Finding Religion

Uncovering Faith in Secondhand Treasures

Finding Religion showcases the most common religious objects found locally, as well as unexpected religious traditions and symbols discovered.

Through thrifting, we uncover common forms of religious expression, from vintage prayer books and rosaries to handcrafted icons and devotional items. These secondhand treasures reveal the diverse ways individuals practice and live out their faith.

Do you know your Crosses?

Can you identify the different types of crosses found on the round wood plaque?

Celtic Cross
Jerusalem Cross
Latin Cross
Patonce Cross
Milagro Cross

1 Main Types of Crosses

The four main types of cross iconography are: the crux quadrata, or Greek cross; the crux immissa, or Latin cross; the crux commissa, resembling the Greek letter tau; and the crux decussata, inspired by the Roman numeral 10.

1 Religions that use Crosses

The exact number of religions and spiritual traditions that use the symbol of the cross is difficult to pinpoint, and while the cross is most prominently and widely used in Christianity, its presence in other religions and spiritual traditions adds to its broader symbolic significance.

The Five Crosses

The five crosses—Celtic, Jerusalem, Latin, cross patonce, and milagro—each hold distinct symbols and meanings, reflecting a rich diversity in religious expression and artistic design. From intricate knotwork to simple forms, these crosses represent various facets of faith and heritage.

Celtic Cross

Having its roots in Celtic Britain ((Scotland & Ireland) this brown resin cross is a pre-Christian, pagan symbol. This particular one is very similar to sun or wheel cross is a solar symbol. This is meant to symbolize life, energy and spiritual power. It is also an icon link to the Norse god Odin. Celtic Christianity later adopted this style of cross, but placed the cross portion in-front of and distinct from the circle or sun. For Christians, the cross represents Jesus Christ's death & resurrection from death. The circle symbolizes God's eternity and everlasting life with Christ. The knotwork represent the interconnectedness between all things and God.

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Brown

Jerusalem Cross

The olive wood cross with 4 internal crosses is also known as the Crusader's cross, is a Christian cross and heraldic emblem that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The cross was first used as a coat of arms for the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1099 by and became popular during the Crusades due to its symbolizing Christ, the four gospels and the spread of Christianity.

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Olive

Latin Cross

This plain wood cross is said to represent Christ's crucifixion. It is symbolically derivative of dagger, or obelisk image, which are used to indicate death. This cross is often used as an architectural design template for Medieval churches and cathedrals.

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Plain

Cross Patonce

Common in French Heraldry in the 13th century, this black aluminum cross has three prongs at the ends, meant to symbolize paws. This is meant to evoke the idea of lions paws, as lions are often used as symbols of royalty or ruling families in heraldry coat of arms.

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Black

Milagro Cross

This pewter cross is from Mexico and is engraved with a heart and flames. This style of cross is typically covered with multiple religious folk charms, representing objects the owner requests help or protection for. This cross is a type of devotional art, and features a single image, a Heart Milagro, also known as the Sacred Heart (of Jesus) that is meant to represent love, healing and gratitude.

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Pewter

Unexpected Symbols of Religion

Explore the intriguing religious symbolism of the Heart with Wings, the Fleur de Lis, and the Ankh, each representing unique spiritual concepts and cultural heritage across different traditions.

Heart with Wings

The winged heart, also known as the Sufi heart. It is the symbol of the Sufi Movement, the spiritual and mystical branch of Islam. Founded over 1200 years ago it focuses on the inner aspects of the faith, such as emotions, self-knowledge, and personal interactions. The heart with wings is a symbol that represents the spirit's flight to the divine. The wings are said to be those of love, uniting people with their highest selves. The heart is both earthly and heavenly, a medium between body and soul, spirit and matter. When the heart holds the divine Spirit, it soars heavenward; the wings picture its rising.

Fleur de Lis

This stylized lily of three leaves bound together at their base has had many meanings. In a religious context, it may denote purity. French monarchs used the symbol to denote the divine right to rule. Ancient Egyptians used it to represent the snake that bit and killed Cleopatra. It is a heraldic symbol used on the French coat of arms. It became both a royal and religious symbol after Clovis converted to Catholicism in 496 AD. One legend says that the Virgin Mary or an angel gave Clovis a golden lily at his baptism, while another says that water lilies helped him cross a river safely and win a battle.

Ankh

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that symbolizes the many aspects of life, including, eternal life, immortality, death, and reincarnation. The symbol is a teardrop-shaped hoop with a cross-connected directly below it, meant to represent the sun making its path upward and over the horizon. The ankh has been referred to as the key of life or the key of the Nile. It is often depicted in the hands of Egyptian pharaohs and kings, as well as in temples and in the grasp of Egyptian gods like Osiris, Isis, and Ra. The ankh is often found in burial chambers and was traditionally placed in sarcophagi to ensure life after death. It represents the power of Egyptian deities to revive human souls in the afterlife.