THE CROSS
SUN AND MOON
Some pictures show a sun and moon at the top of the cross. This was because there was an eclipse when Jesus died.
MARY AND JOHN
Many people watched the crucifixion, but two people especially are always shown in paintings of the event - one is Mary, the mother of Jesus, the other is John, one of his disciples.
THE SKULL
Sometimes a skull is shown at the foot of the cross. This is because Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha, which means ‘The Place of the Skull ’.
GOOD AND BAD THIEVES
Two other people were crucified with Jesus – two thieves. One of them mocked Jesus, the other was sorry for him.
INRI
These letters stand for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum. This is Latin for ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews ’.
SIDE WOUND
Jesus died quite quickly. His death was hastened by a Roman soldier who struck him in the side with a spear.
