Even if you’re not Christian, you probably know the cross. It’s everywhere! It’s a symbol of Jesus’ story and what Christians believe. But, the basic Christian cross isn’t the only one out there. Many other crosses are used in different religions and cultures. They all have their own special meanings and stories. Let’s check out ten lesser-known religious crosses and what they mean to people around the world.
The Golgotha Cross
The Golgotha cross might look a bit odd at first. However, it’s packed with meaning. It represents forgiveness. The top part looks a bit like the Greek Orthodox cross, but there’s more to it. There’s an extra line at the top.
On the left, you’ll see the Lance of Longinus pointing up. On the other side, there’s a sponge on a stick, which reminds us of the vinegar Jesus was given during the crucifixion. At the bottom, there’s a skull representing Mount Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. The inscription indicates that Golgotha is no longer somewhere death resides, but rather somewhere that paradise lives within the faith.
The Papal Cross
The Papal cross is the Pope’s symbol. The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. Only he can use this cross. It shows his power and link to God. This cross means the Pope is the top religious leader on Earth, connecting people to Jesus. The Knights Templar carried the Papal cross into battle during the Crusades, making it an essential design.
The Papal cross looks like a Latin cross but has three horizontal lines. These lines stand for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – the Holy Trinity. They also mean the Pope’s power in Heaven, on Earth, and in the Church.
The Scandinavian Cross
Check out the flags of Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Faroe Islands. What do they all have in common? They all feature what appears to be the Latin cross turned to the side! These are known as the Nordic cross. They show that these countries have been Christian for a long time.
The Scandinavian or Nordic cross started in Denmark. Back then, Christianity was growing but competing with Norse and Viking religions. Eventually, Christianity won over Denmark.
To show they were Christians, Danish leaders put the cross on their flag. Sweden did the same. Soon, Norway and others followed suit and adopted this design. Today, the Scandinavian cross is still crucial to the country’s flag and its overall essence.
The Chi Rho Cross
The Chi Rho cross is also called Constantine’s Cross or the Chrismon. It’s one of the oldest Christograms, where letters abbreviate Jesus Christ’s name. “Chi” and “rho” are Greek letters for “Christos.” Emperor Constantine thought these letters were vital for his army. So, he made a cross with these letters on it.
Constantine believed that having “chi” and “rho” on his soldiers’ gear would keep them safe in battle. God would protect them because of their faith. Over time, the Chi Rho cross has gained a circle around it or a wreath. Now, it means Jesus Christ’s victory over death and resurrection.
The Tau Cross
The Tau cross is another Christogram. It comes from the Greek letter “tau.” It’s inspired by the Old Testament and has themes about the end times.
Some historians think Jesus was crucified on a Tau cross. The letter “tau” is essential in the Book of Ezekiel. It was a sign on the foreheads of God’s chosen people or those He wanted to save.
St. Francis and St. Anthony are also related to the Tau cross. The Franciscan Order uses it as their symbol because of St. Francis’s closeness with the design. Many people still cherish it and strive to be among God’s chosen ones.
The Ankh Cross
The Ankh is a cross with a circle on top. It’s a simple yet powerful symbol. Egyptian artists used it for centuries to mean life. Gods and goddesses in Egyptian art often held or offered the Ankh.
The Coptic Orthodox Church first used the Ankh as a religious symbol. Before Islam came to Egypt, many Egyptians were Christians called “Copts.” After Islam spread, “Copts” meant the few Egyptians who stayed Christian. Today, Coptic Christians still see the Ankh as a cross that honors life, humanity, eternal life, immortality, and reincarnation.
The Coptic Cross
The Coptic cross is another cross used by Coptic Christians in Egypt. It’s linked to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Alexandria, and other parts of Egypt, where nearly ten million Coptic Christians practice their faith. It’s not the same as the Ankh, though they are both used by Coptic believers to signal their faith and honor their religious ideas! Coptic crosses have become very popular tattoos on people’s wrists in Egypt and across the Coptic world!
Historians think the Coptic cross was made with the Ankh in mind. It’s more detailed and complex than the Ankh. It has a circle in the center with the cross’s points pushing out from there. The Coptic cross is also called the “Crux Ansata.” It represents the Passion of Christ, especially his resurrection after his death.
The Sun Cross
The sun cross wasn’t initially for Christianity. It started as a symbol in Bronze Age Europe. It was a pagan symbol for the sun. The circle around it also meant the birth of the wheel. The wheel helped people a lot, and the sun cross showed those advances.
Later, the wheel stood for the power of ancient rulers. Alchemists even used the sun cross to represent copper alloy. Today, astrologists, Wiccans, and other non-Christians use it for nature and Earth. Christians also use it, viewing the circle as an angel’s halo. They believe angels guide people and keep them safe.
The Lithuanian Cross
The Lithuanian cross, or “Vyties cross,” has a long history in Eastern Europe. King Jogalia of Poland used it in the late 14th century. The double cross was his symbol for his rule, army, and power.
After King Jogalia died, his family continued using the double cross. It showed that King Jogalia had become Christian and encouraged others to do the same.
In recent times, the double cross means the nation of Lithuania. Lithuania is known as the land of crosses. These symbols are everywhere. The cross became a political symbol in the early 20th century. When Lithuania broke free from other powers, the double cross stood for the Lithuanian government. After 1991, when Lithuania was free from the Soviet Union, the cross became popular again.
The Indian Swastika
We all know the Nazi swastika from Adolf Hitler’s time in Germany. But, the Indian swastika has a much better meaning. In ancient Sanskrit, “swastika” means “good for well-being.” It meant good things were coming and was linked to the “Fylfot,” a leftward-facing swastika also known as “sauwastika.” Hitler’s swastika faces rightward and is tilted.
The Indian swastika has been adopted by Buddhist followers. People from other religions have also used it. However, Hitler’s use of the symbol has ruined its good meaning, especially in Europe and the West. The Indian swastika is now unfairly linked to the Nazis.
These crosses show how diverse religious symbols can be. Each one has a unique story and meaning. From the Golgotha Cross to the Indian Swastika, these symbols offer a glimpse into different cultures and beliefs.
Which cross was the most interesting to you? Leave a comment below!
