Cross and its broader meanings
Cross, as the oldest symbol, probably gets a large number of mysterious significance. The cross is the universal symbol of ancient time, representing the sun. In addition, the cross is also a symbol of the tree of life, a kind of reproductive symbol, where vertical bars represent the male and bars represent the female. In early time, the cross has a connection with Christian.
Actually, the cross is a kind of death penalty in ancient instruments of torture, especially in the Persian Empire, the kingdom of Damascus, the kingdom of Judah, the kingdom of Israel, Carthage and ancient Rome, it’s a kind of tattoo. In western literature, the cross is the metaphor of suffering. Most famous painting, Crucifixion of Jesus, which is from Marco Palmezzano in 1940, describes the scene where Jesus was crucified in details.
However, nowadays, the cross is the faith marker of Christian, no longer the symbol of suffering and shame. Catholics and orthodox crossed herself or wear a cross with firm faith, to clean or to commemorate the death of Jesus who saves mankind.
With the background of history and religion, the cross has been a fashion darling in modern society. Mostly, the simple cross pendant necklace or cross tattoo bracelet is the common wearing. For some big men, they sometimes will get a gold double crosses pendant necklace, though it’s heavy, it implies the weighed responsibilities on the shoulder.
Besides, the cross expands its meanings to human beings. International Red Cross (IRC), founded in Geneva in 1863, is aimed to provide humanitarian protection and assistance to the victims of war and armed violence. Regardless of religious belief and colors and races, the beliefs to help others are worth respect.
