The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redemptive effects of his Passion and death; the cross, is the primary emblem of the Christian religion. As a result, the cross represents both Christ and the Christian religion. Making the sign of the cross at a ceremony may, depending on the setting, be interpreted as a profession of faith, a prayer, a dedication, or a benediction.
We have explored different Christian Cross Variants previously with a notable deep-dive into the often misunderstood upside-down or St Peter’s Cross. We continue to expand on this today by exploring nuances of the Christian Sideways Cross Meaning, particularly in necklaces, which is where we see them most right now.
What Is The Significance Of The Christian Sideways Cross Meaning?
To best understand, let’s do a quick review of some of the most prominent cross variants to see how they influence the sideways cross we see today.
- The Greek cross, or crux quadrata, has four equal arms.
- The Latin cross, or crux, has three equal arms but a base stem that is longer than the other three.
- The Greek letter tau is used to represent the cross in the crux, also known as St. Anthony’s cross.
- The Roman discusses is used to represent the cross in the crux decussata. Some people think that Christ died on a crux, despite tradition favoring the crux immissa.
- These four forms gave rise to the numerous varieties and ornamentations of the processional, altar, and heraldic crosses as well as the carved and painted crosses seen in churches, cemeteries, and other locations.
The significance of the sideways cross meaning is subject to many different interpretations. Depending on your religious affiliation, this sideways cross that hangs horizontally from a chain or ring shank may have a variety of connotations. These consist of:
- Represents a solid person who understands their position in the world.
- Symbolizes either Jesus Christ bearing the cross or the cross lying on its side after Jesus Christ’s ascension.
- Wearer’s preparation for the Lord’s return is symbolized by this; it represents the planet and humanity.
- Conceived as a stylish method to present a cross
Specific Symbolism Of The Sideways Cross Necklace Meaning
The sideways cross necklace is hot right now, and fashionistas all around the world are wearing them. Most people pick this appealing design as a fashion statement, however, some do so to express their values. There is no denying the attractiveness of the cross sign. Using two straight bars that cross at 90-degree angles, is simple and attractive. The symmetrical form’s simplicity makes it the perfect addition to any ensemble.
Its popularity has increased as a result of celebrity interest in the side cross necklace. People have a natural tendency to dress in a certain way when they like someone. Sales of sideways cross necklaces in white or yellow gold rise when models like Lucy Hale, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston and Kelly Ripa, are photographed wearing them.
People have chosen to wear jewelry with the cross motif for many decades. Cross jewelry includes cross necklaces, earrings, and rings, ranging from a straightforward gold cross pendant to an ornately engraved cross with diamonds and gemstones. Recently, jewelers have begun reimagining cross jewelry, including the most recent style the lateral.
Of all, it is entirely up to you whether you wear this classic sideways cross. We offer it to you as a distinctive, stylish method to exhibit this well-liked sign.
The sideways cross meaning is a timeless fashion accessory that may be worn as a sign of faith or as a neutral design statement. Wearing a sideways cross is undoubtedly maintaining faith when it comes to the newest fashions, even though it may be a “tipping point” for others.
History of Sideways Cross Necklace
Christians were very cautious in depicting the cross before the reign of Emperor Constantine in the fourth century because doing so may put them in danger or make them the target of jeer. The cross and the chi-rho monogram of Christ’s name were both pushed as symbols of the Christian religion after Constantine became a Christian and prohibited the crucifixion as a method of execution. Beginning around 350, the emblems gained enormous popularity in Christian art and memorial monuments.
After Constantine, Christian devotion to the cross focused on Christ’s victory over evil and death for several years, avoiding a realistic representation of his agony.
Lutherans often continued to utilize the cross for ceremonial purposes after the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century. However, until the 20th century, when decorative crosses on church structures and communion tables started to appear, the Reformed churches avoided such uses of the cross. The ceremonial cross-signing in the baptismal ritual was kept by the Church of England.
Normal Christianity & The Sideways Cross
The cross has been put down since His work is done. He is no longer burdened by the cross’ weight or His people’s sins. The sideways cross does not represent Christianity negatively, unlike the upside-down or inverted cross.
Benefits of Wearing a Sideways Cross Necklace
You don’t need to search much further for significance if you are wearing a side cross necklace since it is fashionable and lovely. There are various interpretations if you are interested in the jewelry’s symbolic meaning. The most prevalent opinion is that wearing a sideways cross necklace is just a modern interpretation of an ancient symbol. Many people wear cross necklaces, and it makes no difference to them whether the cross is vertical or horizontal other than as a fashion element.
The separation of heaven and earth is what some people associate with the horizontal cross necklace. The heavens and eternal life are represented above the cross, and earthly life is represented below the cross. Others think the upside-down cross stands for the planet Earth, with hell and paradise respectively. People who wear it are reminded to conduct their lives on earth while aspiring to paradise.
Many Christians see the sideways cross meaning as a representation of Jesus bearing their suffering for them and their need to do the same. For these men and women, it stands for selfless love. There are other national flags of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland that have a horizontal cross on them. The Scandinavian Christian cross, a sign of pride and nationalism, is another name for this.
This wraps up our post on the Christian Sideway cross meaning, history, and symbolism. If you would like to read more about different types of crosses and their meanings, please read our extensive detailed article (link provided in the image below).