These days known to Christians as Holy Week lead to a
commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The
meaning of the Christian Cross is a particular focus of
attention. The sign of the cross is perhaps about as universal a
symbol as can be found throughout human history. The simple
crossing of two lines at right angles can be traced to the
earliest periods of human civilization, both as a work of art
and as a religious symbol. The recognition of this symbol begins
with nature itself. Walking in a natural setting, one is struck
by how often fallen sticks or plant patterns form a cross. The
cross in the dogwood flower is well recognized. One summer
driving to Flagstaff I stopped and took a photo of a tree struck
by lightning. It had been blasted into the shape of a cross.
When one looks at the sun or at stars through haze, their light
often forms a cross in the sky. Also, a cross-like pattern is
visible in the sun's corona during solar eclipses. It was
inevitable for the cross to become the reli