The symbol of two crosses side by side has been used throughout history to represent different concepts and ideas. In modern times, it is most commonly associated with Christianity and can carry a variety of meanings depending on the context.
History and Origins
The two crosses side by side symbol has ancient origins and has been found in various cultures and faiths over the centuries. Some key associations and meanings include:
- In Ancient Egypt, two crosses represented the key to eternal life, as ankhs were sometimes depicted in pairs.
- In Norse mythology, two crossed spears were associated with the god Odin and victory in battle.
- In Native American culture, crossed arrows can signify friendship between tribes.
- In Christianity, two crossed keys are used to represent the metaphorical keys to the kingdom of heaven.
However, the most common modern use of the two crosses symbol is within Christianity. The two most relevant meanings in a Christian context are:
Two Crosses at Calvary
In Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified at a site outside Jerusalem called Calvary or Golgotha. The Bible references two others who were crucified alongside him on either side. The three crosses at Calvary represent Jesus Christ and the two criminals condemned with him.
Images depicting the three crosses at Calvary have been common in Christian art and symbolism for centuries. A variation of this is a image focused just on two crosses side by side to represent Calvary. This can symbolize redemption through Jesus’s sacrifice.
Sign of the Cross
Making the sign of the cross by motioning one’s hand from forehead to chest, then shoulder to shoulder, is a common practice in Catholicism and other Christian denominations. It is used to invoke God’s blessing and protection.
When making this gesture, the positioning of the hand traces out the form of two crossed lines and thus two crosses. So a pair of crosses is directly connected to the sign of the cross in Christian tradition.
Use in Culture and Media
Beyond religious symbolism, two crossed lines or crosses may appear in various cultural contexts:
- The skull and crossbones symbol uses two crossed bones to signify danger or toxicity.
- Two crossed swords can represent battle or conflict.
- In heraldry, two crossed keys signify the Church.
- Two crossed arrows can indicate friendship in Native American culture.
- In music, two crossed clef symbols are used notate piano sheet music.
Two crosses also appear sometimes in literature and film, though often still carrying spiritual or moral meanings:
- In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the crosses are used to ward off vampires.
- In the film Constantine, Keanu Reeves uses twin crosses on his guns against demons.
- In Kingdom Hearts videogames, protagonist Sora wears a necklace with two crosses.
So while not exclusively religious, the symbol maintains some Christian connotations even in pop culture contexts.
Meaning in Other Faiths
While the two crosses symbol has strong Christian associations, similar or identical symbols do carry different meanings in other belief systems:
Buddhism
In Buddhism, two connected crosses forming an eight-point star represent the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to nirvana. This dharma wheel symbolizes key tenets of Buddhist faith and morality.
Occultism
In some occult circles, such as Thelema, two crossed lightning bolts may represent force or energy. This can be related to the Greek god Zeus and ideas of power and action.
Ancient Egyptian
As noted earlier, two ankhs (the Egyptian cross symbolizing life) were sometimes depicted crossed together in ancient Egypt. This amplified their symbolism of duration, eternity and immortality.
So while less common, non-Christian faiths may also utilize the two crosses symbol with different undertones based on their own belief systems and traditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the symbolism of two crosses side by side has evolved over centuries and cultures. But it is most strongly associated today with Christianity and Jesus’s crucifixion between two thieves. The paired crosses represent redemption through Christ and also directly connect to making the sign of the cross in prayer traditions. Beyond religious contexts, the symbol may appear in heraldry, music, literature, and other arts and culture. But it often retains at least echoes of Christian meaning and the crosses of Calvary. Other faiths also have their own related symbols and meanings for two crosses or similar connected shapes. So ultimately, the paired crosses are a simple but powerful motif that invokes mortality, sacrifice, and faith across belief systems and history.