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TheChristian cross, with or without a figure ofChrist included, is the mainreligious symbol ofChristianity. A cross with a figure of Christ affixed to it is termed acrucifix and the figure is often referred to as thecorpus (Latin for "body").
The termGreek cross designates a cross with arms of equal length, as in a plus sign, while theLatin cross designates a cross with an elongated descending arm. Numerous other variants have been developed during themedieval period.
Christian crosses are used widely in churches, on top of church buildings, on bibles, in heraldry, in personal jewelry, on hilltops, and elsewhere as an attestation or other symbol of Christianity.Crosses are a prominent feature of Christiancemeteries, either carved ongravestones or as sculptedstelae. Because of this, planting small crosses is sometimes used in countries ofChristian culture to mark the site of fatal accidents, or, such as theZugspitze orMount Royal, so as to be visible over the entire surrounding area.Catholic,Anglican andLutheran depictions of the cross are often crucifixes, in order to emphasize that it is Jesus that is important, rather than the cross in isolation. Large crucifixes are a prominent feature of some Lutheran churches, e.g. as arood. However, some otherProtestant traditions depict the cross without the corpus, interpreting this form as an indication of belief in the resurrection rather than as representing the interval between the death and the resurrection of Jesus.
Several Christian cross variants are available in computer-displayed text. A Latin cross ("†") is included in the extended ASCII character set,[1] and several variants have been added toUnicode, starting with the Latin cross in version 1.1.[2] For others, seeReligious and political symbols in Unicode.
Basic variants, or early variants widespread sinceantiquity.A total number of 15 variants.
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
.svg) | Latin (or Roman) cross | Cross with a longer descending arm, whereby the top of the upright shaft extends above the transverse beam. It represents the cross of Jesus's crucifixion. In Latin, it was referred to ascrux immissa orcrux capitata. | [3] |
.svg) | Greek cross | A type of cross with arms of equal length, used as anational symbol ofGreece,Switzerland, andTonga. Along with the Latin cross, it is one of the most common Christian forms, in common use by the 4th century. | [4][5] |
 | Byzantine cross | Upright cross with outwardly widening ends. It is often seen in relics from thelate antique andearly medieval Byzantine Empire (untilc. 800) and was adopted by other Christian cultures of the time, such as theFranks andGoths. | [6] |
.svg) | Patriarchal cross (two-bar cross) | Also called an archiepiscopal cross or acrux gemina. A double-cross, with the two crossbars near the top. The upper one is shorter, representing the plaque nailed to Jesus's cross. Similar to theCross of Lorraine, though in the original version of the latter, the bottom arm is lower. The Eastern Orthodox (Slavic) cross adds a slanted bar near the foot. | [5] |
.svg) | Double cross | The Cross of the eight-point cross-stone ceremony.[clarification needed] | [7] |
.svg) | Cross of Lorraine (two-barred cross) | The Cross of Lorraine consists of one vertical and two horizontal bars. The two-barred cross consists of a vertical line crossed by two shorter horizontal bars. In most renditions, the horizontal bars are "graded" with the upper bar being the shorter, though variations with the bars of equal length are also seen. | [8] |
.svg) | Papal cross | A cross with three bars near the top. The bars are of unequal length, each one shorter than the one below. | [9][10] |
 | Sacred Heart | A depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, featuring flames, a crown of thorns, and a Latin Cross. | [11] |
.svg) | Cross of Salem | Also known as a pontifical cross, it is similar to a patriarchal cross, but with an additional crossbar below the main crossbar, equal in length to the upper crossbar. | [12] |
.svg) | Staurogram | The earlier visual image of the cross, already present inNew Testamentmanuscripts asP66,P45 andP75. | [13] |
.svg) | Chi Rho | The Chi Rho (/ˈkaɪˈroʊ/; also known as chrismon) is one of the earliest forms ofchristogram, formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters—chi and rho (ΧΡ)—of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Christos) in such a way that the vertical stroke of the rho intersects the center of the chi. | [14] |
.svg) | Stepped cross | A cross resting on a base with several steps (usually three), also called a graded or aCalvary cross. This symbol first appears on coinage from the time of Byzantine EmperorHeraclius (r. 610–641). The three steps representFaith, Hope and Charity, and are sometimes markedFides (top),Spes (middle) andCaritas (bottom), theLatin forms of these words. | [15] |
.svg) | Jerusalem cross | Also known as the Crusader's Cross. A large cross with a smaller cross in each of its angles. It was used as a symbol of theKingdom of Jerusalem. | [16][17] |
.svg) | Ringed cross | A cross featuring a ring ornimbus. This type has several variants, including thecruciform halo and theCeltic cross. Acruciform halo is used to represent the persons of the Holy Trinity, especially Jesus, and it was used especially in medieval art. | [18][19] |
.svg) | Forked cross | A cross in the form of the letter Y that gained popularity in the late 13th or early 14th century in the German Rhineland. Also known as acrucifixus dolorosus, furca, ypsilon cross, Y-cross, thief's cross or robber's cross. | [20][21] |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
.svg) | Cross of Saint Peter | A cross with the crossbeam placed near the foot, that is associated withSaint Peter because of the tradition that he was crucified head down. In modern culture, the cross is often also associated withSatanism oranti-Christian sentiment. | [22][23] |
.svg)  | Tau cross | A T-shaped cross. Also called theSaint Anthony's cross, theSaint Francis' cross andcrux commissa. | [24] |
.svg) | Saltire orcrux decussata (Saint Andrew's cross) | An X-shaped cross associated with St. Andrew, patron ofScotland, and so a national symbol of that country. The shape is that of the cross on whichSaint Andrew is said to have been martyred. Also known as St. Andrew's Cross or Andrew Cross. | [5][25] |
.svg)  | Brigid's cross | Bride's cross, also known asBrigid's cross or Brighid's cross, these are usually woven of rushes or wheat stalks. They can be Christian or pagan symbols depending on context. They may have three or four arms. | [26][27] |
 | Saint George's Cross | Sometimes associated withSaint George, the military saint, often depicted as a crusader from the Late Middle Ages, the cross has appeared on many flags, emblems, standards, and coats of arms. Its first documented use was as the ensign of theRepublic of Genoa, whereafter it was used successively by thecrusaders. Notable uses are on theFlag of England and theGeorgian flag. | [28][29] |
.svg)
| Anchored cross | A stylized cross in the shape of an anchor. A varied symbol, the mariner's cross is also referred to as the cross ofSaint Clement in reference to the way he was martyred, or the cross of Hope, as a reference to Hebrews 6:19. It traditionally symbolizes security, hope, steadfastness, and composure. | [5][30] |
 | Pectoral cross ofCuthbert | A relic associated with Cuthbert. | [31][32] |
.svg) | Cross ofSaint Gilbert (Portate cross) | A cross is usually shown erect, as it would be when used for crucifixion. The Portate Cross differs in that it is borne diagonally, as it would be when the victim bears the cross-bar over his shoulder as he drags it along the ground to the crucifixion site. | [33] |
 | Cross of Saint James (sword cross) | A red Cross of Saint James with flourished arms, surmounted with an escallop, was the emblem of the twelfth-century Galician and Castillian military Order of Santiago, named afterSaint James the Greater. | [34][35] |
.svg) | Saint Julian Cross | A Cross Crosslet tilted at 45 degrees. It is sometimes referred to as theMissionary Cross. | [7] |
.svg) | Grapevine cross (Saint Nino's cross) | Also known as the cross ofSaint Nino of Cappadocia, who ChristianisedGeorgia. | [36] |
 | Saint Thomas cross | The ancient cross used bySaint Thomas Christians (also known as Syrian Christians or Nasrani) in Kerala, India. | [37] |
.svg) | Cross ofSaint Philip | A sideways cross associated with Philip the Apostle due to a story of him being crucified sideways. | [38] |
 | Cross ofSaint Florian | The cross of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, is often confused with theMaltese Cross. | [39] |
 | Catherine wheel | Seven Catherines have been granted sainthood. This cross is composed of wagon wheels and is attributed to (at least) three saints:Saint Catherine of Alexandria,Saint Jarlath andSaint Quentin. | [40][41] |
 | Cross ofSaint John | A Latin cross with the crossing point, starting initially as wide permanent and widening only at its end to the outside arms. It is not to be confused with theMaltese cross, also known as the St. John's cross. In heraldry, it is a common figure in coat of arms. | |
 | Cross ofSaint Chad | The cross is a combination of a Potent Cross and Quadrate Cross, which appears in the arms of the episcopal see of Lichfield & Coventry. | [42] |
 | Cross ofJeremiah | The cross of the prophet Jeremiah, also known as the "Weeping Prophet". | [7] |
 | Cross ofLazarus | A greenMaltese cross associated with St. Lazarus. | [43] |
 | Cross ofSaint Maurice | A white cross bottony associated withSaint Maurice. | [44] |
 | Cross of Saints Lazarus and Maurice | A combined cross of Saints Lazarus and Maurice |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cross of the Angels | Symbol of the city ofOviedo and theRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Oviedo. Donated by kingAlfonso II of Asturias in 808. | [45][46] |
  | Armenian cross | Symbol of theArmenian Apostolic Church, and a typical feature ofkhachkars. Also known as the "Blooming Cross" owing to the trefoil emblems at the ends of each branch. A khachkar (cross-stone) is a popular symbol of Armenian Christianity. | [47] |
 | Bolnisi cross | AncientGeorgian cross and national symbol from the 5th century AD. | [48] |
 | Caucasian Albanian cross | AncientCaucasian Albanian cross and national symbol from the 4th century AD. | |
.svg) | Cross of Burgundy | A saw toothed form of theSt. Andrews cross, symbolizing the rough branches he was crucified on. A historic symbol of theBurgundy region, dating back to the 15th century when supporters of theDuke of Burgundy adopted the badge to show allegiance in theArmagnac–Burgundian Civil War. | [49] |
 | Byzantine cross-crosslet | A Byzantine cross variant seen on several coins and artifacts of theLate Macedonian,Doukas, andEarly Komnenos dynasties of theByzantine Empire (c.950–1092). Combines aspects of thePatriarchal cross, Greek cross, andCalvary cross into a unique variation that may have inspired the laterJerusalem cross. | |
 | Canterbury cross | A cross with four arms of equal length which widen to a hammer shape at the outside ends. Each arm has a triangular panel inscribed in a triquetra (three-cornered knot) pattern. There is a small square panel in the center of the cross. A symbol of theAnglican andEpiscopal Churches. | [50] |
.svg) .svg) | Celtic cross | Essentially a Greek or Latin cross, with a circle enclosing the intersection of the upright and crossbar, as in the standingHigh crosses. | [51] |
.svg) | Crux Ansata | Shaped like the letterT usually surmounted by a circle. Not to be confused with an Ankh which is usually surmounted by a drop shape. Adopted from the EgyptianAnkh by theCopts (Egyptian Christians) andEthiopian Orthodox Christians. | [52] |
 | Coptic cross | The original Coptic cross has its origin in theCoptic ankh. Many Coptic Christians have the cross tattooed as a sign of faith. | [53][54] |
 | New Coptic cross | This newCoptic cross is the cross currently used by theCoptic Catholic Church and theCoptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. | |
 | Lalibela cross | This is one of many variations ofEthiopian crosses and generally made up of latticework, used byEthiopian Christians and associated with the churches ofLalibela. | [55] |
 | Cossack cross | A type of cross used byZaporozhian Cossacks and theArmed Forces of Ukraine. Frequently used inUkraine as a memorial sign to fallen soldiers and in military awards. | [56] |
 | East Syrian cross | Church of the East cross. | |
 | Huguenot cross | The cross represents not only the death of Christ but also victory over death and impiety. This is represented also in the Maltese cross. It is boutonné, the eight points symbolising the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) Between the arms of the cross is the stylised fleur-de-lys (on the French Coat of Arms), each has 3 petals; the total of twelve petals of the fleur-de-lys signify the twelve apostles. Between each fleur-de-lys and the arms of the Maltese cross with which it is joined, an open space in the form of a heart, the symbol of loyalty, suggests the seal of the French Reformer, John Calvin. The pendant dove symbolises the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). In times of persecution a pearl, symbolizing a teardrop, replaced the dove. | [57] |
 | Maltese cross | An eight-pointed cross having the form of four V-shaped elements, each joining the others at its vertex, leaving the other two tips spread outward symmetrically. It is the cross symbol associated with theOrder of St. John since the Middle Ages, shared with thetraditional Knights Hospitaller and theSovereign Military Order of Malta, and by extension with the island ofMalta. | [39][58] |
.svg) | Maronite cross | Cross of theSyriac Maronite Church. Reminiscent of the Papal cross and cross of Lazarus. | [59][60] |
 | Nestorian cross | In Eastern Christian art found on tombs in China, these crosses are sometimes simplified and depicted as resting on a lotus flower or on a stylized cloud. | [61][62] |
 | Occitan cross | Based on the counts ofToulouse's traditional coat of arms, it soon became the symbol ofOccitania as a whole. | [63] |
 | "Carolingian cross" | Cross oftriquetras, called "Carolingian" byRudolf Koch for its appearance in Carolingian-era art. | [64] |
 | Rose Cross | A cross with a rose blooming at the center. The central symbol to all groups embracing the philosophy of theRosicrucians. | [65] |
 | Serbian cross | A Greek cross with a C (Cyrillic S) in each of its angles, inspired by the imperial motto of thePalaiologos dynasty, but with the meaning of "Only unity saves the Serbs" (СамоСлогаСрбинаСпасава), generally attributed to Serbian patron saint,St. Sava. A national symbol ofSerbia and symbol of theSerbian Orthodox Church. The cross is used on thecoat of arms of Serbia and theflag of Serbia. | [66] |
.svg) | Orthodox cross | Also known as the Russian cross, Slavic, Slavonic cross, or Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox cross. A three-barred cross in which the short top bar represents the inscription over Jesus' head, and the lowest (usually slanting) short bar, placed near the foot, represents his footrest (in Latin,suppedaneum). This cross existed in a slightly different form (with the bottom crossbeam pointing upwards) inByzantium, and it was changed and adopted by the Russian Orthodox Church and especially popularized in theEast Slavic countries. | [67] |
.svg) | Russian cross | Six-pointed variant ofRussian Orthodox cross. Also called the suppedaneum cross, meaning under-foot cross, referring to the bar where Jesus put his feet while crucified. | [68] |
 | Macedonian Cross, also known as Veljusa Cross. | Macedonian Christian symbol. | [69] |
 | Anuradhapura cross | A symbol ofChristianity in Sri Lanka. | [70][71][72] |
 | Nordic cross/Scandinavian cross | A sideways cross typically used on flags of Scandinavian countries, originally derived from theflag of Denmark. | [73][74] |
 | West Syrian cross | Syriac Orthodox cross. | [75] |
 | Gion-mamorimon | The mon of theGion Shrine, depicting two crossed amulets and a horn, adopted byKakure Kirishitans persecuted under the Tokugawa Shogunate. | [76] |
.png) | Troll cross | A Christian cross engraved on objects in Scandinavia to ward off evil spirits such astrolls. | [77] |
 | Cross of Alcoraz | A red cross surrounded by fourmoor's heads, used in thecoat of arms of Aragon and theflag of Sardinia. | [78] |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cross and Crown | A Christian symbol used by various Christian denominations, particularly theBible Student movement and theChurch of Christ, Scientist. It has also been used in heraldry. The emblem is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross) (James 1:12). | [79][80] |
 | Gamma cross | A Greek cross. Eachgamma represents one of the four Evangelists, radiating from the central Greek Cross, which represents Christ. The term "Gamma cross" can refer to either a voided cross or a swastika. | [81] |
 | Cross of passion | The Passion Cross has sharpened points at the end of one or more of the cross members. It is also referred to as the Cross of Suffering representing the nails that Christ suffered at his Crucifixion. In heraldry, it is known as the Cross aiguisée. | [82] |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Marian Cross | A term invented to refer toPope John Paul II's combination of a Latin cross and the letter M, representingMary being present onCalvary. | [83] |
.svg) | Off Center Cross ofChristian Universalism. | The off-center cross was invented in late April, 1946, in a hotel room in Akron, Ohio, during the Universalist General Assembly, where a number of Universalist ministers pooled their ideas. | [84][85] |
.svg){kind=icon} .svg){kind=icon} | Ordnance Survey cross symbols | Used on Ordnance Survey maps to representchurches andchapels. A cross on a filled square represents a church with atower; and a cross on a filled circle represents a church with aspire. Churches without towers or spires are represented by plain Greek crosses. These symbols also now refer to non-Christian places of worship, and the cross on a filled circle also represents a place of worship with aminaret ordome. | [86] |
 | Cross of Camargue | Symbol for the French region ofCamargue, created in 1926 by the painterHermann-Paul at the request ofFolco de Baroncelli-Javon to represent the "Camargue nation" of herdsmen and fishermen. It embodies the threetheological virtues of Christianity:faith (represented bytridents ofgardians on a Christian cross),hope (represented by theanchor ofsinners), andcharity (represented by theheart ofThe Three Marys). | [87] |
 | Ecumenical cross | Symbol of ecumenism, the concept that all church denominations should work together to promote Christian unity. Adopted in 1948, symbolizing the message of the ecumenical movement and tracing its origins to the gospel story of the calling of the disciples by Jesus and the stilling of the storm on Lake Galilee. | [88] |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Iron Cross | A German military cross originating as a military decoration inPrussia. Later used in various military and security force decorations in the unifiedGerman Empire,Weimar Republic,Nazi Germany and the modernFederal Republic, particularly as a symbol of theGerman Air Force (Luftwaffe). | [89] |
 | Order of Christ Cross | A red Greek cross starting initially as wide permanent and widening only at its end to the outside arms, with a white inner simple Greek cross. Not to be confused with the Cross ofSaint John nor the Maltese cross. It's the insignia of theMilitary Order of Christ (Portuguese:Ordem Militar de Cristo), formerKnights Templar order as it was reconstituted inPortugal after the Templars were abolished on 22 March 1312, being theGrand Master the currentPresident of Portugal. It's an honorific symbol of thePortuguese Navy, and current symbol of thePortuguese Air Force. | [90] |
 | Supreme Order of Christ Cross | A red Latin cross starting initially as wide permanent and widening only at its end to the outside arms, with a white inner simple Latin cross. Not to be confused with the Cross ofSaint John nor the Maltese cross. It's the symbol of the PapalSupreme Order of Christ (Italian:Ordine Supremo del Cristo), the highestorder of chivalry awarded by thePope, and it's the Papal parallel to the Order of Christ in bothPortugal andBrazil. | [90] |
| Image | Name | Description | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Crucifix | A cross with a representation ofJesus' body hanging from it. It is primarily used inCatholic,Anglican,Lutheran, andEastern Orthodox churches (where the figure is painted), and it emphasizes Christ's sacrifice—his death bycrucifixion. It is also used on most rosaries, a Catholic tool for prayer. | [91] |
 | Altar cross | A cross on a flat base to rest upon thealtar of a church. The earliest known representation of an altar cross appears in a miniature in a 9th-century manuscript. By the 10th century such crosses were in common use, but the earliest extant altar cross is a 12th-century one in theGreat Lavra onMount Athos.Mass in theRoman Rite requires the presence of a cross (more exactly, a crucifix) "on or close to" the altar. Accordingly, the required cross may rest on thereredos rather than on the altar, or it may be on the wall behind the altar or be suspended above the altar. | [92][93] |
.jpg) | Blessing cross | Used bypriests of theEastern Catholic, Eastern Orthodox andOriental Orthodox Churches to bestowblessings upon the faithful. | [94] |
 | Cross necklace | A small cross or crucifix worn as apendant on a necklace. | [95][96] |
 | High cross | A large stone cross that is richly decorated. From the 19th century, many large modern versions have been erected for various functions, and smaller Celtic crosses have become popular for individual grave monuments, usually featuring only abstract ornament, usually interlace. | [97] |
 | Processional cross | Used to leadreligious processions; sometimes, after the procession it is placed behind the altar to serve as an altar cross. | [98] |
 | Crux gemmata | A cross inlaid with gems with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega suspended from the arms. | [99] |
 | Pectoral cross | A large cross worn in front of the chest (inLatin,pectus) by someclergy. | [100] |
 | Rood | Large crucifix high in a church; most medieval Western churches had one, often with figures of theVirgin Mary andJohn the Evangelist alongside, and often mounted on arood screen | [101] |
 | Globus cruciger | An artifact consisting of a golden orb (representing the world) surmounted by a cross, used in Imperial imagery since theLate Roman Empire. Theglobus cruciger made its way into theImperial regalia of theByzantine Empire, and was later adopted by thePapacy,Holy Roman Empire, and many other countries of theLate Medieval andEarly Modern era to signify Imperial authority overChristendom. | [102][103] |
 | Conciliation cross | A type of cross erected where murders or accidents have occurred, typically in Central Europe. | [104] |
 | Wayside cross | A cross erected near a path near the edge of a field or forest serve as waymarks for walkers or pilgrims. | [105][106] |
 | Battlefield cross | A cross made to commemorate a military serviceperson killed in action, made from their rifle, boots, and helmet. It is a military tradition in the United States. | [107] |
For use in documents made using a computer, there areUnicode code-points for multiple types of Christian crosses.
There are code points for other crosses in the blockMiscellaneous Symbols and Pictographs, mainly variants of the Greek cross, but their usage may be limited by availability of acomputer font that can display them.
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