Soldiers' Brass Pull-Chain Rosaries of World War I
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The cross is older than Christianity. Ancient Egyptians used the ankh, a cross with a loop at the top, to symbolize life. Buddist monks in Tibet used thread crosses to trap evil spirits. Native Americans used the Zia, a red circle surrounded by red rays to form a cross, to represent the sun as well as the four seasons of the year, four compass points, and four stages of life ( childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age).
In the 21st century, the cross symbolizes Christianity and Christians use many forms. Among the most popular are the Tau Cross which resembles the letter T, Greek crosses in which all four bars are the same lenght, and Latin crosses in which the base stem is longer than the remaining three arms. Each form of the Christian cross is a reminder of Christ's mission and sacrifice. Crosses appear on national flags, public buildings, military medals, and crowns. Every cross has a story to tell and unites us to our ancestors and beliefs.
To learn more about the history of crosses and the beliefs they represent, read The Cross: A Universal Symbol by Dr. Helen Hoffner, published by Marian Press. Available with the link:
https://shopmercy.org/the-cross-a-universal-symbol.html
Helen Hoffner, Ed.D. is a professor at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the author of four books for Catholic audiences: The Cross: A Universal Symbol ( Marian Press, 2024), Catholicism Everywhere ( Sophia Institute Press, 2024), Catholic Traditions and Treasures ( Sophia Institute Press, 2018), and The Rosary Collector's Guide ( Schiffer Publishing, 2013). She has also written four books for teachers: The Elementary Teacher's Digital Toolbox ( Prentice Hall, 2006), Literacy Lessons K-8 ( Corwin Press, 2010), Reading and Writing Mysteries in Grades 4-8 ( Teacher Created Materials, 2006), and A Look at Realistic Fiction ( Teacher Created Materials, 2003). Dr. Hoffner has been invited to discuss her books on television programs of EWTN and the Catholic Faith Network as well as on radio stations across the United States and Canada.
