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Cross of St. Andrew (Cross decussata, crux saltire or saltier)

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This variant on the Greek cross looks like a large "X," and represents in Christianity the initial of Christ, the Greek letter chi. It is the original Christian cross, predating the latin cross by several hundred years.

It is most often referred to as the Cross of St. Andrew, after the manner of the Saint's supposed crucifixion.

As St. Andrew is the Patron saint of Scotland, his cross has become a symbol of Scotland, appearing on flags and other emblems.

St. Andrew with his cross

Related Symbols:

Chi-roLatin Cross

See also:

Saviors and Madonnas
Can you guess the crucified saviors, good shepherds, Madonnas with child?

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The Dying Savior
Thousands of years before Jesus, there was a passion story told about a God man, born of a virgin mother, in a stable. He travels about with his followers, preaching and performing miracles, until one day he is allows himself to be arrested and tried for blasphemy. He is found guilty and executed, only to rise from the grave three days later, where the women weeping at his tomb do not recognize him- that is, until he assumes his divine form as the God Dionysus...

Elsewhere on the Web:

From Sun Disk to Crucifix
An illustrated history of the cross symbol.

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