{"product_id":"the-cross-a-universal-symbol","title":"The Cross: A Universal Symbol","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"data item content\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-label-description\" id=\"description\" data-role=\"content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile today it is the most recognizable symbol of Christianity, the cross, from the Latin\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ecrux\u003c\/em\u003e, is older than the faith and has held various forms and meanings before and after the birth of Jesus Christ. Ancient Egyptians used the ankh, a cross with a loop at the top, to symbolize life. The Greek Cross traces its origins to ancient Babylon, where it represented the sun god.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether proclaiming a religious belief or a historical event, a cross appears on the national flags of 28 of the 193 member countries of the United Nations. Each of the states within the United States of America has its own flag, and crosses appear on several, including Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. The Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway are united by their use of the Nordic Cross, which is also known as the Scandinavian Cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book will help you identify and understand the history of crosses seen on historic monuments, houses of worship, flags, and anywhere your travels may lead. It also addresses crucifixes, or crosses that contain an image of the Body of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStories of crosses awaken curiosity about medieval knights, crusades, and the exploration of new lands. Every cross has a story to tell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures full color photos throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"data item title\" data-role=\"collapsible\" id=\"tab-label-additional\" role=\"tab\" data-collapsible=\"true\" aria-controls=\"additional\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Marian Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49193193930995,"sku":"025-CRUS","price":35.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0751\/0294\/5523\/files\/025-CRUS.png?v=1780442107","url":"https:\/\/standrewschurchsupply.biz\/products\/the-cross-a-universal-symbol","provider":"St. Andrew’s Book, Gift, \u0026 Church Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}