What Is the Significance of the Sideways Cross?

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Learn the meaning of this symbol as a necklace or tattoo

Co-authored by Olivia Woodford and Devin McSween

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meanings

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Is it okay for Christians to wear?

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Meaning on a Tombstone

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Other Cross Type Meanings

While out and about or scrolling social media, you’ve probably seen someone wearing a sideways cross necklace or sporting this symbol as a tattoo. But what does the sideways cross mean? For many people, the sideways cross is another version of the Christian cross that represents their faith, while others simply see it as a fashion statement. In this article, we’ll uncover all the possible meanings of the sideways cross, explain if it’s a Christian symbol, and tell you about other crosses and their symbolism. Read on to learn more!

Sideways Cross Meaning on a Necklace

Many people see the sideways cross necklace as a version of the Christian cross. So, it can signify their faith, represent Jesus’ salvation, or symbolize their desire to follow Christ. For others, the sideways cross can represent their Nordic heritage or simply be a fashionable accessory.

Section 1 of 4:

Sideways Cross Meanings

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It represents Christianity and Jesus’ crucifixion. Lots of people see the sideways cross as another version of the standard, upright cross (also known as the Latin cross). So, many Christians wear the sideways cross as jewelry or get it as a tattoo to symbolize their faith and remind them of Jesus’ sacrifice to save them from their sins.^{[1]
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- In general, the cross symbolizes faith, hope, love, salvation, redemption, and atonement to Christians.^{[2]
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To many Christians, the sideways cross represents Jesus laying down the cross after achieving salvation for humanity. As a necklace or tattoo, this can be a way for Christians to remember that Jesus died for their sins and provided them a path to Heaven, helping them to strengthen their faith.^{[3]
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Because the cross is sideways, some Christians see it as a symbol of they themselves picking up Jesus’ cross.^{[4]
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For some, the sideways cross is a grounding spiritual symbol, reminding them that life is lived on Earth and they should stay present. It can also represent a Christian’s effort to live by God’s word on Earth, as salvation awaits in Heaven.
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It symbolizes Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland. The sideways cross is also known as the Nordic cross in these countries, as it is featured on all of their flags. So, jewelry or tattoos of the sideways cross might represent someone’s Nordic ancestry and pride in their country. It can also symbolize the importance of Christianity in these countries and be a symbol of someone’s faith.^{[6]
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- Denmark was the first country to use the Nordic cross as a flag. According to belief, the Danish flag fell from the sky during Denmark’s battle against Estonia in 1219 and was interpreted as God’s support for Denmark.
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It’s just a fashion statement. For many Christians and non-Christians alike, the sideways cross might not have any specific meaning at all. To them, it might just be a stylish jewelry choice or look like a cool symbol as a tattoo.
- The sideways cross has become a fashion trend in recent years, with many celebrities wearing the symbol as jewelry or getting it tattooed.
Ultimately, the sideways cross has no set meaning according to Christianity or other spiritual beliefs. So, it can symbolize or represent something completely different to each person. If you’re not sure what someone’s sideways cross jewelry or tattoo means, simply ask!

Section 2 of 4:

Is it okay for Christians to wear a sideways cross?

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Yes, it’s okay for Christians to wear a sideways cross. The sideways cross isn’t considered disrespectful or bad, as there are no widespread, negative meanings associated with the sideways cross. In general, it isn’t seen as any different from wearing the Latin (upright) cross. Most Christians agree that intent matters more—if your sideways cross is meant to symbolize your faith and honor God, it’s not disrespectful or sinful.^{[7]
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- Since the Latin cross is more common than the sideways cross, some Christians might have questions about the sideways cross if you decide to wear one. While unusual, some may believe it's only proper to wear the cross vertically. Simply explain what it means to you and how it brings you closer to your faith.

Section 3 of 4:

Meaning of a Sideways Cross on a Tombstone

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Generally, a sideways cross on a tombstone or grave represents Jesus laying down the cross, signifying that his work is done and he’s achieved salvation for humanity. This can be a hopeful sign for the deceased’s family, symbolizing their ascension to Heaven.^{[8]
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Section 4 of 4:

Other Types of Crosses and Their Meanings

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Upside-down cross Also known as the inverted cross or the cross of St. Peter, the upside-down cross usually represents St. Peter’s crucifixion. The apostle was sentenced to death but didn’t consider himself worthy to die the same way as Jesus. So, he asked for the cross to be turned upside down. Many see the upside-down cross as a simple of humility and sacrifice.^{[9]
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- The upside-down cross has also been used by non-Christians to reject the religion and deny their belief in God. Some also use it to represent the Church of Satan. So, the upside-down cross can be an anti-Christian symbol.
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Slanted cross Also known as the Orthodox cross, this symbol also represents Jesus’ crucifixion. It has a second horizontal bar at the top and a slanted one at the bottom, with the slanted bar representing where Jesus’ feet were placed.^{[10]
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- It’s thought that the slanted bar points up to Heaven and down to Hell or symbolizes the 2 thieves who were crucified next to Jesus.
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Celtic cross The Celtic cross is an important symbol in Celtic tradition and Christianity, so it can represent someone’s Celtic heritage or Christian faith. The symbol combines the vertical, Latin cross with a circle, which is thought to represent God’s light or a halo. It’s believed that St. Patrick or Christian missionaries brought the cross to the Celtic nations to convert them to Christianity.^{[11]
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Greek cross The Greek cross is also seen as a symbol of Christianity and Jesus’ crucifixion. Unlike the Latin cross, the Greek cross’ horizontal and vertical bars are all the same lengths. This cross is also a part of the Greek flag, so it might symbolize someone’s Greek heritage, too.^{[12]
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Patriarchal cross The patriarchal cross is another version of the Latin cross—it has 2 horizontal bars at the top of the vertical bar instead of 1. It generally represents Christianity and Christ’s crucifixion, too. According to belief, the smaller horizontal bar at the top of the symbol is a plaque where Jesus’ name was written.^{[13]
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- Some people believe that the 2 horizontal bars represent Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection.
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The Ankh The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that many historians believe is the original cross symbol. The base of the ankh looks like the Latin cross, but the top is a loop or teardrop shape. Ankhs were traditionally placed on ancient Egyptians’ sarcophagi to represent eternal life and ensure they reached the afterlife.^{[14]
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