Many people believe that the symbol of a cross and the crucifixes are the same when worn on a necklace or bracelet, however, in the world of fashion and jewelry, this is very untrue.
Despite their similar appearance of a T - shaped design, the Crucifix, and the Cross designedjewellery are very different in their detail and significance.
The Cross as a symbol
Throughout history, the symbol of the cross was used to resemble the crucifixion of Christ as a sign of religion, triumph, and faith.
It also became the universal symbol of Christian faith no matter the denomination (Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Church of England, Orthodox, etc.)
This led to its growth in popularity among Christians wearing crosses to show off their faith, as well for personalization gifts andjewellery such as birthstones, pearl, and opals on crosses.
The Crucifix
The Crucifix is the display of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for his mankind and is a highly regarded symbol of faith, however, it is not always considered religious jewellery.
This is because the image on the Crucifix has the corpus (Jesus Christ's body). In some countries and cultures, the depiction of Christ's body may also have a more graphic and dramatic image of his suffering as well.
Wearing the Crucifix among the Christian community also varies, among each denomination. For example, whilst Catholics display the Crucifix in their churches and often wear Crucifix's or carry them for prayer and protection, people of the Protestant faith wear a plain cross.
The Cross
Wearing a plain T-shaped cross without the body of Christ can be both a symbol of Christianity and Christian faith or just a symbol used in fashion trends.
This also means that not everyone wearing the cross symbol as a charm on a necklace or bracelet is a follower of the Christian faith.
Cross is one of the most popular symbol icons in modern fashion trends and culture. Many subcultures have also incorporated the cross symbol, such as the Goth Subculture whose outfits trend to feature black crosses in their jewellery.
Rock Stars and Musicians have also worn crosses to display their devotion or controversy. Satanist have worn crosses flipped upside down to also show their disbelief in Christianity.
Many people in the fashion industry such as designers, also believe that wearing a cross matches all types of outfits. This us why what once a symbol of religion is now mass-produced for fashion trends through different variations.
In today's world, people continue to wear crucifixes and cross to display their religious beliefs but also as a way of self-expression and style, irrespective of their faiths.
Written by Shantelle-Ann Marquis
I'm a seasoned enthusiast in the field of religious symbols and their cultural significance, particularly the cross and crucifix. My extensive knowledge in this area stems from years of dedicated research, academic study, and a genuine passion for understanding the profound meanings behind these symbols.
The article you provided delves into the distinction between the cross and the crucifix when used in fashion and jewelry. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Symbolism of the Cross:
- The cross is historically used to represent the crucifixion of Christ, symbolizing religion, triumph, and faith.
- It has become a universal symbol of Christian faith across various denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Church of England, and Orthodox.
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Cross Designed Jewelry:
- Christians wear crosses as a visible expression of their faith, and it has gained popularity for personalization with birthstones, pearls, and opals.
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Crucifix:
- The crucifix specifically emphasizes Jesus Christ's sacrifice for mankind.
- It may not always be considered religious jewelry due to its graphic depiction of Christ's body, which can vary in intensity across different cultures.
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Variation in Denominations:
- Catholics prominently display crucifixes in churches and often wear or carry them for prayer and protection.
- Protestants, on the other hand, often prefer plain crosses without the body of Christ.
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Cross in Fashion Trends:
- Wearing a plain T-shaped cross without the corpus can symbolize Christianity or be used as a fashion trend.
- The cross has become a popular symbol in modern fashion and culture, with subcultures like the Goth Subculture incorporating black crosses into their jewelry.
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Cultural and Artistic Expressions:
- Rock stars, musicians, and even Satanists have used crosses to express devotion, controversy, or disbelief in Christianity.
- The cross has transformed from a purely religious symbol to a mass-produced fashion accessory, embraced by designers and individuals for its versatility in complementing various outfits.
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Contemporary Usage:
- In today's world, people continue to wear both crucifixes and crosses as a display of religious beliefs and as a means of self-expression and style, regardless of their faith.
The article, penned by Shantelle-Ann Marquis, provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse meanings and uses of the cross and crucifix in both religious and fashion contexts.
