Joshua Bennett
The sign of the cross is a sacramental gesture in the Roman Catholic Church, often accompanied by a prayer. It is a four-point movement made across the forehead, chest, and both shoulders. In some Catholic regions, like Spain, Italy, and Latin America, it is customary to form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then kiss the thumb. In the past, Catholics would place a sign of the cross before and after their signatures, especially in official documents. This practice was observed by all Christians, including emperors, priests, and monks, and was also used by illiterate Christians who could not write their names.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement of the cross | The sign of the cross is placed before and after the name |
| Who used it | All Christians linked the cross to their names, including emperors, priests, monks, and laypeople |
| Exceptions | Illiterate Christians, who formed the majority, made their "mark" with the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of the document |
| Regional variations | In some Catholic regions, like Spain, Italy, and Latin America, it is customary to form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then kiss the thumb |
| Other variations | Some Catholics make the sign of the cross with their middle finger or index finger only |
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What You'll Learn
The sign of the cross was placed before and after signatures
The sign of the cross is a symbol of the authority of Christ and a reminder of his sacrifice. It is also a symbol of humility, as Christ was crucified for the sins of others. In the past, the cross was an inseparable part of the names of all Christians, regardless of their social status or literacy.
At the Synod of May 1590, the cross was placed both before and after the signatures of lay 'officiales' of the Patriarchate. These officials signed in a special place, next to the signatures of the patriarchs and hierarchs. This practice was also observed in the names of imperial officials, priests, hieromonks, and ordinary monks. For example, the names of all the monks of Patmos in the year 1157 were signed with a cross before and after.
The use of the sign of the cross in signatures was also common among illiterate Christians, who would make their 'mark' at the beginning and end of a document, and the notary or scrivener would add 'The mark of [name]'. This can be seen in the signatures of the monks of the Monastery of Patmos in 1157, where 60 monks made the mark of the cross.
In Anglican traditions, bishops have adopted the practice of placing a sign of the cross before their signatures. This practice is also observed by some Methodist bishops, who follow the instructions of John Wesley in his revision of The Book of Common Prayer.
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Variations in how the sign of the cross is performed
The sign of the cross is a ritual hand motion made by most Christians, usually accompanied by the words, "In/into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." While the sign of the cross is associated with Roman Catholicism, it is also used by Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, and other Christian denominations.
There are several variations in how the sign of the cross is performed, depending on the specific denomination and cultural context. Here are some of the most common variations:
Small Sign of the Cross: This variant involves tracing a small cross on the forehead or other objects. It is often done with the thumb of the right hand and is used as a blessing or during rites such as baptism and anointing of the sick. This practice dates back to early Christianity, with Tertullian documenting its use as early as the 3rd century.
Large Sign of the Cross: The large sign of the cross is a four-point movement traced across the chest or in the air. It typically involves touching the forehead, below the chest, the left side, then the right side, and finishing with an open hand on the chest. This variant developed in the 6th century and is often used as a more prominent blessing or to symbolise Christ's victory over sin and death.
Number of Fingers: The number of fingers used to make the sign of the cross can vary. In the Armenian Apostolic Church, for example, the first three fingers are joined to symbolise the Holy Trinity, while the other two fingers are placed in the palm. In the 7th and 8th centuries, Christians in the East used two fingers or the thumb and forefinger to distinguish themselves from Monophysites, who believed in only one nature of Christ.
Direction of Movement: The direction of the movement can vary as well. Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) explained that the sign of the cross should be made "from above to below, and from the right to the left", symbolising Christ's descent from heaven to earth. However, some Christians, especially in Catholic regions like Spain, Italy, and Latin America, form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then kiss their thumb at the conclusion of the gesture.
Accompanying Prayers: The sign of the cross is often accompanied by prayers such as the Jesus Prayer or simply "Lord, have mercy". In some traditions, it may also be accompanied by the recitation of specific prayers or blessings.
Cultural and Denominational Differences: The sign of the cross can also vary depending on cultural and denominational differences. For example, in the Assyrian Church of the East, the sign of the cross is held as a sacrament, while in Anglican traditions, it is made by priests during the consecration of the Eucharist and when giving blessings.
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The sign of the cross in Catholic regions
The sign of the cross is a sacramental in the Roman Catholic Church, defined as "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments". It is a prayer and a witness, and a way to sanctify daily life.
In some Catholic regions, such as Spain, Italy, and Latin America, it is customary to form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then to kiss the thumb at the end of the gesture. This is a small sign of the cross, which was applied to various parts of the body in the 4th century. The small sign of the cross is also made on the forehead during the rites of baptism and the anointing of the sick in Catholicism, as well as during ordinations, anointing of the sick, and deliverance prayers in the Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal traditions.
The large sign of the cross, which is a "four-point movement traced across the chest or in the air", was developed in the 6th century. This gesture is made by the celebrant on the Gospel book and by the congregation on their forehead, lips, and heart at the proclamation of the Gospel (known as the lesser sign of the cross). The large sign of the cross is also made during Mass or other liturgical celebrations when a priest blesses the congregation.
The actual motion of the large sign of the cross varies between different Christian denominations. Western Catholics (the Latin Church) and Western Lutherans make the motion from left to right, while Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Lutherans, and Eastern Catholics move from right to left. When making the sign of the cross, the first three fingers are brought together to express faith in the Trinity, while the remaining two fingers represent the two natures of Jesus, divine and human.
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The sign of the cross in the Anglican tradition
The sign of the cross is an ancient Christian practice of marking the shape of the cross of Christ upon oneself or another person or object. It is a powerful reminder that we are Christ's and that his cross is upon us at all times. The sign of the cross is made by tracing an upright cross or Greek cross across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by the Trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
In the Anglican tradition, the sign of the cross is made by some priests when consecrating the bread and wine of the Eucharist and when giving the priestly blessing at the end of a church service. It is also made by congregants when receiving Communion. During the Eucharistic liturgy, there is a portion referred to as the epiclesis, where the Holy Spirit is called down on the elements of bread and wine, and this is another moment when the sign of the cross can be made. The blessing at the end of the liturgy is also a time for the sign of the cross, made with the Trinitarian names, and the priest makes the sign of the cross over the people.
Anglicans may also make the sign of the cross upon waking up and going to bed, as well as before each meal. It is also common to bless children by signing them with the cross at prayertime, bedtime, and mealtime. During worship and prayer, the sign of the cross is often made whenever the Trinitarian formula is said, and before the Gospel reading, a "little" sign of the cross is made on the forehead, mouth, and heart. On Ash Wednesday, the small sign of the cross is traced in ashes on the forehead.
The use of the sign of the cross within Anglicanism was historically a point of contention, with Puritans viewing it as superstitious and idolatrous. However, objections were largely dropped in the 20th century, and the Anglo-Catholic movement saw a resurgence in its use within Anglicanism.
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The sign of the cross for illiterate Christians
The sign of the cross has been a significant ritual for Christians since the early days of Christianity. It is a sacramental gesture, defined by the Catholic Church as "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments". The sign of the cross is made by tracing an upright cross or Greek cross across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by the Trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
In the past, when many Christians were illiterate, they would make their mark with the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of a document, and a notary or scrivener would add to each cross "The mark of [name]". This practice was common even among those with some education, as evidenced by the signature of Jesuit Brother Pietro Ugolini, who signed his name along with a cross and the caption "Brother Pietro Ugolini not knowing how to write has made the present [+]”.
The use of the sign of the cross as a signature was not limited to Christians of lower social status or those without access to education. Even emperors and other high-ranking officials added a cross before and after their names and at the beginning and end of their proclamations. This practice was also observed by priests, hieromonks, and ordinary monks.
The sign of the cross holds a special significance for Christians of all denominations. It is seen as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and humility, and it serves as a reminder of their baptism and adoption into the Lord's family. The ritual is believed to affirm the grace and mercy of God and bring spiritual effects, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Sacramentals [...] always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism). They prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it."
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics would place a sign of the cross before their signatures. In earlier times, Catholics would place a cross both before and after their signatures, so that the signature was placed between two crosses.
All Christians linked the cross to their names, not just Catholics. Emperors, priests, monks, and other imperial officials all signed their names with a cross.
While some Anglican bishops have adopted the Catholic practice of placing a sign of the cross before their signatures, it is unclear whether modern-day Catholics continue to do so.
