Rood Cross

Name given to the large cross often placed on the screen which divided the sanctuary of a medieval church from the nave

Name given to the large crossCross Instrument of torture and execution used in the Roman Empire. The means by which Christ was put to death and therefore the primary symbol of the Christian faith, representing the means by which he is believed to have won forgiveness for humankind. The Cross may be represented as Tau-shaped (like a capital T); with a shorter cross-bar or with a circle enclosing the upper intersection (Celtic). In medieval art a cross made of living branches signifies the Tree of Life. St Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, is said to have discovered the True Cross (i.e. the Cross in Jerusalem on which Christ died) in 326. often placed on the screen which divided the sanctuarySanctuary The area around the main altar of a church. Sanctuaries in the Graeco-Roman world usually comprised a temple which housed the cult statue and votive offerings, and an outdoor space often planted with trees of a medieval church from the naveNave The central aisle in a longitudinal (basilican) church, often used for processions. Also the area used by the congregation during worship.