The Christian Cross: Its Meaning, History and Kinds of Crosses
Quick answer
The cross is the central sign of the Christian faith because Jesus died on a cross to save us and rose again. Early Christians used hidden symbols at first, but by the fourth century the cross was displayed openly. Catholics especially honor the crucifix, which shows Christ's body. Over the centuries many forms developed, such as the Latin, Greek, Celtic, Tau and Jerusalem crosses, each with its own history.
Key takeaways
- Crucifixion was a shameful Roman execution, yet Christians boast in the cross (Galatians 6:14).
- A crucifix shows the body of Christ; a cross does not.
- St. Helena's discovery of the True Cross is honored on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14.
- Different cross shapes come from different regions and traditions.
Hang a cross on a wall, and anyone in the world knows a Christian lives there. Yet for the people of Jesus’ time, the cross meant only shame and horror. How did an instrument of execution become the sign of hope?
Why the Cross?
Crucifixion was the cruelest Roman punishment, reserved for slaves and rebels. Jesus accepted it out of love, “becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). By His death and Resurrection He defeated sin and death.
St. Paul knew how strange this sounded:
For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18, Douay-Rheims)
And: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
The Cross in the Early Church
In the first centuries, when Christians were persecuted, they often used hidden symbols, such as the fish, the anchor or the shepherd. But they already traced the sign of the cross on their foreheads. Tertullian, around 200, wrote that Christians made the sign at every step, going in and out, dressing and eating.
After the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313, the cross appeared openly. His mother, St. Helena, traveled to Jerusalem, and tradition says she found the True Cross. The Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14.
Cross and Crucifix
A crucifix shows the body of Christ on the cross. A plain cross does not. Catholics treasure the crucifix because it shows how much Jesus loved us. The Church asks that a crucifix be on or near the altar at every Mass (GIRM 308).
Kinds of Crosses
- Latin cross: the familiar shape with a longer lower arm. It is the most common in the West.
- Greek cross: four arms of equal length, common in Eastern Christian art.
- Celtic cross: a cross with a ring around the center, found on ancient stone crosses in Ireland and Scotland.
- Tau cross: shaped like the Greek letter T. St. Francis of Assisi loved it and signed his letters with it.
- Jerusalem cross: a large cross surrounded by four small ones, often said to stand for Christ and the four evangelists, or the five wounds.
- Byzantine or Russian cross: with a short upper bar for the sign over Jesus’ head and a slanted lower bar for His feet.
- St. Andrew’s cross: an X shape, recalling the apostle’s martyrdom.
- Papal cross: with three crossbars, used as a symbol of the pope.
The Cross in Daily Life
Catholics bless themselves with the sign of the cross, wear crosses and crucifixes, hang them in homes and hospital rooms, and pray the Stations of the Cross. Jesus told us, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
A Prayer Before the Crucifix (Original Prayer)
Lord Jesus, You loved me to the end. When I look at Your cross, help me see Your love, accept my own crosses with patience, and follow You to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
Continue Reading
Learn about the sign of the cross, pray the 14 Stations of the Cross, or read about Emperor Constantine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cross and a crucifix?
A crucifix bears the image of Jesus' body (the corpus). A plain cross does not. Catholic churches have a crucifix on or near the altar during Mass.
Why do Catholics use the crucifix?
To keep before our eyes the love of Christ who died for us. As St. Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:23). The Resurrection is never forgotten, but it came through the Cross.
When is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
September 14.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 2:8 (Douay-Rheims)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 613–618, 1235, 2157
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 308
