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 might 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 path across different cultures and continents.

EARLY USES OF THE CROSS SYMBOL: The cross was used by various civilizations long before the advent of Christianity. In various forms, the pre-Christian cross had a 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 Vestals, virgins of pagan Rome, also wore a cross suspended from their necklace, a tradition that is found among modern Catholic nuns.

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

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