Inverted Cross Meaning: Cross of Saint Peter

The inverted cross is a Christian symbol even though the public associates it with the antichrist. It recalls the crucifixion of Saint Peter who asked to be crucified upside down out of humiliation.

Many people, including Christians, are unaware that the inverted cross is actually a Christian symbol . Admittedly, it is somewhat confusing, as ironically it is more commonly known as an anti-Christian symbol...

We have decided to write this article to give you the true meaning of the inverted cross , also called the cross of Peter . Should we give it as much importance as the Latin cross? What does it mean for the faithful of God?

To understand everything, you will find here:

• The origin of the inverted cross

• The definition of the inverted cross

• The meaning of the inverted cross

• Why did the inverted cross become an anti-Christ sign?

• How to change people's view of the inverted cross?

Without further ado, let's start reading the article right now!

The Origin of the Inverted Cross

The inverted cross is too often associated with Satanism. It must be said that people who advocate anti-Christianity use it without moderation to show their opposition to religion. Whether in the media or in films, the inverted Latin cross has become an anti-Christian emblem that even scares some of us. If this is your case, we want to reassure you that it is originally a Christian symbol with a value dear to the Church . It was Peter who began to give particular importance to the inverted cross . This is also why we also call it the cross of Peter.

The true origin of the inverted cross comes from the crucifixion of Peter . Indeed, at the time of his execution, the disciple of Jesus asked his executioners to crucify him upside down, because he judged that he did not deserve to have the same death as his Master, our Savior. In other words, he made this request to mark his humility. " I beg you, good servants of my salvation, crucify me upside down and feet up. For it is not fitting that the least of the servants be crucified in the way in which the Master of the Universe accepted to suffer for the salvation of the whole world, him whom my passion wants to glorify... "

Just as he was about to enter the city gate of Rome, the place of his execution, Peter saw Jesus coming toward him. He fell down before Him and asked, “ Quo vadis Domine? ” which means, “ Lord, where are you going?” Jesus told him that He was going to Rome to be crucified again. Peter replied that he was going to follow Him. But then the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. As he contemplated this divine ascension, the apostle shed a few tears and realized that his Master was speaking of him and his martyrdom . He understood that the Lord would suffer in him again during his own crucifixion. This only increased his humility, hence his request to be crucified upside down.

The definition of the Inverted Cross

As its name suggests, the inverted cross resembles the Cross of Christ, but it is placed upside down. Traditionally, it is a Christian symbol just like the Crucifix, the Ichthus Fish or the Tau Cross. But over time, it has taken on a completely different meaning. Even Christians who do not know the story of Peter's martyrdom have begun to judge people who wear this emblem on them. However, it is certainly the Christian sign that most reincarnates humility, an indispensable quality among followers of God.

Since the upside-down cross continues to create controversy, most Christians have stopped using it in order to avoid misunderstandings and prejudices. Some even think that it is contradictory, even blasphemous, to wear an inverted cross when we are Christians. We will see a little later that we can still change things. As believers, we must defend what belongs to us and not let others make totally false judgments about the cross of Peter. It is a Christian sign with a powerful symbol that deserves to be known by all!

According to Roman Catholicism, the papacy must keep the use of the inverted cross in homage to their elder, the apostle Peter. We should therefore not be indignant when seeing the cross upside down on a papal throne. This sign is present in the Vatican coat of arms where the gold and silver keys of Peter are found. In reality, these keys symbolize the keys to the kingdom of God promised to Peter. But some slanderers misinterpret them simply because an inverted cross is next to it.

The Origin of the Use of the Inverted Cross as a Religious Symbol

As Peter's successor, the Pope kept the emblem of the inverted cross. Thus, the use of Peter's cross as a Christian symbol has its origins in the Catholic tradition. As a reminder, Peter's martyrdom is associated with the persecutions of the Roman Empire under Nero against the Christians of the time. According to Eusebius Pamphile, the bishop of Caesarea, Peter died in the year 64. Catholics therefore used this emblem to follow the example of the apostle in terms of humility .

In short, the inverted cross originally belongs to Christians, even if the antichrists appropriated it centuries later. Now you know that you can wear jewelry or clothing in the image of Peter's cross without going against your faith in our Lord. On the contrary, it shows that you are a humble follower of God. In case you were one of those people who misjudge all those who wear and use this symbol, you know today that it is time to change your view on the subject. Even if satanists use the inverted cross, Christians have used it long before and for good reason.

The Meaning of the Inverted Cross

Many people do not know that the inverted cross hides different messages. These are divine messages that allow Christians to maintain their faith and remain faithful to their belief.

The inverted cross symbolizes humility

At this point, you already know that the origin of the inverted cross is none other than the crucifixion of Peter. Thinking that he was not worthy of dying in the same way as the Messiah, he asked to be executed in this way. This shows how humble Peter was. Likewise, the popes used this Christian emblem to follow his example. All Christians without exception should do the same. We must remain humble in relation to the Lord, but also towards our neighbor . Whatever success you encounter in life, keep yourself modest and never put yourself on a pedestal. Otherwise, you risk looking down on others, and this is not in accordance with the Will of God.

The inverted cross means: accepting the Lord as Superior

St. Peter insisted on being crucified upside down to show his lowliness compared to Jesus . In other words, he knew very well that the death of Christ had a huge impact on all of humanity. Jesus had to suffer and endure immense humiliation to cleanse us of our sins, thus ensuring us eternal Life, if we accept Him as our Savior.

The torture and death of the Son of God were inevitable for us to enjoy Salvation. A few days later, Jesus rose again to prove to everyone that He is not a mere human, but also that suffering never has the last word when you entrust your life to the Lord. In any case, Peter remembered until the end that Jesus was his master and that he was only a disciple. Thus, the use of Peter's cross means that you accept Jesus Christ as your God , the Master of your life.

The inverted cross means God is with you

Remember, Jesus appeared to Peter at the gate of Rome. He told him that He was going to be put to death on a cross again. He was obviously talking about Peter. This means that Christ always shares the suffering of those who believe in Him . The inverted cross shows that you look to our God as your Guide, but it also means that you share your sorrows with Him.

The inverted cross symbolizes courage

Nowadays, the inverted cross is rather perceived as the ultimate symbol of Satanism. People who decorate their home with a painting or sculpture in the image of the cross of Peter, are falsely judged by visitors. Those who wear jewelry and clothes with the inverted cross often suffer the heavy gaze of others. It is true that this sign is appropriated by the anti-Christs, but that does not mean that you cannot use it! Especially now that you know the exact meaning of the inverted cross for Christians. It takes some courage to face all these prejudices .

Why did the Inverted Cross become an anti-Christ sign?

If Christians have deeper reasons to use the cross of Peter. Satanists use it just because turning a symbol upside down assigns it a contrary meaning . And for the general public, the Latin cross is the symbol of Christianity. The antichrists have therefore reversed it to show that they are against religion. We do not need to look any further. In truth, the cross remains a totally Christian sign even upside down.

It must be said that well-known horror films like The Conjuring, Constantine or The Exorcist have only fueled this popular belief since they present the inverted cross as the symbol of the devil. Not to mention some black metal rock bands that convey exactly the same rather terrifying message. Some people, Christian or not, are afraid just by seeing this sign, which should not be the case.

At the same time, Christians use the inverted cross very rarely, themselves having a completely false idea of ​​its true meaning. The media coverage of the cross of Peter as an opposition to Christianity has therefore taken precedence over the real meaning of the inverted cross . If the Cross of Jesus is often present on religious monuments and churches, the cross of Peter has never enjoyed this popularity among believers. In France, the Church of Saint-Pierre in Aulnay in Charente-Maritime, is one of the few places that displays the inverted cross.

How to change people's view of the Inverted Cross?

Just because most people associate the cross of Saint Peter with Satanism does not mean we should let ourselves be defeated. Let us be proud of our faith without letting others appropriate a symbol dear to our religion. As we said above, we must find the courage to face people's judgments. By wearing a piece of jewelry or clothing representing the inverted cross, those around you will surely ask you why you made this choice. This will be an opportunity for you to explain that in reality, it is the symbol of the humility that Peter demonstrated before he died. You can also share our article to help people understand the real meaning of the inverted cross .

It is up to us to spread this information little by little . We will be able to change people's view of this Christian sign. This may seem ambitious, but small changes make big changes over time. You can start by informing your family, friends and colleagues. They will talk about it around them and word of mouth will work. Of course, it is easier said than done, but do not forget that God is on your side to help you. We have written this article for our Lord, and for Peter who deserves to be given greater consideration regarding the meaning of his cross.

Now you know that the inverted cross is a Christian sign recalling the martyrdom of Peter . It symbolizes humility, faith in God and courage. Therefore, one should not be afraid or ashamed to use or wear items with the image of the cross of Saint Peter. On the contrary, one should be proud of it, even if it means having to explain to people why you are doing it. This will help shed light on the origin and true meaning of the upside down cross .

We hope you enjoyed this article. We have many other articles on the meaning of Christian symbols on our site. To this end, discover our article on the meaning of the Tau cross .