Cross of Saint Peter
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Peter%27s_Cross.svg/170px-Peter%27s_Cross.svg.png)
Part of a series on |
Saint Peter |
---|
![]() |
In the New Testament |
Other |
The Cross of Saint Peter or Petrine Cross is an inverted Latin cross, traditionally used as a Christian symbol, but in recent times also used as an anti-Christian symbol. In Christianity, it is associated with the martyrdom of Peter the Apostle. The symbol originates from the Catholic tradition that when sentenced to death, Peter requested that his cross be upside down, as he felt unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus. The Petrine Cross is also associated with the papacy, reflecting the Catholic belief that the pope is the successor of Peter as bishop of Rome.
In Christianity[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Caravaggio-Crucifixion_of_Peter.jpg/220px-Caravaggio-Crucifixion_of_Peter.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Lutheran_Church_of_Veitsiluoto%2CKemi%2CFinland.png/220px-Lutheran_Church_of_Veitsiluoto%2CKemi%2CFinland.png)
The origin of the symbol comes from the belief that Peter the Apostle was crucified upside down,[1] as told by Origen of Alexandria. The tradition first appears in the "Martyrdom of Peter", a fragmented text found in, but possibly predating, the apocryphal Acts of Peter, which was written no later than 200 A.D. It is believed that Peter requested this form of crucifixion as he felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. As such, some Christians use this cross as a symbol of humility and unworthiness in comparison to Jesus.[citation needed]
According to Roman Catholicism, the pope is Peter's successor as bishop of Rome. Therefore, the Papacy is often represented by symbols that are also used to represent Peter, one example being the Petrine Cross.[2]
Eugene Vintras and becoming an occult symbol[]
Today, the cross of Saint Peter is also known as an occult symbol. It is suggested that the first person to use the symbol in this manner is the Prophet Elijah as well as his demonic rituals and perverted acts for which he was condemned by the Pope, tried and imprisoned.
, a 19th century cult leader known for his claim to be the reincarnation ofVintras wore robes bearing the inverted cross. The famous French occultist Eliphas Levi wrote that this was a sign of Vintras's satanic inclinations.
Over time, the Petrine cross came to be known more commonly as an occult symbol. Starting with the 1960s, several TV productions and movie franchises featured the Cross of Saint Peter as a symbol representing the Antichrist and Satan making it one of the most popular satanic symbols today.[3]
In popular culture[]
The inverted cross is a recurring motif in metal music particularly in black metal in congruity with its anti-Christian themes. One well-known example is Glen Benton of the band Deicide who branded an inverted cross onto his forehead.[4]
Former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward suggested that the use of an inverted cross on the inner gatefold sleeve of their debut album by their label Vertigo may have been a promotional ploy or a misunderstanding of the nature of the group.[5]
The Swedish metal band Ghost makes use of the inverted cross in place of the final "t" in the band's wordmark.
Many horror films use inverted crosses as part of their imagery and marketing, especially if the film involves demonic themes. Examples include The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity.[6]
In the Chemin de la Croix by French composer Marcel Dupré, at the part where Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross, an inverted cross motif appears at bar 7 and then twice more before it is replaced with a pastoral theme.[7]
In the BBC television comedy series The Vicar of Dibley, Geraldine Granger is regularly seen wearing the cross as a pendant.
Chrollo Lucilfer and Shizuku Murasaki from manga series Hunter × Hunter sport the cross - Chrollo has it emblazoned on the back of his coat and Shizuku wears it as a necklace. Meme Oshino from the Monogatari series also has the inverted cross as an earring.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Our Christian Symbols by Friedrich Rest (ISBN 0-8298-0099-9), p. 29
- ^ Olderr, Steven (10 February 2017). Symbolism: A Comprehensive Dictionary, 2d ed. North Carolina: McFarland & Company. p. 62. ISBN 9780786490677. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ "Upside Down Cross Meaning And Symbolism, The Petrine Cross". 2021-07-04. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
- ^ "The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever". Kerrang!. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ O'Neill, Christine. "Bill Ward: Black Sabbath inverted cross was a promotional ploy", Louder Sound, August 26, 2016
- ^ "Here's What an Upside Down Cross Really Means". 18 April 2018.
- ^ Steed, Graham. The Organ Works of Marcel Dupré. Pendragon Press. p. 66. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
External links[]
- Christian crosses
- Christian symbols
- Christian iconography
- Saint Peter
- Christian terminology
- Crosses in heraldry