Death cross
Versehgarnitur , on the left a holding cross as a death cross, underneath folded cloths
The death cross is a devotional item in the Catholic Church . It is a crucifix , usually in the form of a Lazarus cross , that is shown to the dying person or given (for a kiss ). By referring to Lazarus , the promise of the resurrection should be made clear to the dying .
The retention cross follows the tradition of the death cross, which is given to the seriously ill when the moment of death approaches. It should also be of help to those who stand by the dying. The cross is placed in the dying person's room, usually by his side, so that he can always see it, and two burning candles are often placed next to the cross. The cross is supposed to give courage and strength to the dying. It stays with the dead even when they are laid out.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Little Rituals, p. 75.
literature
- Ilija Dürhammer , Pia Janke : “Only when someone is dead is he good”: artist relics and devotional objects. Austrian Theater Museum. 1st edition, Brandstätter, Vienna 2002, ISBN 385498216X .