Cross Meanings

Celtic vs. Latin vs. Orthodox Crosses: What Each One Means

Celtic, Latin and Orthodox crosses each carry their own history and symbolism. Here is what separates them, and how to choose the design that fits your home.

Walk through any Christian home and you will see crosses that look nothing alike. The shape you choose says something about the tradition you came from and the story you want on your wall. These are the three most common designs, and what sets each one apart.

The Celtic cross

A Celtic cross is a Latin cross with a ring around the intersection. The ring is often read as eternity, or as the sun joining the cross as Christianity took root in Ireland and Scotland. Carved knotwork is typical, which is why Celtic crosses look especially at home in oak, stone and other natural finishes. It is a good choice for a hallway or entryway, where the circular detail reads well from a distance.

The Latin cross

The Latin cross is the shape most people picture: a long vertical beam crossed by a shorter horizontal one. It is the form associated with the crucifixion, which makes it the most widely recognized Christian symbol in the world. Because the proportions are so simple, a Latin cross suits almost any material, from a slim metal wall piece to a substantial reclaimed wood design.

The Orthodox cross

An Orthodox cross carries three crossbars. The top bar is the inscription, the middle bar is where the hands were fixed, and the slanted bottom bar is traditionally read as the footrest, turned toward the repentant thief. You will often see it paired with a distinctive three bar or eight pointed silhouette. If your family comes from an Eastern Orthodox tradition, this shape will feel immediately familiar.

How to choose

• For a warm, storied look with carved detail, choose a Celtic cross.
• For a clean, unmistakable statement that works in any room, choose a Latin cross.
• For a design rooted in Eastern Orthodox tradition, choose an Orthodox cross.

Whichever you pick, the verse matters as much as the shape. A cross that carries a verse your family already loves will stay on the wall for decades.

See finished pieces in each style in our wall crosses and jewelry collections, or read how to choose a Christian wall cross for size and placement advice.