Decorative Christian Cross.

This Latin cross is 14 inches tall including its base. The Latin cross is made of durable bonded marble and has a moss like finish that gives it an antique look. Both sides of the Latin cross are decorated with a leaf pattern going through each arm. In the center of the Latin cross there is a circle. Each of the four arms, of the Latin cross, extend out from this circle. In the center of the circle there is a flower design. The three upper arms of this Latin cross are about half the length of the lower arm.

History of the Latin Cross.
The Latin cross or �crux immissa� is the most popular form of cross. During the first three centuries of Christianity, the cross was rarely used as a Christian icon. Although it is found on coins, medals, and ornaments anterior to the Christian era and descriptions of it are found in Christian writings from the early 2nd century onwards. The cross first became prominent in Christian imagery during the late 3rd century. The upper arm of the Latin cross and the two side arms are equal length, while the lower arm is twice as long as any of the other three. It was on this cross that Christ is said to have been crucified, and thus it became accepted as the Christian cross.

History of the Cross.
The Cross. is a sacred emblem of the Christian faith. It has a deep and sacred meaning for the Christian world. It is a symbol of redemption, signifying Christ�s death on the cross for man�s sins.
The cross was rarely seen during the first three centuries of Christianity. Descriptions of the cross are found in Christian writings from the early 2nd century on. The cross first became prominent in Christianity during the 3rd Century.
The cross is often shown in different shapes, sizes and styles. It may be used in personal jewelry or on top of church buildings. Crosses are a prominent feature in Christian cemeteries, either carved on gravestones or as sculptures. The cross has been used daily since before Christ. It has been used in performing sacred acts of the Church such as the sacrament. Crosses were put up to mark the graves of heroes, kings and bishops during the Middle Ages. They were often set up in market places. In some ceremonies, members of the clergy and worshipers trace the shape of a cross with a hand or certain fingers. A cross on a staff is carried in processions. Churches and cathedrals were often built with the floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross.
Various Christian groups have adopted different styles of crosses. The Latin cross is supposed to be the kind of cross on which Jesus died. It has a long upright pole and crosspiece fastened to it near the top. The Greek cross, or The Cross of Saint George, has four arms of the same length. This cross is also used with the cross of Saint Andrew to form the British Union Jack. In this flag, the Cross of Saint George stands for England, and the Cross of Saint Andrew stands for Scotland. The Maltese cross has eight sharp points. It was the emblem of a certain order of knights of the Middle Ages.
For the first 300 years after the death of Christ, Christians, fearing persecution by the hostile Roman government, rarely displayed the cross in public. During the early middle Ages, Christian artists made crosses as symbols of the Christian belief in the Resurrection of Christ. Many of these portrayed Christ wearing priestly clothes and a royal crown. Later the sufferings of Jesus were emphasized in crucifixes. A crucifix is a cross with an image of the dying Christ.
The crucifixion of Jesus caused Christians to regard the cross with reverence. Since apostolic times the cross has had a prominent place in Christianity. Early Christians prayed with their arms extended to represent Christ on the cross and the use of the sign of the cross can be traced back to the 3rd century. The earliest references to the use of the crucifix were made by writers of the 6th century.

Definition of Design.
Design is the intended arrangement of materials to produce a certain result or effect. The principles of design are most clearly seen in visual arts such as painting, sculpture and architecture.
Painters work with lines, shapes and colors. They are also concerned with the direction of lines, the size of the shapes and the shading of the colors. By successfully arranging all these elements into a pattern that is emotionally satisfying to his audience, the design will have unity. Unity is a satisfying overall effect. Asymmetrical balance, repetition and harmonious colors can help unify a design.

Repetition in Design.
Repetition is repeated lines or shapes such as those found in Japanese color prints. Many have fine slanting lines of rain or scenes with reflections on water repeated over and over. Repetition of lines, shapes and colors can help produce an overall appearance of harmony in a composition.