Crucifix from local Catholic Store

[FromTheAshes777]

The other day I finally was able to find the main Catholic Bookstore in our Diocese. I went in an purchased a few small items, including a small metal crucifix with a very short chain meant to hang from my rearview mirror. It actually said rearview mirror ornament on the tag.

Anyways I put this on my rearview mirror and a few days later noticed down at the bottom of the cross just below Jesus’ feet, there is what looks like a tiny little snake on the cross.

I was wondering if this was something that I should worry about. I wouldn’t think that our Catholic store (which is right next to our Diocese Cathedral by the way) would sell something questionable although it is possible.

What do you guys think? Have you ever seen a crucifix that had this on it before?

Thanks and God bless,
Josh

 

[dhgray]

I’m sure the artist who crafted the crucifix put the serpant there as a reflection of
Genisis 3:15:

" I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel."

 

[akelios]

Hello,

I’d never heard of it but I did a search on the net and came up with this site, www.crosscrucifix.com and under their glossary section they have a reference to Serpent in art with crosses. This is the paragraph that they have:

**“Serpent
The serpent usually represents satan or sin. As with the symbolic use of most creatures, it is rarely completely good or evil. When represented on a tau cross, for instance, the snake represents Christ. At the bottom of a cross the presence of the serpent references the tempation at the Garden of Eden. Christ, as the second Adam, has defeated satan and saved man. On at least one holy card from the 17th century, a snake is shown eating its tail, a symbol of eternity. The usual placement of serpents and dragons are under the foot of the holy person, showing their defeat of evil. This is from Psalms 91:13 (NJB) " You will tread on lion and adder, trample on savage lions and dragons.”

Metford, 86-87, 224; Murray, 485. "**

-Amber

 

[TOP]

Hi,
The only thing that I have come across that is similar is on some eastern icons that depict Christ. He is sometimes shown to be trampling death/ devil/ demons that is symbolized by snakes. Hope this helps. Tim

 

[Crepusculum]

That’s interesting, not seen one with a snake before - a skull sometimes, but not a snake. I would guess the snake is a reference to Genesis 3:15, when God promises to send the world a redeemer, the seed of the woman, who will crush the serpent’s head, and the serpent shall bruise his heel.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

Hello,

I’d never heard of it but I did a search on the net and came up with this site, www.crosscrucifix.com and under their glossary section they have a reference to Serpent in art with crosses. This is the paragraph that they have:

**“Serpent
The serpent usually represents satan or sin. As with the symbolic use of most creatures, it is rarely completely good or evil. When represented on a tau cross, for instance, the snake represents Christ. At the bottom of a cross the presence of the serpent references the tempation at the Garden of Eden. Christ, as the second Adam, has defeated satan and saved man. On at least one holy card from the 17th century, a snake is shown eating its tail, a symbol of eternity. The usual placement of serpents and dragons are under the foot of the holy person, showing their defeat of evil. This is from Psalms 91:13 (NJB) " You will tread on lion and adder, trample on savage lions and dragons.”

Metford, 86-87, 224; Murray, 485. "**

-Amber

Excellent, this really makes very good sense. Thanks!

 

[bpbasilphx]

The Skull freuqently seen in Eastern Crucifixes and icones represents the skull of Adam. Calvary (where Christ was crucified) means “Skull Hlill” and pious legend says this is where Adam was buried.

 

[CatholicCajun]

That’s odd. Hubby and I own 3 Catholic stores and sell the auto crucifixes and have never come acorss any with a snake. Interesting…