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Some Versions of the Cross & How They Are Used. [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-03-18
The cross used to execute Jesus may or may not have looked like the symbol commonly used today. Some scholarship suggests that the Romans primarily used three kinds of cross for the purpose of crucifixion; one having an X shape (crux decussata), one having a T shape (crux commissa) and one having no crossbar at all, being a simple stake (crux simplex). The Bible doesn't explicitly say which form was used to crucify Jesus. The symbol most used in Christianity appears to be the crux immissa or Latin cross.
While crucifixion is mentioned in the Bible there's no mention of early Christians using the cross in worship or as an identifying symbol. There is archaeological evidence which may suggest that the symbol was used by some early Christians in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. The Roman emperor Constantine the Great adopted the cross when he converted and it grew in popularity starting in the 4th century CE. In the centuries since the symbol has undergone numerous variations in style, each with specific significance. Those meanings have also shifted and altered with the passage of time.
Here are a few that I find particularly interesting.
Patriarchal Cross/ Cross of Lorraine.
The Patriarchal cross has two horizontal bars, one bar shorter than the other. Sometimes a third, slanted crosspiece is placed below them. It originated in the Byzantine Empire in the 7th century, and is displayed and worn by Orthodox Catholic Christians worldwide.
A 21st century icon of St Euphrosyne of Polotsk.
Modern replica of an antique guardian angel icon. This image includes the diagonal bar.
Church spire at St Katherine Orthodox Church in Kirkland, Washington.
Modern pendant of a Patriarchal cross.
Ornate modern Patriarchal cross pendant.
The cross of Lorraine dates back to the 12th century Kingdom of Hungary, where it was a heraldic device and emblem of the royal house. It arrived in the Duchy of Lorraine in the 15th century and was the emblem of France Libre during World War Two. It is also the emblem of the US Army 79th Infantry Division, which served in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, and other parts of the European Theater during World War Two.
Emblem of the 79th Infantry Division.
Detail of an early 20th century French propaganda poster including the Cross of Lorraine.
Order of Liberation medal awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War Two.
A modern gold Cross of Lorraine pendant.
In a fascinating instance of a very similar form showing up in a different part of the world with a different meaning, there is what's called the Pueblo or Isleta cross. Sometimes there is a crescent or heart shape at the very bottom. This is seen by some as an Indigenous interpretation of a European symbol, others contend that it is the same symbol seen in ancient petroglyphs in the American southwest. Which represents a dragonfly.
An antique Pueblo cross pendant with engraved designs and turquoise set. From my personal collection.
A more recent and ornate Pueblo cross sold by a gallery in Sedona.
Antique Pueblo cross necklace with coins and small Latin crosses.
A petroglyph at the Dragonfly Trail petroglyphs site in New Mexico.
Inverted Cross/ Petrine Cross.
The inverted cross is associated with the apostle Peter, who is said to have asked to be crucified upside-down. Believing that he wasn't worthy to die the same way Jesus had. The Petrine cross sometimes includes two keys placed in an X shape, representing the keys of Heaven. In this context the inverted cross is worn or displayed to honor St Peter.
Detail of The Crucifixion of Saint Peter, painted by Caravaggio in 1601.
Saint Peter sticker on Redbubble.
Petrine cross at St Peter's Church in Colchester, England.
St Peter's cross tattoo with the rooster mentioned in the Bible.
It's the Latin cross turned upside-down.
Modern St Peter's cross pendant necklace sold on Etsy.
The inverted cross is also worn and displayed to indicate rejection of Christianity, used for shock value, or as a Satanic (theistic or non-theistic) symbol. Given this context the necklace shown above might be worn by different people to each convey a very different meaning. The inverted cross appeared on the debut album of the rock band Black Sabbath in 1970, and more recently on a costume worn by Lady Gaga in a video of her song "Alejandro".
Inside cover of Black Sabbath's debut album, 1970.
Costume worn by Lady Gaga for a music video in 2010.
This rosary style version is sold as "Gothic Devil Satanic" jewelry.
Interior of the Iglesia Luciferina (Temple of Lucifer) in Montenegro, Quindio, Colombia.
Jerusalem Cross/ Crusader Cross.
The Jerusalem cross originated in the Middle Ages following the capture of Jerusalem by Christians during the First Crusade in 1099. It served as the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, eventually becoming a ubiquitous symbol of the centuries-long religious conflict known as the Crusades. It appeared on coins and weaponry, church walls and tombstones, banners, heraldry, and pilgrims badges.
Silver coin of James II of Cyprus circa 1473.
This symbol is variously described as representing the five wounds of Christ, Jesus and the four evangelists, or the Gospel spreading to the four corners of the Earth.
Jerusalem cross carved on the wall of a 12th century monastery in Armenia.
Replica of a medieval pilgrim badge at the Cluny Museum, Paris, France.
In our time it adorns the national flag of Georgia. A religious medal called the Episcopal Church Service Cross is worn by some US Armed Forces service members alongside their dog tags. Pendants of the Jerusalem cross can be purchased online, locally, or as souvenirs of a visit to the Christian holy sites of Jerusalem, and are worn by many Christians. It is used as a symbol of world evangelization by Protestants, and in the coat of arms of the Roman Catholic Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
An Episcopal Church Service Cross religious medal.
The coat of arms of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, first established by Godfrey of Bouillon in 1099.
A small silver and enamel Jerusalem cross charm.
It's also very popular with Christian Nationalists in the US, frequently paired with the Crusader motto "Deus Vult". American conservatives have a fascination with the Crusades and identifying with Crusaders.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He also has the Crusader motto Deus Vult (Latin, "God Wills It") tattooed on his arm.
The actual Crusaders so admired by Christian Nationalists killed fellow Christians as well as Jews and Muslims. The estimated death toll of the Crusades from 1095 to 1291 ranges from one million to nine million.
Donald Trump Jr posing with a custom made "Crusader" rifle in 2017. The words Deus Vult are engraved on the stock.
Another view of the decoration on the rifle.
Jerusalem cross flag sold on Amazon.
Modified American flag featured in an article about electing conservative Evangelical Christians to public office.
Latin Cross.
The most simple form of the Christian cross symbol has a single horizontal bar. It is used to represent all of Christendom regardless of denomination. It came into common use in the 4th century and is displayed and worn by Christians to proclaim their faith.
Modern gold Latin cross necklace sold on Etsy.
Silver cross pendant with turquoise set by Navajo artist Harrison Bitsue.
This symbol represents the instrument used by the Romans to execute Jesus. With the addition of the figure of the crucified Christ (corpus) the symbol is known as a crucifix.
Modern gold crucifix pendant necklace.
Mexican pottery wall hanging cross with holy water font.
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona.
This symbol is used by churches and cemeteries around the world and various Christian organizations.
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France.
Old Miners Cemetery, Jerome, Arizona.
Emblem of the Roman Catholic organization Opus Dei.
Altar of the Old North Church, Boston, Massachusetts.
Logo of the American Christian Defense Alliance Homeschool Ministry.
Interior of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, London, England.
The Latin cross has been used in architecture for centuries, in the patterns of cathedral floor plans. This is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy.
Constantine's Vision of the Holy Cross, painted by Flemish artist Johann Boeckhorst, 17th century.
Following the reign of Constantine the Latin cross came into widespread use in the jewels and regalia of rulers throughout Europe. The use of the symbol reinforced the idea of God's Mandation, the divine right of kings to rule.
The crown of Erik XIV of Sweden, which was made in 1561.
Crown jewels of the United Kingdom.
The use of the Latin cross as a statement of faith and a symbol of power has existed for centuries. In the 1980s it started becoming a popular design motif in fashion and home decor. A trend which continues today.
Pop music star Madonna in 1985.
A "cowgirl cross" women's tee shirt.
Costume worn by actor Chadwick Bozeman at the 2018 Met Gala.
A decorative throw pillow.
A "cross wall" collection display.
Solar powered lighted outdoor statue.
Women's jeans by the popular brand Miss Me.
It's also prominent in political messaging in the US.
Continuing with the Crusader theme, a Trump meme from 2020 that was made into stickers sold on Amazon.
Christian Nationalist garden flag. This design is also on tee shirts.
Modified American flag wallpaper. This design is also on a flag sold by Temu.
A set of drinks coasters on Redbubble.
A tee shirt sold on the Walmart website.
Enamel cross lapel pin with American flag decoration.
A sign at a "Stop The Steal" rally in North Carolina, 2021.
Modified American flag designs show up on tee shirts, stickers, and actual flags.
The Christian flag, which was created in 1907 and adopted by the ecumenical National Federation of Churches in 1942.
The Christian flag has been displayed by churches in the US for decades. In recent years it's shown up at private homes and businesses and occasionally at political events. Including the January 6 insurrection.
Photo of the January 6 insurrection. The Christian flag is visible at upper left.
Two flag set sold on the Walmart website.
Modified American flag sold on Amazon.
Painting of Donald Trump that was shared on Instagram.
Modified American flag sold on the Walmart website.
Conflating patriotism and Christianity isn't really new; it was something I heard regularly at my parents' church while I was growing up. What is new is the amalgamation of patriotism, Christianity, and the single-minded allegiance to a person other than Jesus.
A tee shirt sold on Amazon.
This symbol is also used by terrorists.
Ku Klux Klan march, 1920s.
Ku Klux Klan cross burning, 1937.
Ku Klux Klan cross burning, 2015.
•••
During the last election cycle I saw a picture depicting Kamala Harris sharing a hug with Jesus. I wanted to include it here as evidence that there was Christian pro-Harris messaging that was readily visible to non-Christians like myself. I wasn't able to find it though I remember it clearly. I did find a picture of a tee shirt.
Modified American flag tee shirt sold on the Walmart website.
•••
In a future story I'll discuss certain Pagan symbols and how they are used, including their use by White supremacist hate groups.
•••••••
Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.
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