An olive wood cross is simple and yet special: every piece has its own grain, and the wood comes from the region where Jesus was born. In this guide you will learn what an olive wood cross from Bethlehem means, which styles there are and which cross suits which occasion.
How olive wood comes about, how to recognise good wood and how to care for it, you can read in our article Olive wood from Bethlehem: origin, care and meaning.
What does a cross made of olive wood mean?
The olive tree runs through the whole Bible. After the Flood the dove brings Noah a fresh olive leaf, a sign that life goes on (Genesis 8:11). On the Mount of Olives Jesus prays on the night before his death. And with holy oil, traditionally olive oil, people are still anointed today at baptism, Confirmation and the anointing of the sick.
A cross made of this wood therefore joins two messages: the cross as a sign of redemption and the olive tree as a sign of peace and hope. Then there is the origin. Anyone who holds an olive wood cross from Bethlehem in their hand has a small piece of the Holy Land with them.
The styles at a glance
Wall cross
The classic cross for the hallway, the living room or above the bed. We have, for example, the 30 cm olive wood wall cross, the wall cross with bevelled edge (25 × 15 cm) or the olive wood Celtic wall cross, which is blessed.
Standing cross
A standing cross needs no nail. It fits on the chest of drawers, the desk or in a small prayer corner. The olive wood standing cross with base (18.5 cm) can be taken apart and makes a good gift.
Holding cross and comfort cross
These crosses are rounded and sit pleasantly in the hand. Many people hold them while praying, in difficult hours or in hospital. Examples are the holding cross (9 cm, blessed) and the olive wood comfort cross.
Cross to wear
As a pendant on a cord or chain, the cross becomes a personal companion. Popular are the cross necklace with dove (blessed) and the simple cross pendant with cord. You will find a larger selection under jewellery and necklaces.
Which olive wood cross for which occasion?
- Christening: a small wall cross for the nursery or a standing cross that can grow with the child.
- First Holy Communion and Confirmation: a cross necklace or a pendant that the child can wear themselves.
- Moving in and wedding: a wall cross for the new home, gladly together with a house blessing.
- Illness and bereavement: a holding cross or comfort cross that you can take in your hand.
You will find more ideas in our guides What do you give for First Holy Communion? and Christening gifts from godparents and grandparents.
Cross or crucifix?
Most olive wood crosses are plain crosses without a figure of Christ. A cross with a figure of Christ is called a crucifix. We explain exactly what the difference is and which form is customary for which purpose in Cross or crucifix: the difference.
Origin and blessing at LUNEXUS
According to the product information, our olive wood crosses come from Bethlehem. Whether a piece is handcrafted is stated in its description. Because olive wood is a natural material, grain and colour vary from cross to cross.
Many, but not all, of our crosses are blessed in our own warehouse by a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fulda. A business-card-sized certificate card showing the date of the blessing is then enclosed. Which pieces are blessed is stated in the title or description. You will find everything made of olive wood in the Olive wood from Bethlehem collection.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the olive wood for the crosses come from?
According to the information on our products, from Bethlehem in the Holy Land. The exact origin is stated in the respective product description.
Are the olive wood crosses blessed?
Many, but not all. Blessed crosses are blessed in our warehouse by a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fulda and come with a certificate card showing the date of the blessing. Whether a cross is blessed is stated in the title or description.
Why does every olive wood cross look different?
Olive wood has a very lively grain. Colour and pattern depend on the tree and the cut, so every cross is one of a kind.
How do I care for an olive wood cross?
It is best wiped with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding moisture. You will find more tips in our article on olive wood from Bethlehem.
Written by Denis & Belinda. We run LUNEXUS and are happy to answer your questions personally on +49 30 2178 2502 (German and English) or at hallo@lunexus.world.
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