The Calvary Cross refers to the often-depicted image of Jesus Christ on the cross. Its spelling is based on the term "Calvary", which comes from the Latin word "calvaria", meaning "skull". The "ry" ending is pronounced as "ree" ([ˈkælvəri]) and the initial "c" is pronounced as the "k" sound ([kælˈvəri]). The word "cross" is spelled as expected, with the "ss" ending pronounced as "s" ([krɔs]). Together, this gives us the proper pronunciation of the Calvary Cross ([ˈkælvəri krɔs]).
A Calvary Cross, also known as a Crucifix, is a religious symbol primarily associated with Christianity. It is a cross that includes an image or representation of Jesus Christ's body, depicting his crucifixion. The Calvary Cross is specifically adorned with a corpus, a sculpted or painted depiction of Jesus on the cross, symbolizing his sacrifice and redemption.
In religious art, the Calvary Cross is often depicted as a Latin cross, with the vertical beam intersecting a shorter, horizontal beam near the top. The corpus is typically positioned on the cross, emphasizing Jesus Christ's crucifixion at Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place where he was said to have been crucified according to the New Testament of the Bible.
The Calvary Cross holds significant religious and spiritual meaning for Christians. It serves as a visual representation of Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins, symbolizing his suffering, death, and resurrection. The crucifix also serves as a reminder of the core belief in Christianity – the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.
The Calvary Cross is commonly used in religious ceremonies, as a focal point in churches, and as a personal object of devotion for worshipers. Many Christians believe that the presence of the crucifix aids in prayer, contemplation, and reflection, while also serving as a powerful symbol of faith and salvation.
The word "Calvary" refers to the hill where Jesus Christ was crucified according to the Christian tradition. It is derived from the Latin word "calvaria" meaning "skull or skullcap", which is believed to be a translation of the Aramaic word "Golgotha", with the same meaning.
The term "Cross" in this context refers to the symbol of the crucifixion, representing the instrument of Jesus' death. It originates from the Old English word "cros", which is derived from the Latin word "crux".
So, the term "Calvary Cross" combines the location of Jesus' crucifixion (Calvary) with the symbol of the cross.