Cross symbols are among the oldest on earth and are found in every culture. Crosses are symbols of the sun and the sky and they are linked with most solar deities. The most well known cross is the Latin cross which represents the cross of Christ's crucifixion.

However, Christians didn't use the sign of the cross as their religious symbol for generations after Christ was crucified. Rather than being a Christian symbol it was associated with executioners.

Early in the fourth century, after crucifixion was abolished by Emperor Constantine and Christianity became the state religion of Rome, the cross became the favored emblem for Christians.