| Name: |
Meaning: |
| Ankh (Egyptian) Cross |
Taken from the Egyptian hieroglyphics image meaning "life." |
| Budded Cross |
Represents the Holy Trinity with a trefoil at each end of the cross. |
| Cara Vaca Cross |
During the Moor occupation of 1231 in Cara Vaca, Spain, the Pectoral cross of the Patriarch of Jerusalem appeared through a window, enabling an imprisoned priest to say mass for curious and angry captives. |
| Celtic and Iona Crosses |
Originating in Ireland and taken to the Island of Iona by St. Columba. The circle around this cross symbolizes eternal life. |
| Claddagh Cross |
The heart is for love, the crown for loyalty and the hands, friendship. |
| Corpus |
Refers to the body of Christ (Crucified Christ). |
| Crucifix |
Crosses with a representation of the body of Christ that recall His death and resurrection. |
| Eastern Orthodox Cross |
The top bar represents the inscription posted by Pilate, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," and the slanted lower bar represents the footrest of Christ. The Eastern Orthodox cross is also known as a Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Byzantine and St. Olga cross. |
| Fleur de lis |
Symbolizes the Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven. A royal symbol of France. |
| Greek Cross |
One of the oldest forms of the cross. Used by early Christians to disguise the cross when Christianity was illegal. |
| INRI |
Stands for Jesus Nazarenus Rex ludaeorem, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." |
| Jerusalem Cross |
Consists of tau crosses which represent the Old Testament and four small Greek crosses which represent the fulfillment of the law in the gospels. Also known as a Crusader's cross. |
| Latin Cross |
One of the oldest forms of the cross, it is also the form of the true cross. |
| Mariner Cross |
Reminds us that Christ is our anchor, our hope. |
| Methodist Cross |
Official symbol of the United Methodist Church. The flame of the Holy Spirit sweeps the side of the cross. |
| Passion Cross |
The points at the end represent the suffering of Christ at His crucifixion. |
| St. Andrew Cross |
According to tradition, St. Andrew felt unworthy to be crucified like Christ so he asked that his cross be different. |