Inverted cross
The inverted cross, also known as the upside-down cross, is a symbol that has been used in both Christian and anti-Christian contexts. Historically, it is most commonly associated with Saint Peter, who, according to tradition, was crucified upside down and for whom the symbol represents humility and martyrdom. In modern times, the inverted Latin cross has also been adopted in anti-Christian and Satanic symbolism to signify opposition to Christianity.
Christian symbolism
[edit]The inverted cross is traditionally known as the Cross of Saint Peter, Crux Inversa, or Petrine Cross.[1] According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter was crucified upside down,[2] as he did not consider himself worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. As a result, the symbol has been used in Christian iconography, particularly within the Catholic Church, as a symbol of humility.[3]
Anti-Christian use
[edit]In the 19th and 20th centuries, some anti-Christian groups, occult traditions, and Satanic movements repurposed the inverted cross as a symbol of defiance against Christianity. Unlike its use in Christian tradition, here it is meant to invert or subvert Christian teachings.[4] The inverted cross is a recurring motif in metal music, particularly black metal, in congruity with its anti-Christian themes.[5]
In literature
[edit]Joris-Karl Huysmans' novel Là-bas (1891) describes a Black Mass where participants wear vestments with inverted crosses.[6] The character 'Docteur Johannès' was based on the 19th-century French mystic Eugène Vintras (1807–1875),[7] who incorporated the Petrine Cross into his vestments, particularly on his stole, as part of his movement's esoteric Christian symbolism.[8]
The Inverted Cross (La Cruz Invertida) by Argentine writer Marcos Aguinis (1970) is a political and social novel set in an unnamed Latin American country, exploring themes of upheaval, identity, and dictatorship. It critically examines human contradictions and the continent's struggles for unity.[9]
In popular culture
[edit]Many horror films use inverted crosses as part of their imagery and marketing, especially if the film involves demonic themes. Examples include The Amityville Horror, The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity. At the end of Rosemary's Baby, an upside down cross hangs over the bassinet containing Satan's son.[citation needed]
Glen Benton of the band Deicide branded an inverted cross onto his forehead.[10]
Former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward suggested that the use of an inverted cross on the inner gatefold sleeve of their debut album by their label Vertigo may have been a promotional ploy or a misunderstanding of the nature of the group.[11]
The Swedish metal band Ghost makes use of the inverted cross in place of the final "t" in the band's wordmark, as well as on singer Papa Emeritus I's chasuble. Also, Ghost uses an inverted cross bisecting the letter G as their logo, the Grucifix.[citation needed]
Then-indie hip hop artist Tyler, the Creator drew the cross on his forehead for his portrait in the deluxe album cover for his 2011 album Goblin. Similarly, experimental trap artist Playboi Carti utilized the upside down cross for his 2020 album Whole Lotta Red. On the cover, Carti is depicted wearing an inverted crucifix pendant.[12] This piece of jewelry has remained a staple with his outfits, and his fellow Opium signee Ken Carson has inserted the iconography into the cover for his 2023 album A Great Chaos.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Sauerländer & Rubens (2014), p. 224; Vile (2024), pp. 174–5.
- ^ Rest (1954), p. 29.
- ^ Pick (1909).
- ^ Van Luijk (2016).
- ^ Fletcher & Umurhan (2019).
- ^ Ziegler (2012), p. 56.
- ^ Chisholm (1979), p. 173.
- ^ Van Luijk (2016), p. 178.
- ^ Williams (2007), pp. 84–85.
- ^ "The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever". Kerrang!. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ O'Neill, Christine. "Bill Ward: Black Sabbath inverted cross was a promotional ploy", Louder Sound, August 26, 2016
- ^ "Playboi Carti Officially Reveals 'Whole Lotta Red' Cover Art & Release Date". Genius. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
- ^ "A Great Chaos by Ken Carson". Genius. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
Works cited
[edit]- Chisholm, A. R. (1979). Towards Hérodiade: A Literary Genealogy. AMS Press. ISBN 978-0404163105.
- Fletcher, K. F. B.; Umurhan, Osman, eds. (2019). Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1350075375.
- Pick, Bernhard (1909). "Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Peter". The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas. Chicago: The Open Court Publishing Co. pp. 106–122. ISBN 9780837019123.
- Rest, Friedrich (1954). Our Christian Symbols. Christian Education Press. ISBN 0-8298-0099-9.
- Sauerländer, W.; Rubens, P. P. (2014). The Catholic Rubens: Saints and Martyrs. Getty Research Institute. ISBN 978-1606062685.
- Van Luijk, R. (2016). Children of Lucifer: The Origins of Modern Religious Satanism. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0190275112.
- Vile, J. R. (2024). The Christian Cross in American Public Life: An Encyclopedia. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1527572188.
- Williams, R. L. (2007). The Columbia Guide to the Latin American Novel Since 1945. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231501699.
- Ziegler, R. (2012). Satanism, Magic and Mysticism in Fin-de-siècle France. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-1137006615.
Further reading
[edit]- Magee, R. M. (2016). The Haunted Muse: Gothic and Sentiment in American Literature. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1443892803.
- Reagan, P. E. (2016). Deconstructing Paradise: Inverted Religious Symbolism in Twentieth-Century Latin American Literature. Lexington Books. ISBN 978-1498524728.