A Christian symbol used by various Christian denominations, particularly the Bible Student movement and the Church of Christ, Scientist. It has also been used in heraldry. The emblem is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross) (James 1:12).

This is particularly true of the very large high crosses, such as Muiredach’s Cross (Monasterboice, County Louth). This is likely to have led to patronages from wealthy individuals, who in some cases were responsible for commissioning several high crosses. Also known as the Crusader's Cross. A large cross with a smaller cross in each of its angles. It was used as a symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Symbol for the French region of Camargue, created in 1926 by the painter Hermann-Paul at the request of Folco de Baroncelli-Javon to represent the "Camargue nation" of herdsmen and fishermen. It embodies the three theological virtues of Christianity: faith (represented by tridents of gardians on a Christian cross), hope (represented by the anchor of sinners), and charity (represented by the heart of The Three Marys).

The most striking characteristic of high crosses is their height. These towering monuments stand several meters tall. This master was responsible for creating some of the most impressive pieces of Early Medieval stone carving in Europe. High crosses (and to a possibly lesser extent Saint Brigid’s Crosses ) have provided inspiration for many pieces of Irish jewelry and home decor. Seven Catherines have been granted sainthood. This cross is composed of wagon wheels and is attributed to (at least) three saints: Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Jarlath and Saint Quentin. Several Christian cross variants are available in computer-displayed text. A Latin cross ("†") is included in the extended ASCII character set, [1] and several variants have been added to Unicode, starting with the Latin cross in version 1.1. [2] For others, see Religious and political symbols in Unicode.

A cross with three bars near the top. The bars are of unequal length, each one shorter than the one below. For example the West Cross (or aptly named Tall Cross) in Monasterboice, County Louth is the tallest high cross in Ireland measuring about 7 meters (22 ft).A cross resting on a base with several steps (usually three), also called a graded or a Calvary cross. This symbol first appears on coinage from the time of Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (r. 610–641). The three steps represent Faith, Hope and Charity, and are sometimes marked Fides (top), Spes (middle) and Caritas (bottom), the Latin forms of these words. [4] Sometimes associated with Saint George, the military saint, often depicted as a crusader from the Late Middle Ages, the cross has appeared on many flags, emblems, standards, and coats of arms. Its first documented use was as the ensign of the Republic of Genoa, whereafter it was used successively by the crusaders. Notable uses are on the Flag of England and the Georgian flag. A high cross is a stone sculpture in the shape of a Latin cross that usually, but not always, features a ring at the intersection of the arms. Irish Celtic wall crosses carved from Connemara marble or timber, or created from porcelain (such as Belleek) are still found in some of the houses of mainly the older generations in Ireland. The Ahenny High Crosses in County Tipperary are a good example of Irish high crosses with rings from the 8th century.

The very clear distinctive style of the figures on the crosses of the Market Cross of Kells , Cross of the Scriptures and Durrow High Cross act like a signature for this particular mastermind stonemason (or perhaps a school of stonemasons). Given the size and scale of these high cross engineering projects, substantial amounts of resources must have been required to bring a project to completion. The mon of the Gion Shrine, depicting two crossed amulets, adopted by Kakure Kirishitans persecuted under the Tokugawa Shogunate. [9] The symbolism of the Huguenot cross is particularly rich. The cross as an eminent symbol of the Christian faith, represents not only the death of Christ but also victory over death and impiety. This is represented also in the Maltese cross. It is boutonné, the eight points symbolising the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) Between the arms of the cross is the stylised fleur-de-lys (on the French Coat of Arms), each has 3 petals; the total of twelve petals of the fleur-de-lys signify the twelve apostles. Between each fleur-de-lys and the arms of the Maltese cross with which it is joined, an open space in the form of a heart, the symbol of loyalty, suggests the seal of the French Reformer, John Calvin. The pendant dove symbolises the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). In times of persecution a pearl, symbolizing a teardrop, replaced the dove.A cross with the crossbeam placed near the foot, that is associated with Saint Peter because of the tradition that he was crucified head down.