The Emergence of the Symbol of the Cross

Let's discover together the origins of the symbol of the cross and see that its history goes back even further than you imagine!

THE EMERGENCE OF THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS: The origin of the symbol of the cross can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians of Chaldea. In other words, this symbol existed long before the birth of Jesus Christ and the emergence of Christianity. Subsequently, the cross traveled a journey through different cultures and continents.

EARLY USES OF THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS: The cross was used by various civilizations long before the advent of Christianity. In various forms, the pre-Christian cross had sacred meaning among the Chaldeans, Phoenicians, Egyptians and several other peoples. The Romans, for example, had also adopted it.

A) Use of the cross among the Romans before Christianity: The Romans, being pagans, already displayed the god Jupiter holding a long scepter with a cross-shaped end on their coins. The Vestal Virgins, virgins of pagan Rome, also wore a cross suspended from their necklaces, a tradition found among current Catholic nuns.

THE CHRISTIAN INTEGRATION OF THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS: In early Christianity, few visual symbols were used, such as the lyre, the sea anchor, a windward ship, the orante, the criophore, the dove or the fish . To increase the visibility and acceptance of Christianity, pagans were welcomed into churches and generally allowed to maintain their signs and symbols, including the cross, although it was seen as a non-Christian emblem due to its pagan origins.

So, you now know the origin of the cross, even preceding the advent of Christianity. The appropriation and integration of this symbol by the Church contributed to its diffusion. If you liked this article, don’t hesitate to share it and visit our site!