cross

A geometric symbol composed of two lines or bars that are perpendicular and intersecting each other, with one or both lines being divided in half by the intersection.

Uses:

• 1) A symbol from ancient times, particularly a holy symbol. Ancient religions used it as a symbol of the sun, and derivative symbols are still used as such. Christianity uses it as a symbol representing the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
• 2) A physical object in the form of a cross.
• 2a) An instrument of torture used by the Romans. Consisting of two crossed beams of wood people would be nailed to and left to die. The act performing this is known as crucifixion.
• 2b) Objects that represent the Christian cross, used to symbolize one's identity as a Christian believer. Small worn objects consist of items such as rosaries or symbol necklaces. Larger objects consist of things such as tombstones, burial markers, and church markers.

Basic Shapes:

• Greek Cross (A cross with 4 equal length arms, + symbol)
• Latin Cross (A cross with with a longer descending arm, † symbol)
• Saltire (A diagonal cross, x symbol)

Combined Shapes:

• Sun Cross (A Greek cross inside a circle)
• Celtic Cross (A Greek or Latin cross with a circle overlaid)

Cross End Shapes (combines with the basic shapes):

• Arrow Cross (Arrow ends)
• Cross Bottony (Trefoil or club ends)
• Cross Crosslet (Cross ends)
• Cross Fitchy (Descending arm ends with a point)
• Cross Fleury (Fleur-de-lis ends)
• Cross Moline (Ends split into two and curve back)
• Cross Potent (Crossbar ends)
• Cross Patonce (Intermediate of Patty and Fleury ends, splits into 3 and leaf shaped)
• Cross Patty (Wide ends that narrow toward the center)

Cross Positioning and Scale:

• Inverted Cross
• Large Cross

Cross Symbols:

• Balkenkreuz (a Greek cross with an outline)
• Cross of Lorraine (cross with two horizontal bars, also known as the two-barred cross or patriarchal cross)
• Crucifix (a Latin cross with Jesus affixed to it)
• Orthodox Cross (similar to a Latin cross with a smaller bar crossing above the the central cross and a smaller slanted cross on the base arm)
• Iron Cross (a Greek cross with cross patty ends)
• Maltese cross (an eight-pointed cross made from four inward-pointing V shapes)
• Red Cross (a red Greek cross)
• Swastika (an equilateral cross with arms that are bent 90 degrees)

Other Crosses:

• Cross of Saint Andrew (For physical saltire cross used for crucifixion).

The following tags implicate this tag: celtic_cross, cross_choker, cross_earrings, cross_necklace, crucifix, greek_cross, holding_cross, inverted_cross, iron_cross, latin_cross, red_cross, and two-barred_cross (learn more).