Significance of skull in Crucifixtion scene

[lovedbyHim]

I have a relief of the crucifixtion and at the bottom of the cross there is a skull on the ground. I have seen this before in other scences, but it’s not in every scene.

Does anyone know if it has any particular significance?

Thanks!

 

[Batjacboy]

Golgotha has been traditionally believed by some to be the burial place of Adam, whose skull is represented. So the symbolism is that Christ (the new Adam), through His crucifixion, redeems mankind, making reparation for the sin of Adam.

 

[Batjacboy]

Oh, and I believe “Golgotha” is translated as “Place of the Skull.”

 

[lovedbyHim]

Wow! I’s absolutely amazing what I learn here. Thanks for your help

lovedbyHim

 

[Ani_Ibi]

Batjacboy:

Oh, and I believe “Golgotha” is translated as “Place of the Skull.”

What he said.

 

[MulusChristi]

Also, in Western Art, the skull is typically a symbol of mortality and the need for penitence in general. You often see saints portrayed with a skull, showing their penitence and recognition of mortality.

 

[tee_eff_em]

Batjacboy:

Golgotha has been traditionally believed by some to be the burial place of Adam, whose skull is represented. So the symbolism is that Christ (the new Adam), through His crucifixion, redeems mankind, making reparation for the sin of Adam.

Just to reiterate: What he said here too.

Especially in eastern iconography I’m told this is the skull of Adam.

tee

 

[scapularkid8]

I always just thought it represented the death that Chirist won over with His Cross.

 

[tee_eff_em]

scapularkid8:

I always just thought it represented the death that Chirist won over with His Cross.

Indeed. And death had entered the world through the man, Adam.

Among several explanations of *why *the site of the crucifixion was called “the place of the skull”, the old Catholic Encyclopedia has this to say, in part:

There was a tradition current among the Jews that the skull of Adam, after having been confided by Noah to his son Shem, and by the latter to Melchisedech, was finally deposited at the place called, for that reason, Golgotha. The Talmudists and the Fathers of the Church were aware of this tradition, and **it survives in the skulls and bones placed at the foot of the crucifix. **The Evangelists are not opposed to it, inasmuch as they speak of one and not of many skulls. (Luke, Mark, John, loc. cit.)
…
[This] theory has been characterized as too absurd, though it has many serious adherents. It was not absurd to the uncritical Jew. It would not seem absurd to untaught Christians. Yet it is among the untaught that names arise spontaneously. Indeed Christians embellished the legend, as we shall see.

Whichever etymology (if any) is correct, my **emphasis **relates to the OP question.

tee