It's one of the most recognized symbols on the planet. The cross. It's widely used by different people in different cultures and religions. Now, I'm no expert on crosses but as with many Christians, I grew up around them. I was taught the significance and meaning behind it.

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I knew going in that there was more than one version of this Christian symbol. But I'll admit, I was amazed by how many variations there are. No matter what religion you are or what higher power you believe in, to me, crosses are interesting just based on their history. Ranker has listed some of the major types of crosses and their meanings. Keep scrolling and see how many of these you have seen before.

LOOK: CHECK OUT THESE 10 DIFFERENT CROSSES AND WHAT THEY MEAN

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Canterbury Cross

This cross developed its name from the town of Canterbury, England. The original Canterbury cross was located there in an 1867 excavation.


 

Photo: Philip Heak/Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Philip Heak/Wikimedia Commons
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Celtic Cross

I like the meaning behind this cross. It's unique in the fact that it has a circle in addition to the vertical and horizontal cross-like shape. The circle represents God's eternal love. These crosses first turned up close to Scotland and Ireland during Middle Aged times.


 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Coptic Ankh

After a little research, I found this to also be called a Coptic cross. This is the symbol used by Coptic Christians in 4th century Eygpt.


 

SONY DSC
Photo: SONY DSC/Wikimedia Commons
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Cross of Constantine

This cross goes all the way back to Constantine the Holy Roman Emperor and is still used today. It contains Greek letters resembling an X and a P.


 

Dülmen, Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche, Kreuz
Photo: Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons
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Forked Cross

Obviously named after its Y-fork shape, this cross also goes by other names. Perhaps it's best known as the Thieves Cross. This is because thieves and criminals were said to be executed on a cross of this shape.


 

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Photo: Picasa 2.7/Wikimedia Commons
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Latin Cross

This cross is perhaps the most well-known of all the Christian crosses. It has classic vertical and horizontal cross shapes and represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.


 

Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen/Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen/Wikimedia Commons
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Maltese Cross

This cross is associated with several Catholic organizations including the Knights of Malta which started back in the crusades. The Knights of Malta exist today and are based in Rome. They aid in humanitarian efforts all over the world including natural disasters.


 

Photo: Usuario/Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Usuario/Wikimedia Commons
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Papel Cross

This cross has 3 horizontal crosspieces. These 3 pieces represent the 3 crowns located on the papal tiara. Of course, it could also be said they represent the Holy Trinity.


 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Russian-Orthodox Cross

This cross differs from more traditional crosses in that it has 2 additional vertical bars. One at the top and the other at the bottom. The bottom bar making a cross represents a footrest that Jesus's feet were nailed to during crucifixion.


 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Scientology Cross

Scientology is a non-Christian based movement that uses a cross as one of its symbols. The design is said to be that of L. Ron Hubbard who was inspired by a cross he noticed at a Spanish mission.

For most, crosses and crucifixes are an important part of faith and religion. You can get both of those enrichments plus an excellent education right here in Abilene, the home of 3 Christian Universities.

Did you know that many famous and well-known celebrities are Abilene Christian University alumni? Scroll on to see which ones you recognize.

Look: Do You Recognize These Famous Abilene Christian University Alumni?

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