Tool of suffering
With Arma Christi (also Passion tools , latin Arma Christi , weapons of Christ ') are called weapons, torture devices or other objects related to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ are. The depiction of the tools of suffering in Christian iconography has been common since the late Middle Ages. They often appear on depictions of the Last Judgment , the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the so-called Gregory Mass .
Some of the instruments of suffering are counted among the so-called Christ relics. According to tradition, Helena , the mother of Constantine the Great , had objects in the Holy Land that were directly related to the suffering and death of Christ, above all the Holy Cross . Relics such as the Holy Lance , the Holy Sponge and cross nails were venerated from around the year 1000. After the end of the Crusades , an abundance of new relics appeared, and more after the instruments of suffering had increasingly been the subject of devotional literature and piety since the late 14th century. Since the Passion tools are viewed as weapons for overcoming sin and death, they are also considered to be signs of victory. Mainly:
- the cross with the titulus crucis , usually INRI
- the crown of thorns of Christ
- the scourge column
- Flagella or rods
- the sponge soaked in vinegar or bile on a pipe
- the lance with which a Roman soldier inflicted the wound on the side of Jesus
- Cross nails with hammers
- the handkerchief of Veronica
Also shown are:
- the mockery scepter
- the purple cloak that Jesus wore at the mockery
- the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper with his disciples
- the seamless garment of Jesus, even holy rock called
- Dice with which the Roman soldiers gambling for the garment
- Vessels for bile and vinegar
- the ladders used for the Descent from the Cross
- Hand or fist at the blows of the high priest's servants during interrogation
- Pliers for removing the cross nails
- Vessels with anointing oil for the burial of Christ
- the shroud
- Rock tomb or sarcophagus
- Sun and moon
- Coins or bags represent the 30 pieces of silver, the traitor's wages for Judas Iscariot
- Rooster because of Simon Peter's denial of Christ
- Ropes or chains
- Torches, lanterns, swords and staffs that were carried when Jesus was captured
- Peter's sword, with which he cut off a servant's ear; sometimes the ear is also represented
- Heads of people involved in the passion story, such as Judas Iscariot, the high priest Caiaphas or those who spat in Jesus' face
- Blindfold
See also
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Gertrud Schiller : Iconography of Christian Art. Volume 2: The Passion of Jesus Christ. Lund Humphries, London 1972, ISBN 0-85331-324-5 .