• The cross is the most worn religious icon worldwide.Cross image by Gianluca Ciralli from Fotolia.com
  
  The cross is a symbol instantly associated with Christianity. When the Roman emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, the cross became the official emblem of the religion. At the time it was a reference to the earlier practice of crucifying Christians, something that was no longer permitted. Since Christianity isn't practiced in the same way the world over, different Christian sects have their own representation of the cross.
  
  

The Latin Cross

• The crucifix acts as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.calvaire image by Zeno from Fotolia.com
  
  The Latin cross, also known as the crux immissa, is the most common form of religious crosses. It's this form of the cross that's used as the base of the crucifix (a cross with Jesus' body handing from it); a form favored by Catholic and Orthodox churches. In Protestant churches the cross is usually left empty. Prior to its use as a Christian symbol, the Latin cross was used as a magical symbol that was intended to bring its bearer good luck while chasing away evil. Alchemists also used it as a representation of the four elements: earth, fire, air and water.
  
  

The Celtic Cross

• Celtic crosses often feature the same intricate details as other Celtic artwork.Celtic cross image by Peter Helin from Fotolia.com
  
  The purpose of the ring that surrounds a Celtic cross has many interpretations. To some it represents the endlessness of God's love demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son on the cross. Others interpret the circle as a halo and a representation of the hope for salvation. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross. When he was shown a sacred standing stone surrounded by a circle the Saint drew the traditional Latin cross through the circle using the stone as a center point. This legend implies an attempt by St. Patrick to adopt the earlier Druidic religion into Christianity.
  
  

The Eastern Orthodox Cross

• The slanted low crossbeam isn't present in Greek and Ukrainian Orthodox churches.russian church image by Dozet from Fotolia.com
  
  The Eastern Orthodox cross differs from other Christian crosses with its use of three crossbeams instead of the usual single crossbeam. The central crossbeam is the same as in other crosses. The top crossbeam is a representation of the plaque that was placed above Christ during the crucifixion that read, "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews." On the Eastern Orthodox cross the plaque is symbolic only and is usually left blank. There are many interpretations about the purpose of the low angled crossbeam. To some it's a representation of the foot support present during the crucifixion. Since the angling of the lower crossbeam is most common in Russia, another theory for its presence on the Eastern Orthodox cross is its connection to St. Andrew who is credited with bringing Christianity to Russia. St. Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross and the lower crossbeam is a partial reflection of that.
  
  

St. Peter's Cross

• St. Peter's Cross is a symbol of humility to Christians.upside down cross image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  While popular culture touts it as the cross of Satanists, the inverted cross is actually the cross of St. Peter. When St. Peter was executed, he requested that his crucifix be turned upside down because he didn't feel that he was worthy of being crucified in the same manner Jesus had been.