What is the significance of an upside down cross

It was just another variant to the plain cross. In Catholicism, the inverted cross is accepted and valued, but an inverted crucifix is not. To clarify, a crucifix features an image of Jesus on the cross.

If a crucifix is inverted, it appears as disrespectful and irreverent. Symbols are dynamic and often, their meanings, change or acquire new associations with the changing times. This has happened most notably with the ancient swastika symbol , which today is mostly viewed in the West as a symbol of racism and hate. Likewise, the Petrine cross became associated with anti-Christian perceptions and the satanic church.

As the cross is the most recognized symbol of Christianity, an upside down cross could represent anti-Christian sentiments. An inverted crucifix is always considered disrespectful, inverting the meaning of the cross , whereas a simple inverted cross is not. Still, an inverted cross is sometimes intended as satanic.

In popular culture, such as in music and movies, the upside down cross can mean anti-Christian and Satanist sentiments specifically or rebellion against social and political power in general. The chief shepherd would follow the Good Shepherd even in the manner of his death. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Irenaeus, and Tertullian. If thou art near Italy, thou hast Rome where authority is ever within reach.

How fortunate is this Church for which the Apostles have poured out their whole teaching with their blood, where Peter has emulated the Passion of the Lord , where Paul was crowned with the death of John.

And if a heretic wishes his confidence to rest upon a public record, the archives of the empire will speak, as would the stones of Jerusalem. Pop culture has reinforced this meaning of the upside down cross. However, this is the Hollywood version of events. In the historical case The Conjuring 2 is based on the Enfield Poltergeist case , for instance, there were no reports of crosses being turned upside down.

Ed and Lorraine Warren who investigated the Enfield case fictionalized in The Conjuring were devout Catholics who were in direct contact with the Vatican. The would not have misunderstood an upside down cross as being a malevolent symbol in real life. There are many who believe there is nothing sinister whatsoever about the upside down cross.

You may have even seen the Pope sit on a throne with an upside down cross carved into it. This is not because the pope is the anti-christ.