Dual Meanings of the Cross in Performance
Based on the views expressed in the quotations, a musician wearing a large thimble cross on the chest elicits a complex and contradictory response. On one hand, the cross is considered the greatest Christian relic—a visible sign of redemption and personal faith meant for every believer as a mark of dedication and protection. For example, the significance of the cross is defined as follows:"The cross is the greatest Christian relic, the visible sign of our redemption. During the Feast of the Exaltation, the Church sings praises... The chest cross is put on every newly baptized person as a shield of faith and a weapon against demons." (source: link txt)On the other hand, historically, wearing a cross over one’s clothing was strictly reserved for bishops and later for priests. An attempt to wear the cross in this manner without the appropriate ecclesiastical status was viewed as unsuitable for one’s role and even as an act of self-sanctification. This perspective is expressed in the following quote:"The right to wear a cross over garments until the 18th century was reserved only for bishops, and later for priests. Anyone who dares to imitate them commits the sin of self-sanctification." (source: link txt)Furthermore, appearing on stage with a large chest cross can stir up heated debates, as it becomes not only a sign of faith but also a symbol that hints at the wearer’s moral and spiritual qualities. In the concert and stage context, this issue gains additional dimensions when the symbol is subjected to public and critical scrutiny:"However, appearing on stage with a chest cross can provoke heated disputes and discussions. The cross becomes not merely an attribute of faith, but also a symbol that alludes to the moral and spiritual qualities of its bearer. This is particularly true if it is an impressively large cross, noticeable to everyone present." (source: link txt)Thus, it can be concluded that for musicians, wearing a large thimble cross on the chest may be perceived in two ways: as a sign of personal faith and protection on one hand, and as an unjustified appropriation of a symbol traditionally reserved for priests or bishops on the other. Consequently, such an act might be considered sinful according to canonical tradition. The religious significance of the cross remains unchanged—it symbolizes redemption, salvation, and a call to live in faith—yet its use outside established ecclesiastical norms may be interpreted as a violation of those norms.