The Upsilon cross is also known as the forked cross, thief’s cross, robber’s cross, Y-Cross and Ypsilon Cross. It is in the shape of a “Y.” This cross emerged during the early 13th century and was often depicted as the shape of the crosses on which the thieves on either side of Jesus were crucified. There is not historic documentation to support this: consider that it is more complex to make three pieces of wood into a sturdy “Y” shape than a “T” shape. Why would the Romans put more effort into making wooden crosses for crucifixions?
The Upsilon cross has some other Christian symbolism as its three branches can represent the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost); the Tree of Knowledge and Sin (Adam and Eve were cast out from the straight path); and a person’s journey through life with the first part of the journey through adolescence where at the “fork” the person must choose the right fork to embark on a life of virtue or the left fork to embark on a life of ruin and vice.
—Katherine Richardson
No comments:
Post a Comment