Italian Christian Holy Symbol: "Il Crocifisso San Damiano"

This Italian crucifix is a replica of the San Damiano Florentine Crucifix. The original cross, approximately 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide, features images of Christ's passion, death, resurrection and ascension into glory.

The cross is a universal, pre-Christian symbol, but in Christianity it symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Use of the cross as a symbol dates from at least the second century. A crucifix is a cross that bears the figure of the crucified Christ. The first depictions of the crucifixion date from the fifth century.

The Christian faith is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus or Christ. Jesus, (7–2 BC/BCE – 30–36 AD/CE), is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christian denominations venerate him as God the Son.

The principal sources of information regarding Jesus are the four canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The gospels declare that Jesus was a Jew born in Bethlehem, in the Roman province of Judea. At the age of 30, he began to preach throughout Palestine, which was then under Roman rule. The gospels describe miracles that Jesus performed such as raising the dead.

Most critical historians agree that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer. He was crucified in Jerusalem, on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire. Christians believe that Jesus then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, from which he will return.
Source:
Source Citation (MLA 7th Edition) "Cross, Crucifix." Historical Dictionary of Catholicism. William J. Collinge. 2nd ed. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2012. 116-117. Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 July 2013. http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE|CX2780400149&v=2.1&u=lapl&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w "Jesus Christ." Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2010. 297. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 July 2013. Document URL http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE|CX1796500200&v=2.1&u=lapl&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Damiano_cross