Sign of the Cross

[Denis Crnkovic]

Professor Rancour-Laferriere,

There is an excellent summary of the history and usage of the "sign of the cross" in the 1912 edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia. The full article is on line at: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm.

The article does touch slightly on Eastern customary usage, but does not discuss variants in depth. Jan Zielinski's notation about the small and great forms of the sotc is correct, although the great sotc is by far the more common, the small sotc being used in more specifically designated liturgical functions (at the "Sequentia/Lectio sancti evangelii secundum... - before the reading of the Gospels at Mass, and at the "Domine, labia mea aperies" in the Divine Office). It is also worth noting that priests and bishops (in both East and West) are privileged to make the sotc in the air over their congregations or sacred objects, accompanying formulaic blessings. The latter is not generally used by laypersons. In all cases the sign should be accompanied by appropriate words. The words may differ, depending on the ceremony, liturgical form or situation. 

All of this said, the variations in forming the sotc are many indeed. I was taught (pre-Vatican II) to form the cross with the right hand, using the index and middle finger, while pressing the thumb, ring finger and little fingere to the palm. My Greek Orthodox neighbours used a three finger configuration and crossed themselves from  right shoulder to left shoulder. The Hispanic children in the neighbourhood formed a small cross with their thumb and forefinger and used this to make the great sotc, kissing the "small cross" as they finished the ritual. I have observed Anglicans  using the entire hand, palm straight and five fingers at stiff attention, while making the sotc. And in the satanic "Black Mass"  the pseudo-sotc is made  "backwards." 

Whatever the form, the words that accompany the gesture seem as important as the outward sign. 

Best,

Denis C.

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