Wokół symboliki krzyża: od starożytności po współczesność

Abstract

The cross, one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, has a profound meaning in both religious and cultural contexts. Its interpretation and symbolism have evolved over the centuries, depending on the historical, social or religious context. This article aims to explore the development of the representation of the symbolism of the cross from antiquity to the present day, the presentation of which takes on ambivalent meanings ‒ from the negative portrayal of the cross as a place of torture and inflicted death to the positive overtones when the cross of Christ becomes a sign of hope and faith in the victory of a nation oppressed by slavery. The most important issue, however, remains the fact that the cross is a sign with which millions of people around the world identify, and therefore it should be required to take the right attitude towards this symbol regardless of one’s worldview.