The Lutheran faith is rooted in the truths of the Bible itself. The name derives from a man named Martin Luther. He lived in Germany from 1483 to 1546. His teachings, which come from the Bible, are to this day followed by the Bible-believing Lutherans. The Lutheran denomination considers a Lutheran cross necklace as a meaningful accessory that celebrates your Lutheran faith. ELCA (The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) recognizes the Lutheran cross necklace as a sacred symbol of their Christian faith. You are free to celebrate your Lutheran faith with a diverse but in belief similar Christian Crosses.
Understanding Spiritual Jewelry
Through spiritual jewelry, you can adorn yourself with meaning, and celebrate your beliefs. Many people use spiritual jewelry as a form of personal empowerment and a way to create a deeper meaning of their spiritual practice. A Sekhmet Pendant, for example, is an ancient amulet jewelry that was worn by the early Egyptians as a way of honoring their Goddess of war and healing. By wearing it, people believed it would protect them from disease, and bring them power and peace. Much like the Tree of Life Necklace, another amulet jewelry whose usage dates back to 7000 B.C.
Many cultures believed the tree of life necklace would bring blessings from the gods, and put the wearer to a spiritual fulfillment quest.
Jewelry, aside from being the ultimate accessory that complements our outfits and helps us uniquely express ourselves, has its other not superficial qualities. Jewelry can be used to connect with a loved one. An engagement ring, for example, can seal a love bond forever.
In short, we are free to celebrate our faith with meaningful pieces of jewelry. Speaking of which, below you will find the Lutheran cross necklaces you were looking for. Check their meanings, history, and design symbols below…
Lutheran Cross Necklaces Accepted by Lutheran Church
The Luther Rose
The Luther Rose Cross, also known as The Luther Rose Seal, is a universal symbol that honors Lutheran faith. It was designed by the Church founder, Martin Luther. The circular seal comes with a red heart in an open white rose (symbolizing joy, comfort, and peace). The background is blue (symbolizing the sky) with a yellow border (symbolizing the forever lasting blessedness in Heaven).
The red heart has a black cross inside. The rose shield is also included in many Lutheran crosses. This is what the black cross in the Luther seal, or Luther rose, means for the Church founder Luther: The black cross: “Reminded that faith in the Crucified Saves us”. It symbolizes the natural black color of nature that does not corrupts but all the contrary, keeps alive.
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The Cross with Crown, Key, Sword, and Hammer
Is a Greek cross that holds four other Christian symbols. The Hammer of God represents the law, The Key represents the Keys of the Kingdom, the Gospel and forgiveness; The Sword, representing the Church militant; and the Crown, that as a Christian symbol represents The Kingdom of Christ prevailing over the Kingdom of Satan.
The ELCA Diaconal Cross
The ECLA design cross features a more evangelical approach symbolized by the diaconal cross of the church to embrace the role of deacons in each synod. The design comprises two overlapping circles from the crossbar while the cross is crafted in an uninterrupted line. You can find the Lutheran diaconal cross pendant in gold or silver.
The Byzantine Cross
Also known as the Russian Orthodox Cross, the Byzantine Cross features two smaller crossbars: one at the top section of the cross and the other at the bottom. The Byzantine cross of the Eastern Orthodox Church is also used as a symbol to celebrate Lutheran faith. A lesser known but approved version looks like a plain cross with fluted ends at each point. Its first appearance dates back in the 16th century in Russia, although a similar version is found engraved in the Byzantine Empire since the 6th century.
Throughout the years, local traditions have had their own variation of the Byzantine Cross. For example, the Eastern Cross variation has a special place in Ukrainian religious life. In addition, the Russian, Polish, Czech and Slovak Orthodox Churches also use the Byzantine Cross as a sacred symbol of the Christian faith.
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The Celtic Cross
Another Christian cross recognized by the Lutheran Church includes the Celtic Cross. You can easily identify its minimalist design as it features a Latin cross with a circle (nimbus) at its intersection. The Celtic Cross became widespread from the 9th to 12th century in regions throughout Europe including Ireland, France, and Great Britain. The first appearance of a Celtic Cross dates back to the 8th century with the discovery of Ardagh Hoard, a metalwork found in Ireland.
There are different interpretations of the Celtic Cross. One claims that its design, a cross on top of a circle, represents the Christian supremacy over the pagan sun. Another, more acknowledged meaning, especially in Ireland, describes the Celtic Cross as a combined symbol of Christianity with the sun’s life-giving properties.
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The Anchor Cross
Also known as Mariner’s Cross, the Anchor Cross is formed in an anchor shape, hence the name. The meaning of Anchor cross is that the hopes of Christians should be anchored in Jesus Christ. The Anchor cross is one of the oldest symbols in Christianity. Its design symbolizes hope, composure, calm, and steadfastness. Christians but not only, wear the Anchor cross as a talisman that symbolises security on life’s more uncertain times, or during sea voyages.
Also referred to as the Cross of Hope, the use of the Anchor Cross is associated with early Christians. Its earliests usage dates back to the 1st century CE, discovered in inscriptions in the catacomb of St. Domitilla, Rome, Italy.
The Alpha & Omega Cross
Another approved Lutheran cross by the ELCA is The Alpha and Omega cross. It’s design has its own distinguishing features, including here the Greek letters for alpha and omega below the middle crossbar set in a Latin cross. Alpha and Omega letters open and close the Greek Alphabet, and are the title of Christ and God in the Book of Revelation. The letters in pair, are considered as a Christian symbol, in addition the cross accompanied by the letters.
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The Jerusalem Cross
Also associated with Lutheran faith, The Jerusalem cross, also known as five-fold cross, is attributed as the larger cross version that symbolises the Five Wounds of Christ. It’s design consists of a large crutch cross surrounded by four smaller Greek crosses, one in each quadrant. The Jerusalem Cross appears to originate in the 11th century, and the association with The Kingdom of Jerusalem dates in the second half of the 13th century. In addition to Five Wounds of Christ, other meanings of The Jerusalem Cross include Christ and the four quarters of the world, or Christ and four evangelists.
Other Lutheran Cross Necklaces
The Ansated Cross: Also called the crux ansata (handled cross), is a looped tau cross that symbolises life through Christ.
Fleur-de-Lis Cross: Is a cross that has its ends with flory (fleury). It is a reminder of the Holy Trinity and the Resurrection.
Greek Cross: Also known as the crux immissa quadrata, the Greek cross is an early cruciform with arms of equal length.
The Latin Cross: Also known as the Crux ordinaria, is the most common cruciform. It recalls the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the world. Buy Here
The Maltese Cross: With arms that narrow toward the center, the Maltese Cross makes an eight-pointed cross that symbolises regeneration. Buy Here
The Triumphant Cross: Also known as the Cross of Victory, or The Cross and Shield, symbolises God’s rule over the world.
The Baptismal Cross: It’s design comprises a cross with eight arms, formed by the Greek letter chi, set in a Greek cross. The number of arms is associated with rebirth or regeneration.
Carolingian Cross: Is another Christian symbol that is formed by a series of intertwined celtic trinity knots inside of a circle. It has been named after the Carolingian Dynasty who ruled in France from the years 700 to 800.
Fourchée Cross: Is a heraldic cross, also known as fourchy or fourche, meaning “forked.”
Latin with Proclamation: Is formed through a black latin cross with the Latin letters INRI standing for the inscription “lesus Nazarenus Rex ludaeorum”.
Embattled: Is believed to have been used as a symbol of the Church Militant. It is known as a crenel cross, or crenellee, from the Latin word crena for “notch”.
