Crosses have to be the most easily recognizable and common symbol found in cemeteries and funerary art. There are so many variations of this Christian religious symbol. Since crosses are so common, you may think if you have seen one, you’ve seen them all—but I would beg to differ!
Today I wanted to take a closer look at this funerary symbol and share some of the many crosses I have photographed over the years.
First off, let’s look at the difference between a cross and a crucifix, as they are not the same thing. A crucifix shows the body of Jesus nailed to it, while a cross does not.
A crucifix on a cross. St. Jacques Cemetery, Hanmer ON ©2021
Four crosses. St. Francois Xavier Graveyard, Cartier ON ©2021
A Latin cross is probably the most common cross found in cemeteries. This cross has no embellishments. It is sometimes called a Protestant cross, because it can represent Jesus as risen, instead of focusing on his suffering on the cross.
A Latin cross. Blezard Valley Cemetery, Blezard Valley ON ©2021
A Botonee cross has a trefoil, three lobes, at each end that symbolizes the holy trinity.
A Botonee cross. Nipissing union Cemetery, Township of Nipissing ON ©2019
A Celtic cross is easily recognizable. It usually has a Celtic knot pattern engraved on it and also includes a nimbus, a distinctive circle that represents the union of heaven and earth. These crosses are often found at the graves of those with Irish heritage.
In the example below you can also see the letters IHS in the center. This is sometimes called a Christogram. There are a couple of different theories about what the letters IHS stand for. One theory is that it is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “in hoc signs vines” (In this sign you will conquer), another line of thought is that it’s an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “Jesus Hominum Salvator” (Jesus, Saviour of Men). According to Doug Keister’s book Stories in Stone: A field guide to cemetery symbolism and iconography, these letters are the first three letters of Jesus’ name using the Greek alphabet.
A Celtic cross with a Christogram in the centre. Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Orilla ON ©2017
A Congé cross is a variation of the Latin cross, where the ends of the arms flare out slightly.
A Congé cross. Whitefish Public Cemetery, Whitefish ON ©2011
A Glory cross, sometimes called a Rayed cross, has rays emanating from its center that symbolize the glory of God.
A glory cross. St. Francois Xavier Graveyard, Cartier ON ©2021
A glory cross placed at a grave. Notre Dame De Lavigne Cemetery, Lavigne ON ©2016
Below is an example of an Eastern crucifix on a white Latin cross. The Eastern cross is easily recognizable by its two horizontal cross bars, and one slanted one. This cross is a symbol of Eastern Orthodox religions. This one would be considered a crucifix, as it has the tortured body of Jesus nailed to it.
An Eastern crucifix on a white Latin cross. St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford ON ©2022
An Agony cross has sharp points at the end of each arm. This is said to represent the suffering or agony, that Jesus endured. This cross is sometimes called a pointed cross or a cross of suffering.
An Agony cross. Whitefish Catholic Cemetery, Whitefish ON ©2021
A Portate cross is a cross that is angled diagonally. It’s angled the way someone would carry it over their shoulder to drag it.
A Portate cross. Locks Cemetery, Huntsville ON ©2022
References:
- Stories in Stone: A field guide to cemetery symbolism and iconography by Doug Keister
- Understanding Cemetery Symbols A field Guide for Historic Graveyards by Tui Snider
- Understanding Cemetery Crosses | Billion Graves
- Christian cross variants | Wikipedia
Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle 