Invention of the Cross

views updated May 29 2018

Invention of the Cross. The legendary discovery (Lat., inventio) of the cross of Jesus at Calvary by St Helena, the mother of Constantine. The legend developed from the 5th cent. on. The feast is now called the Exaltation of the Cross in both E. and W.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions JOHN BOWKER

Invention of the Cross

views updated Jun 08 2018

Invention of the Cross a festival, held on 3 May (Holy Rood Day), commemorating the reputed finding of the Cross of Christ by St Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, in ad 326 (invention here meant ‘coming upon, finding’).

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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Invention of the Cross

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