The Sign Of The Cross

Research Paper # 113831

History > Religion
Religion and Theology > Christianity

A discussion on the origins, development and the uses of the sign of the cross.

2,198 words () | 12 sources | MLA | 2007 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the sign of the cross, or the ritual hand motion emulating the structure of the cross. The paper examines how the sign of the cross originated and follows its development throughout history. The paper also provides descriptions of what the symbol of the cross meant to different cultures and also explains the symbolic significance of the sign of the cross in several instances such as baptism and mass.

From the Paper:

"An interesting contemporary sociological significance of the sign of the cross and its implications in secular culture arose at a football match in 2006. Last year a Celtic football player by the name of Artur Borac, during a game in Scotland, created an instant controversy when making gesticulations that were directed towards crowd members that were supporters of the opposition. He also blessed himself throughout the football match. The combination of his gesticulations and blessing himself was considered offensive. He was cautioned by the Crown Office. The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland issued a statement that a gesture of religious significance should not be considered offensive."

Sample of Sources Used:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. <<http://www.elca.org/worship/faq/liturgy/sign_of_cross.html>> Revised January 2003.
Sign of the Cross: Online: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_cross> This page was last modified 07:42, 25 February 2007.
Online: BBC NEWS. "Alarm at 'cross' player's caution." <<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/5288184.stm>> Saturday, 26 August 2006.
International Commission on English in the liturgy - A Joint Commission of Catholic Bishops' Conferences. Documents on the Liturgy 1963-1979: Conciliar, Papal, and Curial Texts. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1982.
Aldazabal, Jose. "Gestos y simbolos," Oracion de las Horas 29 (1987), 26-32.