A matter of faith

Kreuzanhänger bestehend aus 5 lilafarbenen Kristallen in gold gefasst.
Andreas Moritz (Entwurf), Kreuzanhänger, Würzburg, um 1975 (Photo: © DetlefSchumacher.com)

Cross pendants are a widespread type of jewellery freighted with profound symbolic significance and tradition. They are usually associated with Christianity. In the Christian belief system the cross stands for Christ’s willingness to sacrifice himself and the redemption of mankind through his death on the Cross. It symbolises death yet at the same time is seen as a sign of victory over it. The cross represents faith, hope, love, forgiveness and salvation as well as the connection between the earthly and the divine.

For many devout Christians a cross pendant is an expression of their faith and the relationship between them and Jesus Christ. In various cultures and eras crosses have been designed and interpreted in different ways, which has led to a rich diversity of accrued symbolic meanings. Crosses are regarded as symbols of protection, strength, blessing or spiritual affinity and may also serve as reminders of personal values.

The symbolism associated with cross pendants is ultimately a personal and cultural interpretation that for each wearer can be as individual as the aesthetic possibilities for their design.