Crucifix
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225164387
2008-07-12T06:15:56Z
AlexiusHoratius
2306142
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/72.226.121.18|72.226.121.18]] ([[User talk:72.226.121.18|talk]]) to last version by 69.76.247.183
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[[Image:Gerokreuz full 20050903.jpg|thumb|right|The Crucifix, a cross with ''corpus'', a symbol used in Anglicanism and Catholicism in contrast with some Protestant sects, which use only a cross.]]
A '''crucifix''' (from [[Latin]] ''cruci fixus'' meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") is a [[Christian cross|cross]] with a representation of [[Jesus]]' body, or corpus. It is a principal symbol of the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[religion]]. It is primarily used in the [[Catholic]], [[Anglican]], and [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches and emphasizes Christ's sacrifice— his death by [[crucifixion]].
== The Crucifix ==
On some crucifixes a [[skull and crossbones]] are shown below the [[corpus]], referring to Golgotha (Calvary), the site at which Jesus was crucified—"the place of the skull." It was probably called "Golgotha" because it was a burial-place, or possibly because of a legend that the place of Jesus' crucifixion was also the burial place of [[Adam and Eve|Adam]]. The standard, four-pointed Latin crucifix consists of an upright stand and a crosspiece to which the sufferer's arms were nailed.
The [[Eastern Christian]] crucifix includes two additional crossbars: the shorter nameplate, to which [[INRI]] was affixed; and the shorter stipes, to which the feet were nailed, which is angled upward toward penitent thief St. Dismas (to the viewer's left) and downward toward impenitent thief Gestas (to the viewer's right). It is thus eight-pointed. The corpora of Eastern crucifixes tend to be two-dimensional [[icon]]s that show Jesus as already dead, as opposed to the depictions of the still-suffering Jesus that can be found in some other Churches. Also, Eastern crucifixes have Jesus' two feet nailed side by side, rather than one atop the other, as Western crucifixes do. The crown of thorns is also generally absent in Eastern crucifixes.
[[image:Crucifix.JPG|thumb|left|A crucifix amidst the cornfields near Mureck in rural [[Styria (state)|Styria]], [[Austria]]]]
Another depiction shows 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."
== Usage ==
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic 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, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.”<ref>[http://www.mountcalvary.com/sermons_2006/2006_09_17.php Mt. Calvary Church: Sermon for September 17, 2006<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Prayer in front of a crucifix 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 the Roman Catholic Mass, and [[Anglican]] Holy Eucharist, a [[procession]] begins [[Mass]] in which a crucifix is carried forward into the church followed by lector and servers, the priest, deacon, along with some of the other items used in the service such as the [[Gospels]] and the altar candles. Eastern Christian liturgical processions also include a crucifix at the head of the [[crucession|procession]].
The crucifix is also considered by some to be one of the most effective means of averting or opposing [[demons]], as stated by many [[exorcists]], including the famous exorcist of the Vatican, Father [[Gabriele Amorth]]. In folklore it is considered to ward off [[vampires]], [[incubi]], [[succubi]], and other evils.
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:Krucifix.jpg|crucifix in front of the [[Holy Spirit Church]] in [[Košice]], [[Slovakia]]
Image:Small crucifix.jpg|A handheld crucifix
Image:Baux-de-provence-eglise-st-vincent-crucifix.jpg| A crucifix in a church, with votive candles.
Image:CrcifxStP1010002.JPG|A crucifix outside an Anglican church<ref>In [[St. Peter's Church, Petersfield|Petersfield,Hampshire]]
Image:Cross on Church.JPG|A crucifix on the wall of a [[Manhattan]] church.
Image:Bretagne Finistere StJeanTrolimon 11037.jpg|a "[[Calvary (sculpture)|Calvaire]]" in Finesere, Britanny, a typically Breton form of crucifix with additional images of saints at Calvary and scenes from the Passion.
</gallery>
==References==
<references/>
== See also ==
* [[Cloisters Cross]]
* [[Holy Face of Lucca]]
* [[Christian symbolism]]
* [[Crucifixion]]
* [[INRI]]
* [[Rood]]
== External links ==
{{Commonscat|Crucifix}}
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04517a.htm Archæology of the Cross and Crucifix]
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04533a.htm The Cross and Crucifix in Liturgy]
*[http://www.4crucifix.com/carved.html Crucifix carving]
[[Category:Christian iconography]]
[[Category:Sacramentals]]
[[Category:Religious objects]]
[[Category:Cross symbols]]
[[Category:Christian symbols]]
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