A cross is a Christian symbol shaped by two intersecting lines. A crucifix is an image of Jesus hanging on the cross, usually showing his body and head. The terms describe different objects: one is the cross itself, while the other represents the crucifixion of Jesus.
What is the difference between a cross and a crucifix?
The cross can stand alone or carry the figure of Jesus. The word “crucifix” comes from the Latin crucifixus, meaning “crucified,” and normally refers to the cross together with the image of Jesus on it. A crucifix may be carved, cast, painted, embroidered, or printed.
- A cross is the cross form or symbol by itself. It may be plain, decorated, or contain a Christogram.
- A crucifix includes the body or image of Jesus attached to the cross.
The inscription INRI, often placed above Jesus, represents the Latin wording of the sign recorded in John 19:20. The Chi-Rho is another early Christian sign formed from the first and last letters of the Greek word for “Christ.”
What do the symbols mean?
Christians connect the cross with Jesus’ death and with salvation. A bare cross is often used as a general sign of Christianity and, especially at Easter, can also suggest resurrection and new life. A crucifix focuses attention on Jesus’ suffering and death, so many traditions use it for prayer, reflection, and devotion.
Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches commonly use crucifixes, including near the altar. Many Protestant churches prominently display a bare cross. These are broad tendencies rather than strict rules: both forms may appear in the same church, and regional or congregational customs can differ.
In traditions that use sacred images, a crucifix may be shown for veneration. Veneration is distinct from worship: Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians direct worship to God, while venerating a crucifix or other sacred image is a devotional practice.
Where are crosses and crucifixes used?
A church may place a bare cross above an altar, near a pulpit, on a baptismal font, or on the exterior of the building. A crucifix may stand beside the altar, be carried in a procession, appear in devotional art, or form part of an iconostasis in an Eastern Orthodox church.
Crucifixes also appear in some Stations of the Cross displays, a devotional practice especially associated with Roman Catholic churches and also used in some Anglican and Lutheran settings. During Good Friday services, a crucifix may be displayed prominently as worshippers reflect on Jesus’ Passion.
What should visitors notice?
The quickest clue is the figure of Jesus: if it is present, the object is a crucifix; if only the cross form appears, it is a cross. Either may be a permanent furnishing, a processional object, a drawing, or a small devotional item. Their presence does not by itself identify a church’s denomination or tell a visitor how members understand the symbol.
Visitors may pick up or handle a small crucifix as part of prayer, especially in traditions that practice veneration, but handling policies vary. In a sanctuary or procession, follow posted instructions and the guidance of the congregation.