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Crucifix and Cross: The Different Types
Crucifix and Cross: The Different Types

A Guide to Crucifixes and Crosses


Below are some of the common types of crucifixes and crosses with a brief explanation of their significance. Find the cross or crucifix that's right for you, your loved one, or your home or office. Most are available to be hung on the wall, with stands for display, on chains for necklaces, or as part of a rosary.

Latin or Christian

Latin Crucifix This is the basic crucifix or cross. The term "Latin" and "Christian" differentiates it from the symmetrical crosses used as symbols in non-Christian imagery: the crossbeams are offset higher as in the crosses used by the Romans for crucifixions, and, on which Jesus died.

Pictured: Wall crucifix made in Bethlehem from olive wood.

Many more in: Rosaries - Chain Crucifixes - Wall Crucifixes

St. Benedict Medal

St. Benedict Crucifix These crucifixes have the symbolic St. Benedict medal embedded into it. The medal is inscribed with a Latin exorcism prayer that wards off the devil. It is also given to the dying to bring peace and happiness in their final hours.

Pictured: Wall St. Benedict cross crucifix with medal.
For the medal only: St. Benedict Medal.

See also: Sterling silver crucifix necklace and St. Benedict rosary




See more crosses and crucifixes in our store:

Rosaries

Catholic Jewelry

Catholic Wall Decor

San Damiano

This is the cross to which St. Francis of Assisi was praying when the Lord told him to rebuild the Church. Franciscans use this cross as the symbol of their mission. The original can be seen in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, Italy.

Pictured: Wall San Damiano crucifix. Different sizes available.

See also: San Damiano silver crucifix necklace and San Damiano rosary

Comfort

These crosses and crucifixes were designed to fit in the hands to be held during prayer or meditation. It is usually made of wood from olives that grow in the Holy Land. It is also called a "holding cross."

Pictured: Wood comfort cross. Pocket-sized.

See also: Olive wood comfort crucifix with metal corpus

Tau

Tau Cross This particular cross is named for the Greek letter it forms. It is most often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who likened its shape to their monastic habit. Outside of Christianity, this symbol is associated with sacrifice and resurrection.

Pictured: Wall Tau wood cross of St. Francis.

See also: Olive wood Tau chaplet rosary


Other terms to know:
  • Corpus: the body of Jesus on the cross
  • Oriental: a flourish on the four edges of the cross, each three-piece ornamentation represents the Trinity and the original Apostles
  • Knotting: the lattice-like pattern usually seen in Celtic crosses
  • Inhabited Cross: when someone other than Jesus is portrayed within the image of the cross (as in the San Damiano Cross)
  • Relic Cross: a cross bearing a holy object, such as relics touched to the tomb of Jesus
  • Pardon Crucifix: instituted by Pope Pius X, grants indulgences to those carrying it
  • Penal rosary and cross: specifically designed with shorter crossbeams to make it easier to hide, as used by persecuted Irish Catholics
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