What does the cross mean to Orthodox?
The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven.
What does the Greek cross symbolize?
In antiquity, the cross was used as a symbol, not only of religious but also of artistic (ornamental) character. It is also called Tetractys and was considered a holy symbol for Pythagoreans, followers of Pythagoras of Samos; its equal arms symbolized the four main elements of nature; air, fire, water, earth.
What is the symbolism of a cross?
Cross, the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians.
What is Greek cross plan?
Greek-cross plan, church plan in the form of a Greek cross, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length. The Greek-cross plan was widely used in Byzantine architecture and in Western churches inspired by Byzantine examples.
What is the Greek Cross called?
… cross: the crux quadrata, or Greek cross, with four equal arms; the crux immissa, or Latin cross, whose base stem is longer than the other three arms; the crux commissa, in the form of the Greek letter tau, sometimes called St.
Which church employs the domed Greek Cross plan?
The Church of the Holy Apostles was much celebrated and copied throughout the Roman Empire but most especially in the eastern provinces. Fig. 1 – Greek Cross Plan with domes possibly used in Constantine’s “Church of the Holy Apostles” in Constantinople, 4th century. The horizontal arms are called ‘transepts’.
What’s the meaning of a Celtic cross?
A wonderful representation of faith, the Celtic Cross first emerged across the island of Ireland in the early Middle Ages. Subject to many different interpretations, the Celtic Cross is said to be a representation of knowledge, strength and compassion to manage life’s ups and downs. …
What does a Celtic cross tattoo mean?
The Celtic Cross is a popular design that represents the cross of Christ. Some claim the circle represents the Roman sun-god Invictus, making it a blend of pagan and Christian symbolism sometimes referred to as the Celtic Sun Cross. Others claim it represents the halo of Christ.
What symbol is a circle with a cross?
Shaped as a cross with a circle/loop for the top part, the ankh is the most commonly used symbol among the ancient Egyptian symbols.
What does the Celtic cross mean in Christianity?
According to popular legend, the Celtic Cross was introduced by St Patrick when he was converting the pagans in Ireland to Christianity. According to the website What’s Your Sign, the Celtic Cross represents the meeting place of Divine energies and can be seen as a symbolic compass, offering spiritual navigation.
What is Odin’s Cross?
The Solar Cross, also called Odin’s Cross or the Sun Cross by the Vikings, is believed to be the world’s oldest spiritual symbol. Life at the height of the Viking raiding era was governed by the seasons – and the sun was the symbol of the chief god of the Vikings, Odin, who was the supreme ruler of the heavens.
Does the Celtic Cross predate Christianity?
Found throughout Ireland and Scotland, Celtic crosses predate Christianity and were first used by pagans in the worship of the sun. In pagan times, the Celtic cross was known as a Sun Cross or Sun Wheel and was a symbol of Odin, the Norse god. The circle in the cross is now widely known to represent the sun.
Is the Celtic knot pagan?
The Origin of the Trinity Knot Design According to archaeologists and scholars, the Trinity Knot first appears as a pagan design. Used by Celts, it appears it was adopted and repurposed as a symbol of the Holy Trinity by early Irish Christians in the 4th century.
What does the Celtic knot symbolism?
A symbol of enduring love Whatever your personal faith and beliefs may be, this Celtic symbol depicts an unbreakable, never-ending bond of love and life. Traditionally, the Celtic Motherhood Knot consists of two hearts interlinked with no beginning or end.
What does the Celtic triquetra knot mean?
The Trinity Knot or triquetra was used to symbolize and honor the Mother, Maiden and Crone of the neo-pagan triple goddess. It signifies the three life-cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. In more recent times, it has come to be recognized as a symbol for ‘The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit’.
Is the triquetra a Catholic symbol?
It is found in similar artwork on early Christian High Crosses and slabs. An example from early medieval stonework is the Anglo-Saxon frith stool at Hexham Abbey. The symbol has been interpreted as representing the Christian Trinity, especially since the Celtic revival of the 19th century.
Can a Catholic wear a Celtic cross?
The Celts, after they became Christian (we can especially thank St. Patrick for that, I’m guessing), extended the vertical bar, making it appear like a Christian cross – but kept the intricate knot work. Catholics still use the original Celtic Cross.