sign of the cross
Noun: A sacred ritual gesture performed by moving the right hand to touch the forehead, chest, left shoulder, and right shoulder, tracing the shape of a cross. It is a physical act of prayer and a profession of faith, most commonly associated with Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican and Lutheran Christians.
The "sign of the cross" is used as a prayerful gesture at the beginning and end of prayers, upon entering or leaving a church, before reading the Gospel, in moments of personal devotion, or in times of distress. It is an act of invoking God's presence and blessing.
- The priest made the sign of the cross before reading from the Gospel.
- She began her morning prayers with the sign of the cross.
- Making the sign of the cross is a common practice before receiving communion.
- To make the sign of the cross: This is the standard verb phrase used to describe performing the gesture.
- The congregation was instructed to make the sign of the cross.
- To bless oneself: A synonymous phrase for making the sign of the cross.
- He blessed himself with holy water upon entering the cathedral.
- Cross oneself: A common, less formal verb phrase meaning to make the sign of the cross.
- She crossed herself when she heard the sad news.
- Blessing oneself
- Crossing oneself
The term specifically refers to the gesture itself. While it is a "sign" or symbol, in this religious context, it is a ritual action with deep theological meaning, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
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a gesture with the right hand moving to form a cross; used by Catholics as a profession of faith