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Symbol namn : | X p Chi Rho |
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| Other names : | ||
| Symbol type : | Christianity | |
The symbol consists of an X and a P and creates by translating the first two letters (XP) of the Greek word for Christ, the Monogram (also called "christogram")
The symbol is a long spear with gold and a cross with a transverse rod over it. On top of it all was placed a wreath of gold and precious stones; and within this, the symbol of the Savior's name, two letters indicating the name of Christ with its original characters.
Then the signs for Alpha and Omega or I are the beginning and the end.
The symbol was used before Christianity by scribes to abbreviate the word chrestos which means good or useful. According to the historian Eusebius, Constantine received a heavenly vision while praying. Then this sign was shown as a candle cross in the sky, above the sun, and with the inscription, conquer by this. He was not alone in seeing this sign, but his whole army saw the same vision, which followed him on this expedition, and witnessed the miracle.
The vision was confirmed the same night when Jesus appeared to Constantine and "commanded him to make an image of the sign which he had seen in heaven and to use it as a protection in all relations with his enemies." So Constantine gave orders and wrote the symbol on shields as a protection.The symbol was used in his army as a sign of salvation a protection against all negative and hostile powers and commanded that the symbol should be worn at the head of all his armies.
After this event, the Chi-Rho symbol spread like wildfire and was used in Christian art throughout the Roman Empire. Even today, it is used in churches around the world and continues to represent the victorious God who has defeated sin and death.