Cross jewelry is fashionable but also rich in religion. The cross
is one of the oldest religious symbols of all time. In past times
a cross necklace was worn for only its religious connotation but
in the modern world cross jewelry is fashionable and sought after
regardless of the persons religious beliefs. Here are 15 different
styles of crosses to choose from
1. Cross of Lorraine
Consists of one vertical and two evenly spaced horizontal bars.
It is a heraldic cross, used by the Dukes of Lorraine.
2. Troll Cross
Is an amulet made of a circle of iron crossed at the bottom.
It was worn by early Scandinavian peoples to protect against
trolls and elves. Iron and crosses are both used to ward off
evil creatures.
3. Crucifix or Latin Cross
The most well known is the Latin Cross which to Christians is
representative of Christ's crucifixion. The true Latin cross,
when folded, creates a cube which is symbolic of earthly authority.
4. Tau Cross
Is a symbol of the Roman God Mithras and the Greek Attis. It
takes the shape of the letter of his name, and is one of the
oldest letters known.
5 Serpentine Cross
Represents the fixing of the volatile by removing the 'volatile'
or poisonous element. The picture is derived from the biblical
story of Moses, who erected a brazen snake as a charm against
the plague.
6. Atlantis Cross
This is the emblem used by groups which claim to claim literal
or spiritual descent from inhabitants of the fabled isle of
Atlantis.
7. Baptismal or Atlantis Cross
This is a very old symbol found back as far as ancient Egypt,
where it is a symbol of the Ogdoad. It is also called the baptismal
cross. The eight spokes on the cross in represent the age of
baptism in the church and the eight day interval between Christ's
entry into Jerusalem and his resurrection.
8. Ankh Cross
Is an ancient Egyptian symbol of life. The ankh is a combination
of male and female symbols which represent the feminine and
masculine energy.
9. Orthodox Cross
Is the symbol of the Russian orthodox church and is made up
of two horizontal and one diagonal bar. The upper bar represents
INRI. The lower slanted bar is a stylized footrest that is common
in early Christian crosses.
10. Celtic Cross
The Celtic cross dates back as far as 5000 years BCE. Its origins
are not known, but it was known to be an early symbol of the
sun god Taranis.
11. Coptic Cross
There are two Christian crosses referred to as Coptic. The original
Coptic Cross is derived from the Ankh and was used by early
Christians in Egypt. The newer form is sometimes referred to
as the Ethiopian cross and it is worn mainly by African Christians.
12. Crucified Bacchus Cross
A rather unusual amulet that depicts a crucified figure labeled
Orpheus-Bacchus. It dates from the third century when it was
used as a magical charm.
13. Papal Cross
Is a Catholic cross. It is the emblem of the authority of the
Pope.
14. Wolf's Cross
The Wolf's Cross has only been referred by that name in modern
times. In ancient times it was called the Mjolnir or Thor's
hammer. It is an ancient Norse symbol that represents the legendary
magical weapon of the Norse God Thor.
15. Methodist Cross
The Methodist cross is the official symbol of The United Methodist
Church, adopted in 1968. The cross symbolizes Christ; the flame,
the Holy Spirit of Pentecost.
16. Chi Ro Cross
A pre-Christian symbol that signified good fortune. It became
an important Christian symbol when adopted by the Roman Emperor
Constantine. After the battle was won the symbol became the
standard of the Emperor's army, prominently displayed on the
Emperor's labarum.
17. Zia Sun Cross
An ancient Zia Pueblo sun symbol. The number four is sacred
to the Zia Indians, and this emblem embodies this number as
the powers of nature- the sun, the four directions, seasons,
and the ages of man.
There are many more types of crosses rich in symbolism
and religion. There 15 crosses only touch the surface of what
is available. Whether you chose a cross for its religious meaning
or simply as a fashion statement, no one can argue that cross
jewelry is distinct and beautiful and certainly worth adding to
ones jewelry wardrobe!
