign, represented in its simplest form by a crossing of two lines at right angles, greatly antedates, in both East and West, the introduction of Christianity. It goes back to a very remote period of human civilization. It is supposed to have been used not just for its ornamental value, but also with religious significance.

Early Christian use

During the first two centuries of Christianity, the cross may have been rare in Christian iconography, as it depicts a purposely painful and gruesome method of public execution. The Ichthys, or fish symbol, was used by early Christians.

In contemporary Christianity

A crucifix on the wall of a church

In Christianity the cross reminds Christians of God's act of love in Christ's sacrifice at Calvary—"the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The cross also reminds Christians of Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through His death and resurrection He conquered death itself. They venerate it not as a material object seen in isolation but as the symbol of the sacrifice by which Christ saved them, as the instrument of Christ's triumph.

Forms of the Cross

Altar and cross in the Chapel at Callaway Gardens apologetics organization

The cross is often shown in different shapes and sizes, in many different styles. It may be used in personal jewelry, or used on top of church buildings. It is shown both empty and in crucifix form, that is, with a figure of Christ.

Crosses are a prominent feature of Christian cemeteries, either carved on gravestones or as sculpted stelas. Because of this, planting small crosses is sometimes used in countries of Christian culture to mark the site of fatal accidents, or to protest alleged deaths.

In Catholic countries, crosses are often erected on the peaks of prominent mountains, such as the Zugspitze or Mount Royal, so as to be visible over the entire surrounding area.

There are several different Christian crosses that are symbols for different Christian groups or persons.

The empty cross is usually favored by Protestants, and the symbol reminds them of the Resurrection of Jesus. The crucifix is favored by Catholic churches and is a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.

Christians remember the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday every year.

Images

Latin cross from the 6th-century mosaic in the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna
The Alexamenos graffito
The Sinai icon of Christ Pantocrator (6th century), showing Christ with a cruciform halo and holding a book adorned with a crux gemmata
Christian crosses at a joint service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The crucifixion of Jesus as presented in Justus Lipsius's De Cruce
A wooden cross at Coventry Cathedral, constructed of the remnants of beams found after the Coventry Blitz
Cross in Valle de los Caídos near Madrid, the highest cross in the world
Kottakkavu Sliva, a Persian cross founded by Mar Sabor and Mar Proth, is preserved at Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Pilgrim Center, North Paravur, India.
The Millennium Cross in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, one of the biggest crosses in the world
Tile cross from Rødtvet Church in Oslo, Norway, built in 1978
The Ruthwell Cross, a stone Anglo-Saxon cross located in Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire
The World Trade Center Cross rises from the World Trade Center wreckage.
The Cross in Melaten-Friedhof, Köln, Germany