Guatemalan Christian Holy Symbol: "Cristo Negro"

This Guatemalan Christian cross is a replica of the Cristo Negro holy figure. This wooden image was sculpted in 1595 in Esquipulas in Guatemala, near the border between the modern countries of Honduras and El Salvador. Over time, the figure of Jesus blackened and gained a reputation for being miraculous. The Cristo Negro of Esquipulas remains an important symbol for Central America, with its sanctuary the most visited site in the region.

The cross is a universal, pre-Christian symbol, but in Christianity it symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

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 incarnated and believe that he rose from the dead after being crucified.

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, and was believed by many to be the Son of God. At the age of 30, he began to preach throughout Palestine, which was then under Roman rule. He told stories called parables to explain his ideas. The gospels also describe miracles – amazing things he did such as raising the dead. However, some people thought his ideas might cause rebellion against Roman rule. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death.

Most critical historians agree that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer, that he was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, 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