It is not known when the first cross image was made. However, after circles, crosses are on of the first symbols drawn by children of all cultures. As a basic design motif, the cross has appeared in pottery, weaving, carving and painting artifact of many ancient cultures. Cross symbols were used in the older, pagan religions.
The cross was used in the ancient world as a symbol of execution by crucifixion. And it became an important part of the Christian liturgy and art as a symbol of Jesus Christ's death. This Christian symbol is a long vertical bar intersected at right angles, usually about 2/3rds up by a shorter horizontal bar.
The Christians made a sign of the cross with the right hand both to profess their faith and to bestow a blessing. The early Christian clergy used small hand-held crosses to bestow blessings. Crosses were carried in holy processions. Later on, crosses were placed on altars in churches and erected outdoors in markets and along roads.
In spite of the fact that many folks associate tattoos with the disreputable sort of folks, Christian tattoos are immensely popular. These tattoos are a very unique and personal way for the bearer to identify with their Christian faith.
