What are crosses and crucifixes?
The cross-shaped sign is formed by a crossing of two lines at right angles.
The cross is a best known symbol of Christianity and depicts the instrument of Jesus crucifixion. The cross with Jesus body on it is known as a crucifix and used in Anglicanism and Catholicism, in contrast with some Protestant sects, which use only a cross.
The word cross comes from Latin word crux (translating Greek stauros) and refers to a Roman torture device used for crucifixion. In the 10th century the Old Irish word cros (crux) gradually replaced the earlier Old English word rood (pole, crucifix).
Crosses crucifixes in ancient history
Cross is a very ancient symbol and it goes back to the earliest days of human civilisation.
In the Bronze Ages the cross sign can be seen in various parts of Europe playing not just an ornamental but consecrating role especially in the case of objects related to burial.
Some other forms of the crosses had a wide spread in ancient times such as swastika and ansate cross. Swastika had a real ethnographic importance as an emblem of Aryan pantheon and the primitive Aryan civilization as well as a symbol of sacred fire, sun and lightning. Ansate cross has its roots in ancient Egypt -the sign held by goddess Sekhet and as a hieroglyphic sign of the living.
Crosses & cross jewlery in early Christianity
The early signs of Christianity were Ichthys (fish symbol) and Chi-Rho monogram adopted by Constantine I. The reasons for that were quite simple- the cross depicted a purposely painful and gruesome method of public execution and the use of the cross could lead to a prosecution.
The cross as a Christian symbol did not become openly used until around the 3rd century A.D when the marking of a cross upon the forehead and the chest was regarded as a talisman against the powers of demons.
Although the cross symbol was adopted on earlier stage of Christianity the crucifix as we know it today did not appear until fifth century - till then Jesus was commonly represented in the form of a lamb, crucifixion was considered ignominious and there was concentration on a more divine than his earthy Jesus' side. But in 629 C.E., the Council of Constantinople ordered that Jesus should be shown hereafter in his human form.
Crucifix crosses in Middle Ages
Crucifixes found a widespread popularity only in middle ages where Jesus was depicted with open eyes and with no traces of pain reflecting the theological emphasis on the resurrection.
But by the thirteenth century, the crucifix became a centrepiece of many churches and cathedrals depicting Jesus body as twisted and bleeding emphasising the importance of the incarnation and "crucifixion" of own human nature, in imitation of the suffering of Jesus.
Crucifix crosses in Renaissance Times
During the Renaissance artists transformed the Jesus image again, creating a body no longer wracked with pain, but sensuous, muscular and serene.
With the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, the crucifix was banned in all protestant churches.
Crucifix vs. Cross
A crucifix serves as a symbol and a reminder of Christ's journey to earth, his trials and death at the hands of humanity, and his victory over death. A crucifix is often inscribed with the letters INRI (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews)
Crucifix is used in public religious services, prayers in churches and chapels and considered by some to be very effective in averting or opposing demons, warding off vampires, incubi, succubi, and other evils.
Cross and crucifix are related, but not the same thing- crucifix is a cross with the added element of Christ's body. Most Protestant Christians use the empty cross, as it emphasizes the fact that Christ is no longer there and his triumph over death. Catholic tradition emphasises the crucifix and Christ's death on the cross for the sins of humanity
But for some the cross is a symbol of slavery and oppression:
Inquisition forced Catharis (Gnostic, dualist in their theology which went against the mainstream Christian teaching) to wear yellow crosses on their clothes to represent their heresy
The Ku Klux Klan is using burning crosses to terrorize African-Americans.
The Jehovah's Witnesses view the cross as essentially pagan symbol and dispute its usage by early Christians.
