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A Latin cross resting on a banded orb symbolizes the truimph of the Gospel;
throughout the world. It is also known as the Cross of Victory
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This cross is a graceful variation of the decorative French
"Cross Fleury." The arms curve outward toward open, petal-like ends.
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Alpha and Omega Crosses (3)
The crosses on top of the first (alpha) and the last (omega) letters of the
Greek alphabet stand for Jesus Christ, the beginning and the end of all life.
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Rising Sun Cross (4)
This cross is also known as the Easter Cross with the rising sun symbolizing Christ's
victory over death on Easter morning.
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This symbol emphasizes the promise that we have eternal life through Christ. Be
faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:20)
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Bejeweled Latin Cross (6)
This symbol emphasizes the promise that we have eternal life through
Christ. Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.
(Rev. 2:20)
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Symbol of Jesus Cross (7)
The three letters "IHC" are the symbol for Jesus and mean In hoc signo
(In this sign) or Jesus hominen salvitor (Jesus, Savior of men).
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IX Cross (8)
"I" is the first letter of the Greek word for Jesus.
Combined with the "X", which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, we have Jesus Christ.
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Peter's Cross (9)
Peter was looked upon as the principle leader of the early church when Jesus
symbolically gave him the keys of the kingdom (Matt. 16:19). He was crucified head down because he did not feel worthy
to die in the same position as Jesus.
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Pointed Cross (10)
This cross is also known as the Cross of Suffering or the Passion
Cross to remind us of the cries of the mind and body Jesus endured during the events of Holy Week. The five jewels
represnts Christ's wounds.
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Chruch Cross (11)
When a ship, a place of refuge, is portrayed with a mast like a cross, it
is usually understood to be the church. A ship with a rainbow recalls God's promise to Noah and his family and deliverance
through water and the ark.
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Ixthos Cross (12)
The Greek word for "fish" became an acronym for "Jesus Christ,
Son of God, Savior." It secretly identified others of the faith during dangerous times of persecution.
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Five -Fold Cross (13)
The five Greek crosses are arranged to represent the five wounds of Jesus on the
cross (nails in hands and feet and spear in side). This cross was most popular in Crusader days.
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Cross Lorraine (14)
Similar to the Patriarchal Cross and Peter's Cross, this cross is popular
in parts of France, although its exact origin is unclear.
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Papal Cross (15)
The Papal Cross resembles the Patriarchal Cross (24), but with a third horizontal
bar. This cross is used only in processions that involve the Roman Catholic Pope.
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Greek Cross (16)
This cross has four arms of equal length and has been used for centuries in Christian
art. When five Greek crosses are used together, they stand for the five wounds of Christ during the crucifixion.
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Shepherd's Cross (17)
This cross makes use of the Greek letters "Chi" and "Rho"
in the shape of a sheperd's staff, reminding us of Christ's role as the Good Shepherd (John 16:11)
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Cross in Eternity (18)
The circle around this cross represents eternity and reminds us of the centrality
of Christ to all time. It is often found on altar tables and processinal crosses
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Draped Cross (19)
The cloth draping, also called a shroud, symbolizes Christ being removed from
the cross and wrapped for burial. Purple or blue is traditinal color for Lent.
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Cross and Thorns (20)
This Greek-type cross is superimposed upon a circle representing the crown of
thorns placed on Jesus' head during his crucifixion to make a mockery of him as King of the Jews.
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Chi Rho Cross (21)
Another version of the Chi Rho Cross (29 and 39) in simplar form, but with the
same symbolism. "Chi" and "Rho" are Greek letters standing for Christ.
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Celtic Cross (22)
This is the basic Celtic Cross that is uniquely popular among Cristians from Iceland,
Scotland, and Wales. Its stand-out design gives it a prominent appearance.
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Eastern Orthodox Cross (23)
This unusual cross has three bars across the vertical with the lower one slanted.
A suggested origin is in remembrance of the apostle Andrew, who introduced Christianty to Russia.
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Patriarchal Cross (24)
This unique cross has two horizonal arms across the one vertical. The top
arm being shorter than the other. Archiepsicopal is another name for this cross.
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Wheel Cross (25)
This cross is a variation of the Celtic Cross and popular in Ireland. the
circle is the symbol of eternity.
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Cross Patee (26)
This gracefully curved cross is often confused with the Maltese Cross, which is
more angular. It is popularly embroidered on altar and pulpit hangings.
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Triangle Cross (27)
The triangle mounted on the cross symbolizes the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
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Crutch Cross (28)
A form of the cross developed from four Tau crosses, each arm also resembling
a crutch.
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Chi Rho Cross (29)
This is an old variation of the Chi Rho Cross (21 and 39) found in ancient Christian
tombs of Greece and Asia Minor.
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Forked Cross (30)
Known in the Middle Ages as a "thief's cross," this form suggests
overtones of the Trinity. For some it stresses the prayer aspects of Christ's suffering, since the arms simulate
arms lifted in prayer.
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Anchor Cross (31)
When the top part of an anchor is in the shape of a cross, it symbolizes Christ
as the sure hope for our lives - something strong and secure amid the storm seas of life.
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Budded Cross (32)
This cross, also know as the Cross Botonee, is a beaultiful Latin-type cross with
trefoil ends. It is often found in the Christian flag.
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Latin Cross (33)
This cross is the most popular form of all crosses, probably because of its basic
design. Together with the Greek cross, this cross is the oldest of Christian forms.
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Maltese Cross (34)
The Maltese Cross has four arms of equal length with each arm in a "V"
shape, and eight points representing the Beatitudes. (Mat. 5:3-10)
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Tau Cross (35)
This Cross is one of the oldest forms and is believed to have been similar to true
cross held up by Mosses in the Wilderness. The dove is symbolical of the Holy Spirit.
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Crosslet Cross (36)
This cross comprises four Latin crosses to symbolize the spread of Christianity
to the four corners of the earth.
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St. Andrew Cross (37)
This cross came into use during the Middle Ages. It was named after the
disciple Andrew, who was crucified on a cross of this shape.
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Draped Cross (38)
This cross duplicates number (19). The cloth draping, also called a shroud,
symbolizes Christ's being removed from the cross and wrapped for burial. Purple or blue is the traditional color
for Lent.
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Chi Rho Cross (39)
The Greek letters "Chi" and "Rho" represent an ancient
monogram for Christ, using the first two letters of the Greek word "Christos." This is a beautiful symbol.
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Cross of Iona (40)
Here the basic ornamental celtic cross has been combined with a circle symbolizing
eternity. This beautiful cross is often on hymnals, churches, and tombstones.
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