Shrouded Cross
Also known as the Draped Cross, Empty Cross, Risen Cross or Resurrection Cross
In contrast to the crucifix, the Shrouded Cross is also referred to as an Empty or Resurrection Cross to emphasise that whilst Jesus died on the cross, that was not the end. A plain Latin Cross, or any other cross, without an image of Jesus can also be referred to as an Empty Cross even if there is no shroud present.
Occasionally, this might be referred to as a Deposition Cross, reminding us of the time of Jesus' body was taken down from the cross. (See the 13th Station of the Cross)
Sometimes other items are added to the cross, such as nails and/or a suppedaneum. (See also Armaments of Christ Cross.)
Crucifixes tend to be seen more in Catholic and Orthodox churches, and Empty Crosses seen more in Protestant churches. This is not to say that people who favour the crucifix deny that Christ rose from the grave. On the contrary, Christ's resurrection is central to Christian doctrine, whatever the denomination.
A cross, whether empty or with a corpus, conveys the message of atonement, propitiation, and redemption.
A cross signifies the future hope of believers. After Jesus died on the cross, he was buried in a tomb but he did not stay there. Hundreds of people saw him before ascending to heaven where he continues to look after us.
The shroud is also symbolised by the altar cloth. This is almost invariably pure white linen and covers the top of the altar, extending downward on both sides.
(The Empty Cross should not be confused with the Voided Cross, which is a name given to the outline of a cross in heraldry.)
See also the red or purple Robed Cross and Arms of Christ Cross
As we all know, Christ rose from a tomb, not from the cross, therefore the cloth shroud would be more accurately depicted inside the tomb. See also Enshrined Cross.
