CROSSING ONESELF Meaning and
Definition
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Crossing oneself is a religious practice observed in various Christian denominations, particularly in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. It involves making the Sign of the Cross, a symbolic gesture that involves tracing a cross shape with one's hand or fingers over one's body. The act usually consists of touching the forehead, the chest, the left shoulder, and the right shoulder in sequence, while invoking the name of the Holy Trinity (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, or words to that effect).
The act of crossing oneself is typically performed by individuals as an outward sign of faith, devotion, or reverence. It serves as a physical reminder and expression of one's belief in the Holy Trinity and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By invoking the name of God while making the crossing motion, believers seek protection, blessing, or grace.
Crossing oneself can be done during prayer, at the start or end of religious services, when entering or leaving a church, before receiving Communion, or in times of distress or gratitude. It is often integrated into personal and communal worship and is seen as a way to unite the body, mind, and spirit in prayer.
This practice has deep historical and cultural roots in Christianity, with references dating back centuries. While it is widely practiced in certain Christian traditions, it may vary in its precise form or frequency depending on individual and regional customs within the broader Christian faith.
Common Misspellings for CROSSING ONESELF
- xrossing oneself
- vrossing oneself
- frossing oneself
- drossing oneself
- ceossing oneself
- cdossing oneself
- cfossing oneself
- ctossing oneself
- c5ossing oneself
- c4ossing oneself
- crissing oneself
- crkssing oneself
- crlssing oneself
- crpssing oneself
- cr0ssing oneself
- cr9ssing oneself
- croasing oneself
- crozsing oneself
- croxsing oneself
- crodsing oneself
Etymology of CROSSING ONESELF
The phrase "crossing oneself" derives from a religious practice within Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Protestant denominations. The act involves making the sign of the cross by touching the forehead, chest, and then both shoulders while saying a prayer or invoking the Holy Trinity. The word "crossing" in this context refers to making the shape of a cross with one's hand or fingers. The verb "to cross" comes from the Old English word "cros", which originally meant "rod" or "staff" but later took on the meaning of the Christian emblem of the cross. Thus, "crossing oneself" refers to the physical gesture of making the sign of the cross as an act of devotion or supplication.
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