The Cross is a great contradiction. Its origins are not Christian, but much older, found in many cities in Mesopotamia. The 4 brightest stars within the constellation form a cross pattern. And it was on a cross that Jesus Christ was put to death, apparently bringing an end to His life and ministry. In ancient times a cross was an instrument of torture and death; condemned criminals would be nailed to a cross and forced to hang from it (usually in public view) until they died an excruciating death. The Southern Cross itself is actually classed as an asterism, not a constellation, as the word ‘constellation’ applies to 88 specific areas of the whole night sky. The "Southern Cross" is a constellation also known as the Crux Constellation that can be viewed from most of the Southern hemisphere. It also known as a saltire. The layout (often referred to as the "Southern Cross") is a Saint Andrew's cross, named after the X-shaped cross used to crucify St. Andrew. "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. According to Frank Cayley′s book Flag of Stars the flag′s five stars represent the Southern Cross and the white cross joining the stars represents unity in defiance. Myles Russell Cook, Swinburne University of Technology. My subject today--”The Meaning of the Cross”--may strike you as being a bit theological and impractical. Sailors have relied on the "Southern Cross" to help in navigating their boats. In Christian mythology, the four equal arms point in the four direction of the earth, representing the spread of the gospel or the four platonic elements (earth, air, water, and fire). And it was on a cross that Jesus Christ was put to death, apparently bringing an end to His life and ministry. Wiki User February 18, 2010 5:35PM. Take back the stars and wear the Southern Cross with pride October 22, 2014 10.21pm EDT. The southern Cross is actually a constellation of 4 stars that appears in the southern potion of the sky. 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. The Many Meanings of the Cross. Depicted on the bottom is an infinity sign (∞), and above is a double cross (‡). The Double cross symbolizes protection and balance between persons. The group's distinctive shape is easily located because of its brightness and close proximity to each other. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. ( The Constellation Crux) The Southern Cross is the best known and most represented star group in the Southern Hemisphere. It can be seen all year round from almost anywhere in the Australia. What does the Southern Cross symbolize? It's a symbol of death, but so much more. The group's distinctive shape is easily located because of its brightness and close proximity to each other. The Southern Cross is a symbol just like the confederate flag in America is. Author. A simple upright post with a transverse bar used crucifixion. The Greek Cross, with arms of equal length, is the most ancient cross, predating the Latin cross. The blue background is believed to represent the blue shirts worn by many of the diggers, rather than represent the sky as is commonly thought. The Southern Cross is one of the most recognisable patterns of stars in the southern night sky, and forms part of the constellation Crux. What does the NZ Southern Cross represent?