THE CROSS is a symbol - more universal in its use, more important in its significance than any other in the world.
~ George Willard Benson
1. THE LATIN CROSS
The most commonly used form of the cross the world over. It is a symbol of faith in Christ’s atoning death for men. Note: It is known as Crux Immssa. The three arms are called the Cross of Calvary.
2. THE GREEK CROSS
The most commonly used form of the cross the world over. It is a symbol of faith in Christ’s atoning death for men. Note: It is known as Crux Immssa. The three arms are called the Cross of Calvary.
3. THE TAU CROSS
This is sometimes called the Old Testament Cross. It is said to be the true form of the cross raised by Moses in the wilderness. It is the Latin Cross minus its upper arm. In Christian paintings, this cross is shown as the one upon which the two thieves hung. The Tau Cross is the cross of prophecy. ~ Numbers 21:8 – Look and be saved.
4. THE CROSS POTENT
This is sometimes called the Old Testament Cross. It is said to be the true form of the cross raised by Moses in the wilderness. It is the Latin Cross minus its upper arm. In Christian paintings, this cross is shown as the one upon which the two thieves hung. The Tau Cross is the cross of prophecy. ~ Numbers 21:8 – Look and be saved.
5. THE JERUSALEM CROSS
This cross is an evolvement from the basic Greek Cross Potent. (See #4) Usually has four small crosses between the arms. The five crosses symbolize the five wounds of the Lord. Worn by Godfrey de Bouillion - first ruler of Jerusalem after the liberation from the Moslems.
6. THE CROSS CROSSLET
Four Latin Crosses joined at their base meet in the center of symbol. The symbol represents Christianity spreading in four directions, to the 4 corners of the earth. It appropriately expresses the Mission movement of the church carrying Christ crucified to the four corners of the earth.
7. THE CROSS PATEE
One of the most beautiful and most widely used forms of the decorative cross. Its four arms curve outward from the center. Many variations for this cross exist. If each outer edge is pointed, it is a Cross Patee Filched. If the outer edges curve outward, it is a Cross Patee Convex. If they curve inward, it is called the Cross Patee Concave. So, the scores of pleasing variations may be obtained by combining the Cross Patee with other forms. This cross should not be confused with the Maltese Cross in which the arms become progressively broader as it leaves the center - rather than the curved lines of the Patee Cross. The symbolism of the Patee Cross is a matter of the imagination.
