Meaning of Christian Cross Necklaces

Cross necklaces are timeless jewelry with a special meaning, especially for Christians. More than just accessories, Christian cross jewelry symbolizes faith in God and belonging to religion.

Before you choose the type of cross necklace that you need, it is important to understand what it actually means. For this, you are here at the right place, because this article explains in more detail the meaning of Christian Cross Necklaces.

You will find there:

• The Cross as a Religious Symbol

• The difference between Cross and Crucifix

• The Different Types of Christian Crosses

• The Meaning of Christian Cross Necklaces

Let’s get to the heart of the matter now!

1) The Cross: Religious Symbol

We see the sign of the cross on church steeples, hanging on the wall of a religious house, worn around the neck or on a ring. However, many do not know what the use of the cross actually means. There is also much debate about whether or not it is appropriate to wear religious jewelry. Like cross necklaces or crucifix necklaces for example. We will come back to this later.

The use of the Latin, Orthodox, Celtic, or other crosses comes first of all from the search to feel closer to God. The pendant of the cross is mostly worn with a leather, steel, silver or gold chain, around the neck by many people. This is so that the man or woman who wears it feels united with the Holy Spirit.

To understand whether or not wearing a Christian cross is acceptable, we need to understand the history of each cross and their meaning. And more specifically what it means in our personal lives.

Many consider the cross as a symbol reminding us of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ , the beloved Savior who saved mankind. Because it was God's will and Jesus willingly went to the cross taking upon himself all the sins of the world. This is one of the primary reasons why many Christian people wear the sacred pendant of the Son of God. Keep in mind, by wearing the cross of Christ, God would watch over you wherever you are and protect you from the demon Satan! 🙏

2) Difference between Cross and Crucifix

The words Cross and Crucifix are often used interchangeably that it is important to put a point on it in order to understand the meaning of each of these two terms. Especially when one would like to wear one of these sacred religious jewelry. Crosses and crucifixes are both signs of faith and are worn by many Christians and non-Christians for personal and cultural reasons.

A. Cross Necklace

The Latin Cross is a simple cross that does not bear the figure of Jesus Christ crucified. This cross is the most widespread religious symbol of Christianity in the world. Indeed, this cross is mostly worn around the neck, inside or outside of one's clothes. It is used to emphasize the resurrection of Jesus since the cross is not represented by the figure of Christ. Just like this sublime cross pendant necklace bearing the pendant of the Latin cross in question.

B. Jesus Cross Necklace (crucifix)

The Cross Crucifix which can also be called, the cross of Jesus , is a powerful symbol that represents Jesus dead on the cross. The image of the body of Christ on the cross is used to represent his sacrifice in order to redeem humanity. Many Christians and especially Catholics and Orthodox, wear this cross on their necklaces to purify their souls and thank the Lord for his abandonment on the cross. The word "crucifix" is an abbreviation of crucifixion. This was the term used by the Romans when there was a criminal hostage and the Romans had to nail him to a wooden cross to punish him.

3) Celtic Cross Necklace

Also called the haloed cross, the Celtic Cross is a symbol characterizing Celtic Christianity. This representation of the cross first appeared on the island of Ireland in the early Middle Ages. After the arrival of the Celts from 500 BC, this magnificent symbol featuring several models of crosses spread throughout the landscape of Ireland.

The construction of the Celtic Cross features a traditional cross accented with a circle around the intersection of the arms and the shaft. Subject to many different interpretations, the Celtic Cross is considered to be a representation of knowledge, strength, and compassion to handle the ups and downs of life. The four arms of the cross are considered to represent the four directions of compassion and the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. It commemorates in the representation of our spirit, soul, body, and heart. The central ring of the Celtic Cross evokes the symbol of infinite love. It is a symbolism of the never-ending love for God .

The Celtic Cross is rich with powerful representation and perfectly reflects the hopes and ambitions of the Celts. That is why we have made sure to pay tribute to this Christian cross by bringing you our Celtic Cross Necklaces . Each piece of these wonderful necklaces is dedicated to ensuring the image of the Celtic Cross through the precision and detail with which they have been designed.

4) Orthodox Cross Necklace

The use of the Russian Orthodox Cross is widespread as the oldest and most revered mark of Orthodox Christianity. Due to its traditional design, a classic Orthodox cross is also known as a Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Greek, Byzantine or Oriental cross. It is considered an authentic symbol of the Orthodox faith.

One of the questions most asked by all Christians, especially Catholics and Protestants, is why is the Orthodox Cross represented by three bars? To answer this question in a very precise and detailed way, we invite you to read our article on the Origin of the Orthodox Cross telling you the history and birth of this sublime Christian symbol.

The different models of the Orthodox Cross are widely used symbols in order to keep conditioning the faith of Christ on oneself. There are a good number of Christians using this sacred pendant of Eastern Orthodoxy on their necklace. Man or woman, each of the Orthodox crosses is a real religious accessory to keep close to oneself in order to always remain close to the Son of God. 🙇

5) Jerusalem Cross Necklace

This cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of Christianity. The Jerusalem Cross consists of a large central cross with four smaller Greek crosses in each quadrant. Also known as the Crusader Cross, the Jerusalem Cross dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, establishing Christianity in the region. Even after the overthrow of the Crusader state in 1291, the cross remained a symbol of Jerusalem for Christians and became the emblem of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Today, this sign remains the emblem of the Order and the symbol of all those who work to preserve the Christianity of Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem cross is believed to represent several things. Historians note that the four small crosses represent the four gospels of: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The four crosses can also be represented by the four corners of the earth, where Jesus wanted his word to be proclaimed by his disciples. Other historians believe that these four small crosses represent the four wounds , of Jesus' hands and feet. While the large cross represents the pierced heart of Christ. 💘

The eye-catching design of the Jerusalem Cross makes it a popular choice among those looking for a unique way to express their faith. It is a perfect piece of jewelry for anyone looking for a cross that reminds them of Christ's connection to the Holy Land.

6) Cross of Lorraine necklace

The Cross of Lorraine is part of the heraldic arms of Lorraine in eastern France. It was originally considered a symbol of Joan of Arc, a native of Lorraine. In the 19th century, the emblems of France were part of the iconographic attributes of Joan of Arc. This religious cross became a symbol of memory and resistance of the French homeland after the war of 1870 against the German States.

The Cross of Lorraine was officially prescribed as the emblem of Free France by a regulation of June 5, 1941. At the end of the war, it was often associated with the V for Victory .

Wearing this emblem is a symbol of grace towards the French homeland and more particularly the soldiers who wore the Cross of Lorraine as a religious symbol and as a sacred good luck charm. Wearing this cross will highlight your compassion towards the French homeland.

7) Patriarchal Cross Necklace

The Patriarchal Cross is a variation of the Christian cross, a religious symbol of Christianity. Similar to the Latin cross we know, the patriarchal cross has a smaller crossbar placed above the main one, so that the two crossbars are near the top. Sometimes the patriarchal cross has a short slanted crossbar near the foot like one of the models of the Orthodox cross.

This cross appeared in large numbers in the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century. It was long thought that the Pope gave it to Saint Stephen as a symbol of the Apostolic Kingdom of Hungary. The two-barred cross has been one of the main elements of the jeweled coat of arms of the Kingdom of Hungary since 1190. It appeared during the reign of King Béla III, who was elevated to the Byzantine court. The cross flies in the coats of arms and on coins of this period.

The whole extent of the Patriarchal Cross is based on the fact that it is an ancient Christian symbol with roots that covet all the extent of the Christian faith. Can know it and this is one of the reasons why wearing this unique cross will enrich your life especially if you find on this symbol a link between you and God.💞

8) Inverted Cross Necklace: Saint Peter

As the name suggests, an Inverted Cross is simply an upside-down Latin cross. A person hanging on this cross would be positioned with their head down. The most recognizable figure to have been crucified in this manner was Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. For centuries, the inverted cross has been considered a Christian symbol, based on an ancient tradition that the apostle Peter was crucified upside down. One version of the story says that Peter, facing martyrdom through crucifixion, asked for his cross to be reversed because he felt unworthy of dying in the same manner as Christ. The inverted cross, sometimes called the Cross of Saint Peter or the Petrine Cross, thus became a symbol of humility .

Several black metal bands use an inverted cross to draw attention to their supposed devotion to Satan. 👺 Even if the image of this sacred symbol has been modified over time, we do not forget that this cross is above all a symbol of Christian Christianity! We bless Saint Peter for having given his soul and sacrificing himself on the cross in order to always spread the divine word of the God of heaven.

Rich in emotion, each necklace of this sublime pendant is a unique way to carry within you all the glory emitted by Peter wanting, like us, to bless our God. Our inverted cross necklace collection, includes six of these superb crosses, all having been sculpted with precision in order to have the best representation of this sacred religious sign!

9) Horizontal Cross Necklace

A trend in religious jewelry that is appearing almost everywhere and among many female celebrities is the cross in a horizontal (lateral) position. This type of cross is connected to a steel, gold or silver chain at its upper and lower points. The cross is thus suspended horizontally on the side instead of being suspended vertically up and down. This pendant, especially found on necklaces , is a very popular contemporary trend of our time. Many wonder what this new symbol means. This jewel has several different interpretations that we will identify and which will also depend on the one who will wear it. 🙇‍♀️

A. Interpretation 1: Jesus carrying the Cross

The first interpretation preferred by women who wear this pendant on their necklace is that of Jesus carrying the Cross . If you notice carefully, Jesus did not carry the cross in an upright position, but in a reclined position. For many, this symbol reminds us of the sacrifice, pain and humiliation of our Lord. It allows us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and honor his courage.

B. Interpretation 2: God's Salvation

Many people see the horizontal cross as a symbol of Jesus saving his people when he reached the top of the hill. As his work was finished, the cross was laid on the ground. He no longer had to carry the weight of the cross and therefore all the sins of his people. Unlike the inverted cross, the sideways cross does not have any negative connotations that have been attributed to it regarding the Christian faith. It is quite respectful to wear this cross on your necklace in order to increase your faith in Christ. 🙇‍♀️

C. Interpretation 3: Form of Worship (celebrity)

For some, the sideways cross is just a fashion trend. In fact, the horizontal cross has been used a lot in fashion in recent years. It is gaining great importance in the world of jewelry. Spotted among many celebrities wearing the sideways cross considering it a sacred and elegant piece to wear.

As stated above, the very definition of who will wear the horizontal cross , can have a religious implication that differs from one person to another. The sideways cross is a relatively new approach to this type of jewelry, and it is mainly thanks to celebrities that it has quickly gained popularity. 👸🏼

10) A Meaning that depends only on you !

You have seen through this article that Christian Cross Necklaces are jewels with a meaning relating to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and therefore to the Redemption. You have also discovered that in reality, there are several types of Christian crosses , each with its own origin and meaning. Now you know which Christian cross necklace to choose according to your preferences and the meaning that most appeals to you. In any case, wearing this jewel marks your faith in our Lord and your gratitude towards his infinite Love.