Crucifix

A crucifix is a cross that features an image of Jesus. This image is known by the Latin term corpus, which means "body." While a bare cross is a simple geometric shape, a crucifix includes the figure of Jesus to emphasize his sacrifice. Many Christians believe his death by crucifixion brought about the redemption of mankind. Because of this, the crucifix serves as a principal symbol for many Christian groups. It is one of the most common ways to represent the Crucifixion in art.

Different Christian traditions use the crucifix in unique ways. The Catholic Church places great importance on this symbol. It is also used by Lutheran, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox churches. However, some groups like the Armenian and Syriac Churches prefer to use a plain cross without the corpus. In the Western tradition, the corpus is often a three-dimensional sculpture. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the figure is typically a two-dimensional icon. This icon might be painted on wood or shown in low relief.

The physical structure of the crucifix can vary by region. A standard Latin crucifix has an upright post and a single crosspiece. It may also feature a small nameplate with the letters INRI. The Russian Orthodox crucifix often includes a third, angled crossbar. This bar holds the feet and points toward the two thieves. One thief, Saint Dismas, is shown on the left. The other thief, Gestas, is shown on the right. Eastern crucifixes often show Jesus as already dead with a peaceful expression.

Artistic styles have changed significantly over many centuries. In the late 10th century, a Byzantine innovation created an S-shaped body position. This style eventually spread to the West, particularly into Italy. During the 13th century, Italian artists began to focus on humanizing Christ. They added realistic details to show his suffering. This model became very popular across Europe through artists like Giunta Pisano and Cimabue. Since the Renaissance, this pronounced S-shape has become much less common in art.

Many crucifixes include specific symbolic details. Some show a spear wound in the ribs to indicate Jesus is dead. Others may include a crown of thorns. Some even feature a skull and crossbones at the bottom. This refers to Golgotha, which means "the place of the skull" in Hebrew. Medieval tradition held that this was the burial place of Adam and Eve. It was believed the cross was raised directly over Adam's skull. Some large monuments exist, such as the Cross in the Woods in Michigan.

Crucifixes play a role in both private and public worship. In the early Church, Christians hung crosses on eastern walls to show prayer direction. During the Middle Ages, small crucifixes became common in the homes of many people. Today, many Catholics, Lutherans, and Anglicans keep them in their homes as focal points for prayer. In churches, the Roman Rite requires a crucifix to be near the altar. Large crucifixes placed high in a church are called roods. These were very common in Western churches during the Late Middle Ages.

Religious leaders have different views on the use of these symbols. During the Reformation, Martin Luther did not object to the use of crucifixes. He chose to retain them within the Lutheran Church. In contrast, some other Protestant groups in the United States moved toward using plain crosses. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the crucifix is often placed above the iconostasis. During special services, a large crucifix might be carried in a procession called a crucession. These objects remain central to the liturgical lives of many believers.