Catholics around the world recognize this symbol. However, not everyone knows that, in addition to this traditional one, there are also other types of crosses. Read our article and discover some interesting facts.
The Symbolism of the Cross
In Jesus’s time, the cross was a symbol of disgrace, as those accused of crimes were put to death on it. Today, however, it is the most important symbol for Catholics, who venerate it during various holidays and rituals. In addition, crosses are hung in homes and worn around the neck as jewelry. They are also an integral part of monuments and shrines, which are so often a feature of rural architecture.
In our culture, Latin crosses are the most common, though various versions exist, differing in the geometry of the symbol or the ornaments used. All types of crosses have their own symbolism, and are sometimes also linked to local traditions and culture. This makes them well worth a closer look.
In this overview, you’ll learn about the characteristics of different types of Catholic crosses and what their symbolism entails.
Types of Crosses
Contrary to popular belief, it is not entirely clear on what kind of cross Jesus was crucified. This issue remains a subject of scholarly research. However, it is the structure consisting of a long vertical beam and a shorter horizontal beam that has been such an important symbol since the very beginnings of Christianity. It is worth noting that until the 4th century, Christians did not depict the cross in paintings or sculptures. Today, however, various types of Catholic crosses are an important element of sacred art. It’s time to take a closer look at examples from around the world.
The Latin Cross
This is the basic form of the Catholic cross, which can be found almost everywhere. Many scholars point out that it is precisely this type that reflects the shape of the cross on which Christ died. Furthermore, the design carries deeper symbolism. The vertical axis signifies the unity of humanity with God, while the horizontal axis represents the entire world that Jesus embraces. This message became even more evident when the image of the Son of God was depicted on the cross.
It is worth noting that these types of Christian crosses are also called crucifixes. Additionally, some forms bear the inscription INRI, which stands for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). Sometimes, nails, a hammer, or a clock showing the hour of death are placed on the vertical beam. Another type of Latin cross is the Lorraine cross (with an additional shorter beam at the top) and the Celtic cross (with the upper beam inscribed within a circle), which originates from the British Isles.
The Greek Cross
Greek tradition had a significant influence on the depiction of the cross. Initially, a design consisting of two equal beams crossing at a right angle was used. This regular form symbolized the perfection of Jesus Christ and his influence on the order of the universe. Sometimes the Greek cross was inscribed within a circle, which also represented an ideal form.
It is worth noting that temples were often built based on the design of the Greek cross. Furthermore, it served as the basis for the Jerusalem cross. In this case, small isosceles crosses were placed at each of its corners. This symbolism is sometimes interpreted as representing the four Gospels or the four corners of the world.
Later in this article, you’ll learn about various types of crosses, but aside from the Latin cross, it is the Greek cross that we encounter in everyday life—it symbolizes medical aid.
The Cross of St. Anthony, St. Francis, and St. Andrew
Not everyone knows that St. Anthony the Great used the symbolism of a cross shaped like the Greek letter “tau,” which somewhat resembles the letter “T” as we know it. It symbolized Christ, and the number 300 was often added to it as a symbol of perfection. St. Francis of Assisi and members of his order also used the Cross of St. Anthony.
This form of the cross is still associated with this famous saint today, although he also venerated a multi-armed cross bearing the image of Christ. That cross, in turn, originated in Syria.
St. Andrew is said to have been martyred on an “X”-shaped cross. This is a very commonly used symbol in heraldry, as well as in traffic, as it serves as a warning of a railroad crossing.
Eastern Crosses
In Jesus’ time, the support for the condemned likely consisted of a sloping beam near their feet. And this is precisely how the cross was depicted in Byzantium. This design also carries its own symbolism and refers to the criminals crucified alongside Jesus. The upward-pointing beam is meant to symbolize the “good thief,” who expressed repentance. The downward-pointing beam, on the other hand, represents the bad thief, who felt no remorse for his deeds.
Eight-pointed crosses are characterized by a horizontal beam bearing the aforementioned INRI inscription. In addition, a small crescent moon with its horns pointing upward is sometimes depicted on them. This symbolizes Jesus’ victory over the night of death and sin. However, this symbol is sometimes mistakenly interpreted as Christianity’s victory over Islam.
But the types of crosses found in the East do not end there. In fact, in Orthodox churches, one can find Golgothas featuring an image of the cross, the figure of the Virgin Mary, and St. John. The structure rests on a base decorated with paintings of human bones and a skull, which symbolize sins.
Christian Crosses in Other Countries
Now let’s move on to Ethiopia, where the cross is featured in the national coat of arms. In this symbol, the vertical beam is long, and a decorated horizontal beam is placed at the top. The shape somewhat resembles the Jerusalem cross.
In Armenia, on the other hand, you can find a khachkar—a stone slab with various patterns, on which a cross is carved. It does not feature an image of Jesus. These can be found on the walls of temples and tombs.
There is a wide variety of Catholic crosses, and another example is the Cross of St. Nino, which is used in the Orthodox Church. It resembles a Latin cross, but the ends of the horizontal beam point downward. According to legend, Nino—also known as Nina or Nona—once decided to make a cross out of grapevine twigs and tied them together with strands of her hair. The next day, however, the horizontal ends bent downward.
