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This cross is the traditional Christian cross.
It is the same shape as the cross that Jesus carried in Jerusalem and was left to die on.
People sometimes might wear a cross on a necklace. A crucifix is a cross but with Jesus on
it. This cross reminds us that Jesus was nailed on to it and left to die. |
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The Orthodox cross shows the
cross that Jesus was hung on. It has two extra lines. The first, which is above
Jesus’ head, represents the sign that the Romans put on the cross which said
"KING OF THE JEWS". The second represents the beam of wood that was put there to
support Jesus’ feet. If it wasn’t there, the nails would rip through his hands
and he would have fallen to the ground. |
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The Latin cross is most
likely to be seen in a graveyard. The three steps at the bottom represent three qualities
that all Christians should possess. These are hope, faith and charity. It is also seen in
Italy, Spain and in South America.
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The Maltese
cross has eight points to represent the eight points of a compass. This symbolises that
Christianity has reached the eight corners of the world.
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The Celtic cross is a normal
cross with a big circle around the middle. The circle stands for eternal life. You will
see the cross in places like Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Cornwall. These are the furthest
corners of Britain where the Celts went when they fled the Saxons. |
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Year 6 discovered another cross
when they went to visit Lichfield Cathedral recently (June, 2000). Here is a photograph of
it. |
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This is St. Chad’s cross. They saw this
cross on the floor by the saint's shrine inside the cathedral. |
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