Table of contents:
Video: Catholic cross. Types and symbolism
2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11
In human culture, the cross has long been endowed with a sacred meaning. Many people consider it a symbol of the Christian faith, but this is far from the case. The ancient Egyptian ankh, the Assyrian and Babylonian symbols of the sun god are all variants of the cross, which were integral attributes of the pagan beliefs of peoples around the world. Even the South American tribes of Chibcha Muisca, one of the most advanced civilizations of that time, along with the Incas, Aztecs and Maya, used the cross in their rituals, believing that it protects a person from evil and personifies the forces of nature. In Christianity
the same cross (Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox) is closely associated with the martyrdom of Jesus Christ.
Cross of Catholics and Protestants
The image of the cross in Christianity is somewhat variable, as it often changed its appearance over time. The following types of Christian crosses are known: Celtic, solar, Greek, Byzantine, Jerusalem, Orthodox, Latin, etc. By the way, it is the latter that is currently used by representatives of two of the three main Christiancurrents (Protestantism and Catholicism). The Catholic cross differs from the Protestant one in the presence of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A similar phenomenon is explained by the fact that Protestants consider the cross a symbol of the shameful execution that the Savior had to accept. Indeed, in those ancient times, only criminals and thieves were sentenced to death by crucifixion. After his miraculous resurrection, Jesus ascended to Heaven, so Protestants consider placing a crucifix with a living Savior on the cross as blasphemy and disrespect for the son of God.
Differences from the Orthodox cross
In Catholicism and Orthodoxy, the image of the cross has much more differences. So, if the Catholic cross (photo on the right) has a standard four-pointed shape, then the Orthodox one has six or eight-pointed ones, since it has a foot and a title. Another difference is manifested in the depiction of the crucifixion of Christ itself. In Orthodoxy, the Savior is usually depicted triumphant over death. Spreading his arms wide, he embraces all those for whom he gave his life, as if to say that his death served a good purpose. In contrast, the Catholic cross with a crucifix is a martyr image of Christ. It serves as an eternal reminder to all believers of death and the anguish that preceded it, which the Son of God endured.
St. Peter's Cross
The inverted Catholic cross in Western Christianity is by no means a sign of Satan, as third-rate horror films like to convince us. It is often used in Catholic iconography andwhen decorating churches and is identified with one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. According to the assurances of the Roman Catholic Church, the apostle Peter, considering himself unworthy to die like the Savior, preferred to be crucified upside down on an inverted cross. Hence its name - the cross of Peter. In various photographs with the Pope, you can often see this Catholic cross, which from time to time causes unflattering accusations from the church in its connection with the Antichrist.
Recommended:
Papal tiara: history and symbolism
The papal tiara is the headdress of the Roman pontiffs, a symbol of their secular and spiritual power. It originates from the crown of the Persian kings. Popes of Rome wore it from the thirteenth to fourteenth century until the implementation of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, namely until 1965. Pavel the Sixth donated a tiara specially made for him, in which he was crowned, for charitable purposes to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. However, it still flaunts on the coat of arms of the Vatican and the Holy See
Symbolism of numbers in ancient cultures and literature
Many people are interested in the symbols of numbers. And this topic is really of incredible interest. There is a huge amount of entertaining information about every existing number that seems familiar and ordinary to each of us. All numbers have their own meaning in a particular culture and religion. But it is impossible to tell about each of them. But about the main ones - quite
Catholic churches. Catholic Church of St. Stanislaus
Catholic Christianity is a faith held by a huge number of people all over the planet. It is worth noting that Catholic churches deserve special attention
Crucifixion of Christ: meaning and symbolism
The article tells about the crucifixion of the Son of God Jesus Christ on the Cross, and how the instrument of this terrible execution for centuries has become a symbol of sacrifice and boundless love for people. A brief outline of the information given on this subject on the pages of the Gospel is given
Catholic Cathedral. Roman Catholic Cathedral on Malaya Gruzinskaya in Moscow
There is no doubt that the most important among the Moscow cathedrals is the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Its construction went on from the end of the nineteenth to the beginning of the twentieth century along Malaya Georgian Street in Moscow. The beauty and monumentality of the structure is amazing
