Crucifix with skull-and-crossbones
Question from Susanne on 6/25/2008:
I have an old crucifix with a skull and crossbones on it. Do you know what this symbolism means?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 6/26/2008:
Susanne--
Pious legend held that Adam was buried at Mount Calvary and so the skull-and-crossbones symbolizes Adam. The skull-and-crossbones also symbolizes death and so putting one at the base of a crucifix symbolizes Christ's triumph over death through death (1 Cor. 15:53-57).
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from Susanne on 6/25/2008:
I have an old crucifix with a skull and crossbones on it. Do you know what this symbolism means?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 6/26/2008:
Susanne--
Pious legend held that Adam was buried at Mount Calvary and so the skull-and-crossbones symbolizes Adam. The skull-and-crossbones also symbolizes death and so putting one at the base of a crucifix symbolizes Christ's triumph over death through death (1 Cor. 15:53-57).
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
In addition to the correct information which Michelle provided, the skull also reminded the owner of the crucifix of his or her mortality; for that reason this type of crucifix was often seen on priests' and nuns' rosaries.
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