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In 2022, when Arianna Salerno initially relocated to Washington, D.C., to pursue her education at Catholic University, she rarely encountered individuals donning cross pendants. However, within the past year, she has observed a surge in these religious accessories, particularly when commuting via public transit and on Capitol Hill, where she has served multiple internships.
The Rise of Christian Symbols: Cross Necklaces Gain Prominence
As an ancient emblem of the Christian faith, the cross might appear impervious to fleeting fashions. However leads similar pendants may enjoy renewed popularity as individuals increasingly embrace their spirituality and seek community with fellow believers.
The Cross on Public Display
On red carpets, across social media, and at public demonstrations by prominent Democrats and within the White House, cross necklaces have become increasingly visible accessories. Notable figures such as Chappell Roan, who donned an oversize cross pendant at the MTV Video Music Awards in September, and Sabrina Carpenter, who wore one in her music video for her single “Please Please Please,” have contributed to this trend. Fashion retailers like Ssense offer nearly 50 different variations of cross necklaces, while mainstream jewelers including Kendra Scott and Zales feature numerous designs.
The Visible Symbol in Politics
In recent weeks, cross necklaces have appeared frequently on cable news broadcasts, adorning the necks of high-ranking officials such as Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The Meaning Behind the Cross
Pam Bondi, e_importance59, stated that her cross necklaces serve as a testament to her “profound Christian” upbringing. “My faith is incredibly important to me,” she affirmed. “It is what anchors me each day.”
Throughout TikTok, young Christian women have been sharing the significance behind their own cross necklaces, noting that they foster a sense of belonging and connection with others.
The Cross Across America
Robert Covolo, a theologian and associate pastor at Christ Church Sierra Madre, recounted the history of the cross. Initially employed as an instrument of mass torture during the Roman Empire, Christians adopted the cross as their religious emblem by the 4th century. Over time, it evolved into a focal point for religious jewelry with a deeply personal significance.
Many individuals wear the cross as an explicit declaration of their beliefs and a means of expressing unity with fellow Christians. About 62 percent of U.S. adults identify as Christian, according to a Pew Research Center study released in February, indicating a stabilization of the country’s Christian population following decades of decline.
Personal Stories of Faith
- Sage Mills, a student at the University of Oklahoma, shared that seeing women in government, such as Karoline Leavitt and Pam Bondi, wear cross necklaces inspires her. “It makes me feel good, knowing that faith is a priority for those governing our world,” she expressed.
- For Breanna Anderson, a social media specialist in Orem, Utah, acquiring her first cross necklace during her 2022 visit to Jerusalem holds profound meaning. Although the cross is not a traditional symbol of her religious affiliation, she views it as an emblem of her devotion to Jesus Christ.
Political and Cultural Implications
The cultural significance of the cross now varies widely across regions, religious affiliations, and political beliefs. In recent times, cross necklaces have emerged as an accessory most associated with President Trump’s second administration. While Pam Bondi frequently wears a diamond-set cross pendant, other political figures like Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York and former Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany have also showcased their faith through similar jewelry.
Some Christians interpret this visible integration of religion and government as a progression of America’s founding principles and a symbol of strength and resilience. Others, however, express uncertainty when they see cross necklaces worn by political figureheads whose values may not align with traditional Christian teachings.
The Complexity of a Simple Symbol
Lucy Collins, an assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, notes that while the cross itself is a straightforward symbol of Christianity, its appearance in the political sphere has introduced implications of partisan politics. “At this moment, Christianity is far more complex,” she observed.
Cross Necklaces: Symbols of Belief and Belonging
Despite these complexities, the cross necklace remains a potent symbol of faith and community for many. Whether worn as a personal testament to one’s beliefs or as a means of expressing shared values, its enduring significance is undeniable.
Reprinting jewelry, a growing trend across nations
The trend of cross jewelry is not limited to the United States but spans across nations including Canada and beyond.