What does this signify on a crucifix?

Question

I recently saw a crucifix that had a small skull and crossbones at the bottom,what does this signify.

Answer 1

New Catholic Dictionary says:

On some crucifixes a skull and bones are shown at the foot, reminding us that Golgotha (Mount Calvary) meant "a skull," probably because it was a burial-place, or from a fanciful legend that in the hole dug for Our Lord's cross was found the skull of Adam.

Answer 2

In reference to New Testament, Mathew 27:23 - Mark 15:22 - John 19:17 That the place of His Crucifixion was called "Golgotha" (The Place of a Scull)

Also commonly used by The Knights Templar.

Answer 3

Do a search for medieval religious art..medieval crucifix...skull and bones crucifix.

This is something that was added to crucifix's in medieval times, but I can't remember why. I read an article about it once in school.

Answer 4

That's certainly not traditional, so it could mean many things. Difficult to say without seeing the piece or knowing the context in which it was displayed.

Poisons used to be marked with a skull and crossbones. So it could be a negative statement.

Or it could be a reference to an old rumor/tradition that Jesus was crucified on the spot where Adam was buried. If so, the skull and bones wouldn't be a negative statement; merely an arcane one.

Interestingly enough, the crucifixion took place on an area of land known as Golgotha, which means "place of the skulls."

http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/G/GOLGOTHA/

Answer 5

are you sure it was a skull and cross bones? it could have been a sign that looks like an interlocking x and p, which is a sign for christ.

Answer 6

This is not unusual. It's a symbol reminding us of our mortality.