Cross Clipart

The cross symbol predates Christianity and has extensively used sacred and secular meanings across numerous cultures and eras. Forms of crosses appeared in Asian, European, and pre-Columbian American civilizations since ancient history. Crosses often represented the axis between the spiritual and earthly realms, cardinal directions, seasons, stars, and more. Today the Latin cross remains widely known as the Christian cross variant associated specifically with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Beyond religion, modern applications of cross icons and cross clipart span fashion, first aid, mapping coordinates, and many design contexts.

Forms and Variations of Crosses

Many types of crosses have emerged across history, each with distinct meanings and origins. Some major examples include:

• Latin Cross: With a long vertical shaft and shorter horizontal bar, this became the standard Christian cross.
• Greek Cross: Even length vertical and horizontal bars form a plus shape.
• Celtic Cross: Irish medieval design with a circle intersecting the middle.
• Gothic Cross: Also called the Iron Cross, has triangular arms flaring out.
• Ankh Cross: Egyptian hieroglyph symbolizing life.
• Russian Orthodox Cross: Icon has two extra slanted bars above and below main crossbar.
• Maltese Cross: Arrow-tipped arms projecting from a central circle base.

Cross Clip Art

Cross clip art consists of digital vector graphics, illustrations, icons, and artwork depicting various forms of cross symbols. Libraries full of downloadable cross images exist online for designers and developers. Cross graphics range from simple black outlines to intricate Celtic knot patterns to shiny bejeweled religious iconography. Clip art allows instant scalable applications without copyrights if creators carefully limit usage context.

Religious Cross Clip Art

Given Christianity’s place as the world’s largest religion, cross symbolism heavily intertwines with faith in Jesus’ salvation narrative. Religious cross clipart particularly focuses on crucifixion scenes, wooden crosses, rosaries and prayers, angels and halos, crowns of thorns, INRI inscriptions, rays of holy light, Easter themes, and general Christian iconography. Artists craft intricate stained glass, mosaic, and Renaissance inspired cross drawings for worship uses. Styles aim for reverence but approachability for sharing gospel messages.

Using Cross Clip Art

Clip art crosses provide versatile digital assets to elevate visual media for:

• Church bulletins
• Bible journaling
• Christian website graphics
• Ministry promotion materials
• Religious PowerPoint/Keynote slides
• Confirmation and baptism mementos
• Funeral programs
• Inspirational social media posts
• Craft templates for framing and woodworking
• T-shirt screenprinting
• Religious education handouts

Carefully check terms to ensure appropriate usage contexts given heavy sacred significance.

Secular Uses of Cross Symbols

Beyond faith, crossed lines and shapes carry widespread meaning and practical applications:

• Red first aid crosses denote emergency care.
• Maps utilize crosses to indicate landmarks and coordinates.
• Construction signs and planning blueprints contain cross markings.
• Multiplication symbols form a cross shape.
• Target shooting boards contain centered crosses.

Simple, geometric crosses also accent modern graphic apparel, jewelry, tattoos, branding, monograms, and signage when avoiding specific religious connotations.

Copyrights and Permissions

Artists legally own the rights to distribute cross clip art they create. Downloaders typically get usage licenses rather than full ownership. Terms prevent reselling or repurposing images into inappropriate contexts. Certain noncommercial personal and ministry uses remain permitted when attributing original creators. Purchasing premium licenses or designing custom cross vectors grants fuller control.

Drawing Your Own Cross Vector Art

With some vector illustration software skills, designers can craft original crosses to meet special stylistic needs. Programs like Adobe Illustrator handle cross creation using points, anchors, lines, curves, and shape fills to produce crisply resizable vector graphics. Color palettes, gradients, brushes, affects, and layers allow polished enhancements. Beginners can start simpler. Video tutorials provide guidance for DIY crosses.

Symbolism and Meaning of Crosses

Far more profound than mere geometric intersections, crosses evoke deep cultural, spiritual, and philosophical significance. Depictions of crosses trigger emotional reactions based on one’s worldview, experiences, and values. For Christians, crosses represent redemption and grace. In broader contexts, crosses conjure notions like sacrifice, intersectionality, endurance, homage, remembrance, balance, mystery, exploration, and translations between worlds seen and unseen. The cross endures as a transcendent ideological home where material and ethereal realms converge.

In this page clipartix present 79 cross clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Cross Clipart that you want to use for works or personal uses.