In short: A glass cross is a wall cross made of coloured or clear glass that glows depending on how the light falls. It joins the cross as a sign of redemption with the image of light. Many glass crosses also carry symbols such as the dove, fish, rainbow or the Eye of Providence. As a gift it suits a christening, First Holy Communion, Confirmation or moving into a new home. Our glass crosses start at €39.90.
A wooden cross feels calm and warm. A glass cross, by contrast, changes with the day: in the morning the light falls through differently than in the evening. That is exactly why, for many people, it is an especially lively sign of faith. Here you will find out what a glass cross means, what the individual symbols say, where best to hang it and how to care for it.
What does a cross made of glass mean?
The cross is the central sign of Christianity. It recalls the death and resurrection of Jesus, and with them the hope that life is stronger than death. The glass adds light to this sign. Jesus says in the Gospel of John: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12, King James Version)
A glass cross is therefore more than decoration. It makes visible what the cross means for Christians: light shines through the darkness.
The symbols on glass crosses
Many glass crosses carry an additional motif. Each has a meaning of its own.
The dove
The dove stands for the Holy Spirit. At the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, the Spirit descends on him “like a dove” (Mark 1:10). That is why a cross with a dove suits a christening and Confirmation particularly well, where the gift of the Holy Spirit is central. One example is our white-transparent glass cross with golden dove (21 × 12.5 cm, €49.90, blessed).
The fish
The fish is one of the oldest signs by which Christians recognised one another. The Greek word for fish, ICHTHYS, is read as an acronym: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. Our glass cross with fish symbol in white, yellow and gold (22 × 15 cm, €49.90, blessed) takes up this sign. The motif is also available in blue.
The rainbow
After the Flood, God sets the rainbow as a sign of his covenant: “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13, King James Version). A cross in rainbow colours joins God’s faithfulness with the hope of the cross. The glass cross in rainbow colours (20 × 11 cm, €49.90, blessed) is a cheerful cross that fits well in a child’s room.
The Eye of Providence
The eye, often within a triangle, stands for God, who sees people and accompanies them. The triangle recalls the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Several of our glass crosses carry this motif, for example in yellow, white-red or white-orange.
Corpus and INRI
Strictly speaking, a glass cross with a figure of Christ (corpus) is a crucifix. The plaque with INRI stands for “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum”, that is, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, the inscription that Pilate had fixed to the cross (John 19:19). One example is the white-blue glass cross with corpus and INRI (16 × 12 cm, €49.90, blessed). We explain the difference between a cross and a crucifix in detail in our article Cross or Crucifix.
How are our glass crosses made?
According to the product details, our glass crosses are made of textured crystal glass. For many models the manufacturer states handcrafting in Germany. Because of the texture of the glass, every cross turns out a little differently: colour gradient and pattern vary slightly. You will find the exact details of dimensions, weight and origin on each product page. Many models weigh about 200 g and are intended for wall mounting.
Where do you hang a glass cross?
A glass cross has its full effect when light falls on it or through it. These places have proved their worth:
- Near a window, so that daylight makes the colours glow.
- Above the bed in a child’s room, as a first cross of their own for a christening or Communion.
- In a prayer corner or at a home altar, together with a picture or a figure.
- In the hallway or entrance area, as a house blessing for everyone who comes and goes.
Our glass crosses are described as wall crosses for interiors. For outdoors, for example at a grave, the product details say nothing. We therefore recommend them for indoor use.
Caring for a glass cross
Glass is easy to care for. When needed, wipe the cross with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it afterwards. Harsh cleaners and scouring pads can damage the surface and gold-coloured decoration. When hanging it, use a sturdy hook, because glass is heavier than it looks.
A glass cross as a gift
- For a christening: a cross with a dove or in rainbow colours for the child’s room.
- For First Holy Communion: a cross with a fish, the old sign of Christians, or with a corpus as a first crucifix of their own.
- For Confirmation: a simple, clear cross that also pleases in a teenager’s room, for example the transparent glass cross, 27 × 12 cm, in red, blue, green or white (€59.90, blessed).
- For a new home or wedding: a glass cross as a house blessing for the new home.
You will find all the models in our Crosses collection.
Blessed, with a certificate
Our glass crosses are blessed. A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fulda blesses them in our own warehouse, and a certificate card showing the date of the blessing is included. Items are shipped via Amazon's logistics network – free within Germany, €5.90 to Austria and France; Italy €6.90, Spain €6.90 – and you have 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
What does a glass cross mean?
A glass cross joins the cross as a sign of redemption with light. It recalls the words of Jesus “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
What does the fish on the cross mean?
The fish is an early sign by which Christians recognised one another. The Greek ICHTHYS is read as an acronym for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”.
What does the eye on the cross mean?
The Eye of Providence stands for God, who sees people and accompanies them. When it sits within a triangle, it recalls the Trinity.
Is a glass cross suitable for a grave?
Our glass crosses are described as wall crosses for interiors. The product details say nothing about suitability outdoors, so we recommend them for indoors.
How do you clean a glass cross?
Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry afterwards. You should avoid harsh cleaners and scouring pads.
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