Christian cross facts for kids

A wooden cross

The Christian cross is a very important symbol for Christianity. It reminds Christians of Jesus Christ. Jesus was crucified, which means he was nailed to a large wooden cross. This was a common way to execute people in Roman times.

However, Christians believe Jesus came back to life three days after he died. Because of this, the empty cross is a symbol of Jesus' great sacrifice and suffering. But it also stands for hope, the forgiveness of sins, and victory over death. You often see crosses on Christian churches and other Christian places.

The Christian Cross: A Symbol of Faith

How the Cross Symbol Was Used Over Time

In the first 200 years of Christianity, people didn't often show the cross as a symbol. This was because it was a very harsh way to kill someone in public. Instead, early Christians often used the Ichthys, or fish symbol. This reminded them that Jesus told his disciples to be "fishers of men."

The Cross in Modern Christianity

Today, the cross is a powerful reminder for Christians. It shows God's great love through Jesus' sacrifice. This happened at a place called Calvary. The cross also reminds Christians that Jesus won against sin and death. They believe that through his death and coming back to life, he defeated death itself.

Different Kinds of Crosses

Altar and cross in a chapel

You can find crosses in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. People wear them as jewelry. You also see them on top of church buildings.

Crosses are very common in Christian cemeteries. They are often carved on gravestones or used as sculpted stelas. Sometimes, small crosses are placed in countries with Christian traditions to mark where fatal accidents happened. They can also be used to protest deaths.

In Catholic countries, large crosses are often built on top of tall mountains. For example, you can see them on the Zugspitze or Mount Royal. This way, people in the whole area can see them.

A reliquary in the form of an ornate Christian Cross

Many Protestant Christians prefer the empty cross. This symbol reminds them of Jesus' Resurrection, when he came back to life. The crucifix, which shows Jesus' body on the cross, is often preferred by Catholic churches. It helps them remember Christ's sacrifice.

Christians remember Jesus' death on the cross every year on Good Friday. Even more importantly, they celebrate his resurrection on the following Sunday. This day is called Easter, or Resurrection Day.

Images for kids

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  The Alexamenos graffito

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  The Sinai icon of Christ Pantocrator (6th century), showing Christ with a cruciform halo and holding a book adorned with a crux gemmata

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  An Eastern Catholic Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop with his blessing cross

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  The Vatican Obelisk in Rome

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  Cross on each side of the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo pedestal

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  A man holding several Eastern Orthodox pectoral crosses

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  The chancel of this Lutheran church features a very large altar cross.

See also

In Spanish: Cruz cristiana para niños