The cross is a symbol of faith most associated with Christianity, but is also important within a wide range of other religions throughout time and all around the world. With a great deal of variations, the cross signifies or represents many different things, depending on the faith and individual involved. In this article, you will explore a collection of variations.
Altar Cross: Situated upon the altar of a church, the altar cross rests on a flat base. A manuscript dating back to the 9th century shows a picture of the cross, which serves as the earliest known example of such. Throughout the 10th century, the cross became widely used with a prominent altar cross appearing at Great Lavra on Mount Athos , from the 12th century.
St Andrew’s Cross: In the form of a diagonal cross or letter ‘X’, Andrew’s cross serves as a symbol of heraldry. The significance of the cross is that Saint Andrew is thought to have been martyred on a cross much similar. If you take a look at the national flags of Scotland and Jamaica, you will find an example of St Andrew’s Cross. Other samples of the cross are seen in arms, seals, and even used as a traffic sign.
Ankh: Possessing a shape similar to the letter ‘t’, the ankh incorporates a circle or oval in its makeup. Traditionally, the ankh is seen as the Egyptian symbol for “life,” but over time, the Copts (another way of referring to Egyptian Christians) took the symbol as their own as well. Many turn to this symbol as they believe it provides magical protection.
Anthony’s Cross: Also known as the Tau cross, Anthony’s Cross receives its name from the Greek letter that it is most shaped like and is a very old symbol. Additional names that Anthony’s Cross is known as includes the Old Testament Cross, the Anticipatory Cross, the Cross Commissee, the Egyptian Cross, the Advent Cross, as well as “Saint Francis’s Cross.” The history of this cross is deep, possessing a connection with Christianity as an ancient symbol of resurrection, life, reincarnation, and the sacrifice of blood. To find or encounter this sort of cross is quite rare, as only a handful exist in the world.
Basque Cross: The basque cross is often called the lauburu, which offers the sight of four heads that are shaped like a comma. Often times, the cross is compared to the Japanese tomoe. When starting with the formation of a square template, the symbol can be created by using a compass and a straightedge. Each head can be created by using adjacent vertexes. When looking at the lauburu, if it faces the right side, then life is represented. When in its negative form (facing left), it becomes a symbol of death.