Today, the Novgorod cross is known to many under a different name and belonging to radical youth movements in Europe. It is called Celtic, embarrassed and even condemned, not knowing what its real history is. A cross with a circle at one time assumed the same sacred meaning for Christians as, for example, icons. It is a mistake to believe that he had a pagan influence, however, such a theory may be, since there is no evidence to the contrary. The article will talk about several of the most famous theories of the origin of the Novgorod cross, as well as the reasons behind the widespread use of this symbolism.
Primary Description
This symbol is one of the variations of the cross of the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ, also known as the Knights Templar. It is the intersection of two lines inscribed in a circle. It has a solar meaning and pagan origin, which will be discussed later. Sometimes it is presented in the form of a solid circle with small slots between the elements. Made in both stone and wood. Has similar features also with elements of religious significance of the Irish Catholic Church of the 11th century AD. Accurate origin story and meaningNovgorod cross remain hidden from the public to this day.
In addition, a simpler and more modern variation of this element is also known, which provides for cruciform formations at each end of the initial crossing. The differences between the individual versions of this emblem are also poorly understood and are not being studied.
Possible "progenitor"
The symbolism of the Templars, as well as the trends that influenced it, remain poorly understood. These or other types of crosses were formed due to a certain, bright and significant event. An example of such an imagery scenario is the crucifixion. The Templar cross is also rooted in the history of the Celts, has a similar style and design features.
Similar sigils were called pawls because of the characteristic shape of the elements. In addition, the general theory of the formation of crosses claims that such signs were borrowed by Christianity for a smoother and more understandable transition from paganism to a new faith.
Meaning of the Templar Cross
First of all, the color design of this element should be noted. Almost always, it was made in a scarlet hue, which symbolized the blood of Christ shed for sinners, or the readiness of the knight-errant himself to make sacrifices for the sake of asserting his faith. In addition, the Templar cross was also called fiery. Analogies come to mind with the light, the throne of the Lord, consisting of fire, purification and incineration.
It is quite possible that the same symbol as the Novgorod cross was a kind of personification of the sun, its healing and punishing sides. However, in addition to this, there are also many other hypotheses, according to which the emblem of the Templars is just a reference to the crucifixion as such.
Key theory of the meaning of the Novgorod cross
In this case, it is also appropriate to talk about the "solar" nature of this element. The Novgorod cross has pagan roots in the form of a "solar wheel", a sigil in which there was also an emphasis on the rotation of a celestial body with four "support" points in the form of the winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and autumn equinox. This form of the original cross was observed almost everywhere in Novgorod until the 15th century, when the key symbolism underwent a number of changes.
In this context, it is appropriate to say that the Novgorod cross was a direct consequence of the absorption of paganism by the ideas of Christianity with the borrowing of similar sacred elements and their meanings. It is noteworthy that this hypothesis is supported by the fact that the shrines of Novgorod were also decorated with a "cross placed in a circle", and for a long time Christ himself was personified with sunlight, warmth, and healing power.
Similar to the Celtic cross
The Cross of St. Columba is a kind of personification of Celtic Christianity as such. This is an extremely popular symbol today. Causesuch a state of affairs is the fact that white supremacists use a particular variation of this symbol as their emblem.
This kind of organization ranges from simple supporters of the ideas of nationalism to armed and dangerous gangs. There are supporters of neo-Nazism in Eastern Europe as well. It is somewhat sad that a powerful religious symbol has taken on such significance.
History and parallels
It's no secret that until the moment when the Irish Catholic Church was under the heel and sword of Rome in 1085, this structure had considerable weight both at home and in Europe. Including in the east. Moreover, if in the states close to the papacy there were noticeable encroachments on the establishment of a single confession, as well as a craving for church asceticism, then closer to the Carpathians it is easy to note the influence of the Church of Ireland. According to legend, St. Patrick installed a cross with a circle on the island in order to connect the sacred symbol of Christ and the emblem of the personified pagan deity of the Sun, thereby strengthening the young belief in the minds of former pagans. How far are such realities from Novgorod?
In France, for example, the Celtic cross flaunts in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. It, like many other similar symbols in shrines, dates from around the 15th century. It is quite possible that the ideas embodied in Celtic Christianity were close to the Slavs. Even considering the fact that Novgorod is locateda little further from the permanent settlements of the Normans, it is quite possible that the key ideas of a more accessible, idle and understandable Irish Catholic Church were perceived softer than the hard dogmas of another denomination. Hence the similarity of religious symbols in two locations far from each other. At the same time, different types of crosses have common features. It is possible that such a coincidence is by no means accidental.
What should be the attitude?
It is at least incorrect to state that the description of the Novgorod cross is 100% known. However, one cannot but blame the fact that it is often confused with the emblem of neo-Nazism and its supporters are attributed to the participants of this radical movement. Despite the confusion in the origin, as well as some ambiguity in the formation, the Novgorod cross still remains a Christian symbol. Moreover, this emblem is a historical monument, which is still not worth insulting with a biased attitude. As for its current position, the Novgorod cross is worthy of protection, as well as the reverence characteristic of all Orthodox shrines.
