Crucifix
From Free net encyclopedia
- For other senses of this word, see crucifix (disambiguation).
Image:Crucifix.JPG Image:Small crucifix.jpg Image:Krucifix.jpg A crucifix is a cross with a representation of Jesus's body, or corpus (plural, corpora). It is a principal symbol of the Christian religion. It is primarily used among Roman Catholic, certain Lutheran, and Anglican Christians, and emphasizes Christ's sacrifice—his death by crucifixion. Some styles of crucifix feature a skull and crossbones below the corpus, reflecting a legend that the place of Jesus' crucifixion was also the burial place of Adam.
The corpora of Eastern Orthodox crucifixes tend to be two-dimensional icons that show Jesus as already dead, as opposed to the depictions of the still-suffering Jesus that can be found in some other Churches.
Among Protestant denominations, some prefer to depict the cross without the corpus in order to emphasize the resurrection while others claim that including the corpus is idolatry. Among Catholics and Protestants a third type of depiction of the body on the cross is what might be called a "resurrection cross" depicting a triumphant risen Christ (clothed in robes, rather than stripped as for his execution) with arms raised, appearing to rise up from the cross, sometimes accompanied by "rays of light".
A crucifix is often worn on a necklace as an item of jewelry, or is attached to a rosary. Some celebrities such as Madonna have in the past been criticized for wearing a crucifix as a fashion statement rather than as a sign of personal devotion to Christianity. It can be made out of various metals, wood, or even plastic. Some people will hang a crucifix (often a rosary) from their car's rear view mirror.
Many Christians will ask their priest to bless a crucifix and place it in their home as a reminder of what Christ has done for them.
Usage
Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic and Anglican Christians generally use the crucifix in public religious services. They believe the crucifix is in keeping with Scripture, which states that "we preach Christ crucified." Also, in the Old Testament, Moses lifted up a snake crucified on a pole-- a kind of symbolic crucifix. For a long time it was revered, but not worshipped. Later on it was destroyed by King Hezekiah because the people were worshipping it along with pagan idols.
A crucifix that is part of a rosary or a handheld crucifix is often kissed by the Christian at the start of, or at the end of prayer to Jesus. Symbolically, a Christian (especially an Orthodox Christian) may form a "cross" with the intertwined thumb, first and middle fingers of the right hand while making the sign of the cross and kiss the "cross" formed by their fingers at the end of the motion.
Prayer in front of ("before" not "to") a crucifix or cross is often part of devotion for Christians, especially those worshipping in a church, and private devotion in a chapel. The person may sit, stand, or kneel in front of the crucifix, sometimes looking at it in contemplation, or merely in front of it with head bowed or eyes closed. In Anglican and Catholic circles, a "procession" begins a Mass in which a crucifix is carried forward into the church, along with other items used in the service such as the Gospels, candles, etc.
Gravestones often depict some form of cross in Christian cemeteries or for individual believers who desire them. These range from simple cross shapes to the most elaborate and realistic sculptures. These are not typically used in worship service, but rather to symbolize the entrusting of the deceased to the care of Christ, or to express the belief of the departed.
In popular folklore, a cross or crucifix is often used to ward off Vampires, werewolves, or devils and other evil supernatural creatures that are seen to be related to demons (and thus are scared away by the symbol of Christ, who has power over them).
Other Pictures of Crucifixes
 Pardon Crucifix |
See also
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