Where is this cross from?

 
Front and back view
of original piece
(Click either photo to enlarge)

This cross was found in a thrift store in Harlingen, Texas, about 50 km from the Mexican border. It is a voided cross with four equal length arms, like the Greek Cross.

The inner pattern could just be a whimsical doodle but assuming it does have meaning, there are several possibilities, including:

• The Holy Trinity
• Three buds
• A figure (Christ?) with outstretched arms
• A sheaf of wheat (albeit with only a single grain on each stem)
• Three flames or candles
• A trident

Symbols sometimes represent more than one idea (see for example the PCUSA emblem). However, for this particular design we believe the most likely representation intended by its (unknown) designer is of the Tree of Life and its purpose is to remind us of the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament.

The Tree of Life has various meanings, depending on whether it is being admired from an artist's perspective, a Darwinian evolutionary symbol of life on Earth¹, or just one of those easily recognised shapes used to illustrate esoteric beliefs of just about every religion, old and new. Centred on a cross, this particular symbol clearly has Christian associations.

The Tree of Life is a spiritual concept and described as growing in paradise², yet it is also material in that its fruit bears life-preserving power. The tree of life in the Garden of Eden bore fruit of spiritual death, but Christ is now to us the Tree of Life through which we can live³