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St. Francis of Assisi's IconPowerful Symbols in the San Damiano Cross and What They Mean
As well as the major figures of Jesus, his mother Mary and others, the Cross of San Damiano contains many symbols in the forms of people, their dress and colors.
Most striking figure in the Cross of San Damiano, of course, is the figure of Jesus Christ himself (as described in the article, St. Francis of Assisi's Cross). It was, no doubt, this figure that drew St Francis' attention when he entered the old ruined church where he heard the voice of God instructing him to rebuild the church. Visitors and pilgrims can see this figure for themselves in the original cross displayed now in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy. Around this figure are others who tell the story of the Crucifixion. Jesus' ResurrectionThe cross is full of other symbols, some of which tell about the Resurrection. Behind the outstretched arms of Jesus is a black bar. Given the skill and care with which the cross was painted, it is clear that this is not just a black area that the artist merely left blank. It represents the darkness of the tomb, its emptiness. In traditional icon art, the tomb is represented as a stone box or coffin. The red of Jesus' blood and of the bar above the tomb depict his love overcoming the darkness of death. As Jean Vanier, the poet and founder of l'Arche, has written, the emptiness of the tomb evidences the Resurrection of Jesus. It is not here that he is found; the Christian has to start from the empty tomb and go in search of Christ. Saints Peter and JohnTwo men are at the tomb, one at each end. A commentary by a Franciscan priest refers to them as unknown saints whose gestures are of faith. A document from the Poor Clare sisters states they are Peter and John, running to the tomb having heard from Mary Magdalen that the Lord had risen. Just below the tomb and the outstretched arms of Jesus are four angels, two on each side. One on one side and one on the other are clothed in red. They point to Jesus while they look down to the women below who are saying that Jesus is not here, he has risen. The other two angels are clothed in green, the color of hope. They are the angels who, at the Ascension, say to Peter, John and the other disciples, "why do you stand looking up?" -- the sentiment echoed by Jean Vanier. Seek God here among the needy of the world. Jesus' AscensionThese angels point up to the red circle at the top of the cross, referred to as the "medallion." Here is a second figure of Jesus, ascending to heaven, carrying with him a gold cross, as his scepter. His gold clothing symbolizes royalty and victory, his red scarf symbolizes dominion and kingship and the love poured out in his blood. Beside him are what the Franciscan commentator calls the "Astonished Angels": even the angels who are so close to God are astonished at his generosity and sacrifice. The Hand of GodAbove is a hand reaching down from the top edge of the cross, the right hand of God extended in blessing. There are many other symbols in the cross, too many for a brief article. The varying interpretations that different authorities make of them imply that anyone looking on the cross can find meanings personal to themselves. Of the symbols described here, one of the most prominent is the color red, the color of love. It is in garments worn by Mary and Mary Magdalen, in Jesus' blood, in the bar above the tomb, in the scarf Jesus takes to heaven and in the divine circle where God extends the hand of blessing. It calls Christians not to stand merely looking up for Jesus, but to bring God's love to the world.
The copyright of the article St. Francis of Assisi's Icon in Catholic Practices is owned by Thomas Kelly. Permission to republish St. Francis of Assisi's Icon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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