Cross

Two common crosses.

The bent cross.

A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars crossing each other at a 90° angle, dividing one or two of the lines in half. It is one of the most ancient human symbols and crosses are symbols of many religions.

Crosses as markings

• The Roman numeral for ten is X.
• The Chinese character for the number ten (See Chinese numerals).
• The obelus (†)
• The plus sign (+) and the multiplication sign (×).

Crosses as emblems

• Any number of figures used in heraldry; see heraldic cross.
• The Papal cross used in ecclesiastical heraldry.
• Constantine's Labarum (also known as the monogram of Christ).
• The Red Cross as a symbol for medical care in most of the world, (the Red Crescent being used in Islamic countries).
• The Skull and crossbones.

Crosses as symbols

• The Christian cross identifies a Christian and is a symbol for the Christian God (especially Jesus as a reminder of the redeeming sacrifice of the Crucifixion on the True Cross), or a Christian object or location.
• The High crosses of the free-standing Celtic crosses in Britain and Ireland.
• Odin's symbol in Norse mythology was a cross in a circle.
• The ancient Swastika (adopted later by the Nazi).
• The Ancient Egyptian Ankh is also a cross.

Crosses in flags

• Danebrogen
• Flag of England
• Flag of Greece
• Flag of Malta
• Flag of Scotland
• Flag of Sweden
• Flag of Switzerland

The cross in heraldry

Constellation

The Southern Cross is a constellation of the Southern Hemisphere.

See also

• Iron Cross
• Cross of Lorraine
• Knights Hospitaller
• Seal of the demons
• Demons and symbols

Referenced By