The
Cross
The
most globally universal symbol, the cross is by no means limited to
the Christian world. In its most basic form, the cross represents
orientation within the cosmos. The intersection of the vertical line
(representing above/below) and the horizontal line ( the horizon)
creates a center point that brings dualities together in a whole.
As such, the cross is a global frame for positioning oneself that
also suggests the human form with arms outstretched.
When
inscribed in a circle, the cross symbolizes the four seasons (the
points reflecting the solstices and equinoxes) and the four cardinal
compass points. As an instrument of meditation, the circle and cross
represents the cosmic balance of earth and sky and the wheel, which
is a symbol of the sun and movement.
Among
specific world cultures the cross represents a wide variety of beliefs.
In Asian culture the vertical axis represents the active powers of
the masculine sky and the horizontal axis corresponds to the passive
power of the feminine waters. African traditions link the cross with
crossroads, which are the intersecting points between the living and
the dead. The Mayans used the cross to represent the World Tree, symbolic
of the cosmos. The Celts of Britain invented the Celtic cross, which
has a ring (symbolizing the sun and eternity) connecting the ends
of the horizontal axis at the center of the vertical axis.
Today, the cross symbolizes Christianity because it was the means
of Christ's death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life. However,
early Christians were highly reluctant to adopt the cross as their
symbol. In ancient times crucifixion was seen by the general public
as an excessively cruel and barbaric form of execution (as the gallows
or guillotine are viewed today) and it naturally aroused very negative
feelings. Many early Christians felt that an emblem of cruelty and
death was inappropriate for a religion preaching love and mercy and
they feared that its use would only fuel the contempt and anger of
their persecutors. It is not surprising that early followers of Christ
felt uneasy with the cross as their holiest symbol.
Over
time, Christians came to accept many types of crosses as symbols of
their religion. The most popular in art and other depictions was the
Latin cross, which has one short horizontal line located slightly
above center on the vertical axis. The Greek cross has each line bisected
evenly, like a plus sign (+). The anchor was worn as a covert form
of cross in unfriendly times and places for Christians. The tau, or
Anthony's, cross is shaped like a "T" and is probably the type that
Christ was actually executed upon. The X-shaped Andrew's cross and
the inverted Peter's cross represent the means of those apostles'
executions. The Y-shaped forked cross was the preferred method of
execution for thieves in the Middle Ages and ironically became a representation
of the Tree of Life.
In
the cross humanity has found a symbol to represent our place in the
cosmos. It gives the inhabitants of the planet the means by which
to orient themselves within their individual worlds, cultures, and
beliefs. It is clear that the cross is a powerful symbol that extends
across cultural and historical bounds to represent the mysteries of
nature, life, death, and eternity.
Sources may include:
Becker, Udo, ed. The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols. Continuum,
NY 1994
Beiderman, Hans, trans. James Hulbert. The Dictionary of
Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them. Facts
on File, NY 1992
Bruce-Mitford, Miranda., The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols:
Thousands of Signs and Symbols from Around the World.
DK Publishing, NY 1996
Gibson, Claire. Goddess Symbols: Universal
Signs of the Divine Female. Barnes & Noble, NY 1998
-----------------. Signs & Symbols:
An Illustrated Guide to Their Meaning and Origins. Barnes &
Noble, NY 1996
