Christianity and the wooden cross as a symbol

August 3, 2023

The wooden cross is one of the most recognizable and revered symbols of Christianity. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who died on a large wooden cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. But how did the wooden cross become a symbol of Christianity, and what does it mean for Christians today?

The cross was not originally a Christian symbol. It was a common instrument of execution in the ancient Roman Empire, used to punish criminals, rebels, and slaves. The cross was designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation on the victims, who were nailed or tied to it and left to die slowly in public. The cross was also a symbol of shame and curse, as the Bible says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).

The first Christians did not use the cross as a symbol of their faith. They preferred to use other symbols, such as the fish, the dove, or the anchor, which had positive meanings and were less likely to attract persecution. The cross was also considered too sacred and too gruesome to be depicted in art or worn as jewelry. The earliest surviving image of Jesus’ crucifixion dates back to the fifth century, on the wooden doors of the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome.

However, as Christianity spread and became more accepted in the Roman Empire, the cross gradually gained popularity and significance among Christians. The cross was seen as a sign of God’s love and power, as well as a reminder of Jesus’ suffering and victory over death. The cross was also associated with various miracles and legends, such as the vision of Constantine, who saw a cross in the sky before his decisive battle against Maxentius in 312 CE, or the discovery of the true cross by Helena, the mother of Constantine, in Jerusalem in 326 CE.

The cross also diversified into different forms and styles over time, reflecting different theological and cultural influences. Some of the most common types of crosses are:

The Latin cross, which has a longer vertical arm than a horizontal one. This is the most widely used form of the cross in Western Christianity.
The Greek cross, which has four equal arms. This is the most common form of the cross in Eastern Christianity.
The Celtic cross, which has a circle around the intersection of the arms. This is a symbol of Celtic Christianity, especially in Ireland and Scotland.
The St. Andrew’s cross, which has an X-shaped form. This is a symbol of Scotland and its patron saint, Andrew, who was crucified on such a cross.
The St. Peter’s cross, which has an inverted form. This is a symbol of humility and martyrdom, as Peter requested to be crucified upside down.
The Maltese cross, which has four V-shaped arms. This is a symbol of the Knights Hospitaller, a medieval military order that defended Jerusalem and Malta.

The wooden cross is more than just a symbol for Christians. It is also an object of devotion and worship. Many Christians have wooden crosses in their homes or churches, or wear them as necklaces or bracelets. Some Christians also make pilgrimages to places where wooden crosses are believed to have special significance or power, such as Jerusalem, Rome, or Lourdes. Some Christians also venerate relics of the true cross, which are fragments of wood that are claimed to be part of the original cross on which Jesus died.

The wooden cross is a symbol that connects Christians across time and space. It reminds them of their common faith and identity in Christ, who died on the cross for their salvation. It also inspires them to follow his example of love, sacrifice, and service to others. As Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians: “But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

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