why would people hang a cross around their neck...?
477419
No, it's because the cross is the symbol of victory, where Jesus overcame. It helps me remember what He did for me.
1110412
I disagree with tagi.  The Catholics bow down to a cement Christ on a cross.  if that isn't idolatry, I don't know what is.  If your friend was killed by a gun, would you wears one around your neck.  It is a good thing he wasn't trampled by an elephant.   We don't need physical symbols are signs to have us remember the sacrifice of Jesus.  if we do, then the level of our worship is on the surface and not the heart.  I have seen a lot of drug dealers and gang members wearing crosses.  What does that symbol remind them of?  The bible strictly forbids us to make any object in the likeness of Him or anything symbols at all.  the early Christians forbid their usage and the only reason they are used now is because of Constantine trying to unite he pagans and the Christians.  the cross was used by the pagans long before Christ.
194692
No they wear it to "hang loose".
1060646
For the same reason Pagans wear a pentagram Jews wear a Star of David ...\n\nIt's a reminder of their faith.  I wore a crucifix (a cross with a man on it) for years before LaCroix (famous French fashion designer) took his name and made the cross a "must have dahlink" for the fashion conscious.  Not only Christians wear crosses nowadays.
645251
I don't think it means she will only date christian men, I've seen Madonna wearing a cross, and I don't think she is a christian, or that she has ever dated a christian.  Lots of people wear a cross and in my opinion, misuse it.  I feel very strongly that the cross is sacred.  It's were my Savior laid down His life for me....... .  A wretch like me.  the lady you saw might be a looking for a good christian man you never can tell.  I hope for her sake she finds one.  God Bless You!!!!
489545
It is a symbol of the band HIM, they created it themselves. My guess would be that if you can find info on the band HIM then you will probably find why they created it and use it.  What it represents to them.
646862
I have a cross on my wrist. I chose this location because Christ was crucified through the wrists. I got it to remind me of how much he suffered for me, to keep my faith strong, and to remember to keep sight of my morals when I make a decision that will affect my (or someone else's) life.
718098
LOL..good question.. I'd bet you could crap on a sheet and spread it around to look like Jesus, you'd find a bunch of crazy people to believe it's a sign.
682607
because they want something to hold sacred.
913616
All the time.  However, you have to remember I also wear the symbols of my faith daily and have several of them tattooed on my body as well.  Hitler used some of these ancient symbols while he was terrorizing Europe, so I can see where some might be a bit shocked by a woman running around town sporting swastikas, a Thor's Hammer and sig runes (along with many other symbols).  Some white supremacist groups still do use the very same symbols simply because they idolize Hitler and he apparently was really into Germanic/Scandinavian lore and ancestral and tribal practices.  Because of this, I don't get upset when I am judged, I take the time to educate about my symbols and what they mean.  \n\nI don't consider this 'unfair' unless it's one of the rare occasions when someone accuses me of lying about what my symbols mean!  I usually point out the cross was used by the KKK (and still is) and unless christians were going to give up their symbols 'out of respect', I shouldn't have to give mine up, either.  That usually either gets them away from me or makes them realize they were acting inappropriately by trying to link me to Hitler.\n\nFor the most part, people aren't nearly as rude in the RW as they can be online, so I've not had too many problems.  Just the same ones any non-christian does when out in public.  People are always trying to convert me...  i guess in a way that's another form of judgment though, isn't it?\n\n~Morg~
552919
not necessarily derogatory, depends on the context. It is a shortcut for Christian as the cross represent Christ so the X represents the cross. Kinda like saying u r instead of you are.
738005
"This gesture originates from the custom of making a wish upon the cross. It was believed that the cross was a symbol of unity and that benign spirits dwelt at its intersecting point -- to wish on a cross was a figurative way of securing the wish at the intersection until it came true.\n\nThis custom dates back to pre-Christian times and, in many early European cultures, two people were required to use their index fingers to form the sign, one to make the wish and the other to support it. Over the years, the custom was modified so one person could make a wish on his/her own."
679127
It's an old German custom ... made popular by a former President's wife ...\n\n... You should look into the origins of "Rudolph" ... a complete marketing ploy ... \n\nGood question though.  It is interesting and I'm adding this to my watch list too.   ;-)\n\nSidebar:  If a Christian and a Jew marry, do they have a Christmas tree with the Star of David on top ?  ;-P
120411
I grew up mormon.  Mormon's do NOT believe in wearing a crucifix; 99% of mormons frown upon it.  Our churches have pointy steeples, many temples have an angel blowing a horn.  The only other similar thing like that are rings with the symbols CTR (choose the right) or RTW (return with honor).\n\nSo you don't have to worry about wearing a "Mormon" cross.
1165413
I've heard two theories, and I suspect one was designed to replace the other.  (1) It is the Druid's way to call up the spirits inside the tree, and (2) it is the Christian's way to touch the cross on which Jesus was crucified.\n\nYou pays your money and you takes your pick.
577291
the cross has it origins in pagan history.  The cross was not used by the early Christians but become common place after the pagans and Christians were united under Constantine.  Christ was not killed on a cross anyway.  It was a straight pole without any appendages.  let me ask you, if your best friend was killed with a knife, would you hang a knife around your neck?  And would that remind you of his death or his great life?  yes, his death.  All the pictures of Christ show him on the "cross" died, not the resurrected Christ.  I think it is Satan's trick used to offend God, whose son was killed indirectly by Satan's thinking that he had foiled God's plan.  Indeed we should destroy these satanic pagan symbols.  Besides, they have no effect.  I have seen a lot of criminals and drug dealers wearing them.  What's the deal with that?
745297
There's nothing wrong with it, it is just a peace sign. It doesn't stand for Satan and Christians don't have a problem with it either.\n\nI noticed in your article the guy Keens seems to have something against the person and is using the wreath as a way to slander them.\n\nThe lady that had the wreath on her house should take it to court because she would defiantly win.