3. Why are there different styles of crosses?
The cross that we know best has a longer vertical piece and shorter crosspiece. This is called the Latin
cross because it became popular in the Latin-speaking parts of the Church a few centuries after Christ.
Although the Latin cross and the crucifix are two of the most common forms of crosses, there are other
forms as well.
Each has a slightly different history and message, but they all represent the crucifixion of Jesus. Here are
some examples.
The Latin cross can be two-dimensional or three- dimensional. If you look at many traditional churches
and cathedrals from the air (such as on a satellite image on the Internet), you will see that they are built
in the shape of a Latin cross.
A Greek cross is popular for Eastern Christian churches. The four equal arms represent the four Gospels
and the four directions of the compass, to which the Church extends. The famous international Red
Cross symbol is in the shape of a Greek cross.
The Tau cross dates from the earliest days of Christianity. It gets its name from the Greek letter tau,
which it resembles. St. Francis of Assisi used this cross. As his signature. Today, people who wear a tau
cross probably have a special love for St. Francis.
The Celtic cross found in Britain combines the circle with the cross. The circle can mean eternity,
community or the empty tomb of Jesus. Many Celtic crosses have intricate weaving patterns on them.
The Papal cross has three horizontal bars that represent the pope’s three roles as Bishop of Rome, leader
of the Western Church, and successor to St. Peter, the first pope. We see this cross on the pope’s coat of
arms.
Look around your neighbourhood, church or home. Can you find any of these types of crosses?
How many?
Design a cross for your family, school or community. Adapt the basic design to make it special to
the people you are Creating it for.
Some people see the vertical part of the cross as a sign of our connection with God and the
horizontal part as a sign of our relationship with other people. Both types of relationships help
us to have a balanced spiritual life.
5 What are some symbols for Jesus besides the cross?
Did you know that one of the most common symbols for Christianity in the first centuries was a fish?
There is a connection with the Bible here, as many of the disciples were fishermen and Jesus did several
miracles involving fish to feed many people. Also, the initials of the Greek words lesous Christos Theou
Yios Soter, meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour” made up Ichtys, the Greek word for “fish.”
You may have seen the chi-rho symbol in church. This ancient symbol comes from the first two Greek
letters of the word “Christ.” The X (chi) is a cross. The R (rho) looks like a shepherd’s staff. Remember that
Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd.
Another early symbol for Jesus was that of the lamb. At Mass we pray to Jesus before receiving the
Eucharist, calling him the “Lamb of God.” People used to sacrifice lambs because they symbolized
innocence and purity. Jesus sacrificed himself for the sake of all people. Sometimes the lamb is shown
with a cross to make a clear link to Jesus.
In the Greek and Russian Orthodox traditions, we find icons used in worship. These icons are
paintings of Jesus, Mary, other holy figures, or the cross with symbolic mea- ning. Worshippers
see these icons as being like windows into heaven.
The Bible contains over 100 names for Jesus. Some of these names are Christ, Messiah, Son of
God, Son of Man, Teacher, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, Light of the World and Lamb of God.
Do you know any other names for Jesus?
