What Do Cross Necklaces Mean

Cross necklaces have been highly sought-after jewelry creations for several years now. They were initially used as a symbol of expressing an individual’s faith. But of late, they have made their way into mainstream fashion and are worn to make a style statement.

This rising popularity leads us to a question – what is the reason behind all this fame? Let’s dive into the world of cross necklaces to find out the answers.

Different Types of Necklaces

A little about the history…

Contrary to popular beliefs, the cross form was used to signify faith or otherwise, long before the Christian era. A considerable body of evidence suggests that the cross had its roots in the ancient pagan religions.

The origin of the cross pendant as a Christian symbol of devotion dates back to the 2nd century. It depicted the cross on which Jesus (Son of God) was hammered at the time of his crucifixion. This occurrence bestowed a whole new meaning to the use of cross in Christianity.

But until the time of Emperor Constantine (4th century), people used the cross privately. They believed that a more public display would expose them to ridicule or even danger. It was only after Constantine’s conversion to Christianity that the cross was widely promoted as the Christian symbol of faith. Presently, cross is used by Christians all across the globe to symbolize their faith.

The meaning of the cross

The cross sign is primarily the symbol of the Christian religion and represents the crucifixion of Jesus, his passion and death. Therefore, it can be considered the symbol of Christ himself and the faith of Christians. In a ceremonial context, the cross could be regarded as an act of professing one’s belief or prayer.

In simple words, cross is a Christian religious symbol and is said to signify faith, good luck, and fortune. The cross pendant is believed to protect its wearer from harm, bring calm and peace, and ward off evil spirits.

Different types of Cross necklaces

The Cross necklace essentially exists in a variety of beautiful designs that can be classified into different types. Each of these styles is associated with different historical and cultural significance. Some popular kinds of cross necklaces are as follows –

1. Crucifix cross:

Nowadays, we often hear the terms cross and crucifix used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. A crucifix cross has Jesus embodied on it as compared to a simple, plain cross. The crucifix cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus and emphasizes his sacrifice for humankind. It is a prominent holy icon and is often used to craft cross jewelry.

2. Celtic cross:

This version of cross emerged during the Early Middle Ages in the region of Ireland, Scotland, France, and England. It features a traditional cross that is accentuated by a circle surrounding the intersection of its arms and stem. This circle is considered to represent a halo or eternal life. The Celtic cross is one of the popular cross types used in jewelry and is viewed as a symbol of the Celtic heritage.

3. Latin cross:

The Latin cross is the most famous and easily recognizable style of cross. It is also known as the Christian cross or the High cross. The design features a cross with one arm that is longer than the other three arms. This plain cross is a symbol of faith and has a religious and spiritual meaning attached to it.

4. Upside-Down cross:

The upside-down cross or the cross of Saint Peter features the Latin cross in an inverted position. It is associated with the martyrdom of Peter, the Apostle who was crucified in an upside-down manner. Currently, this type of cross is often used in jewelry and regarded as a symbol of humility.

5. Sideways cross:

A sideways cross is a new and contemporary take on the traditional version. As the name suggests, it features a simple cross arranged horizontally on the necklace with a pendant. In recent times, the sideways cross has amassed a vast fan-following, but it depends on the individual wearing it as far as the meaning goes. Some people suggest that it represents Christ carrying the cross and then laying it down after he had risen, while others say that it is an expression of self-awareness.