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Return To ShopThe Origin and Meaning of Iron Cross Jewelry
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Iron cross jewelry is popular all over the globe. Ironically though, people who wear it perpetuate the tradition and symbolism of the ancient iron cross without actually knowing what it means. Large crosses are worn around the neck, and can be found on bracelets and finger rings especially by the younger generation who are into biker type and/or gothic themed accessories. But the audience is not confined to the latter, some people just like the looks of it. Read on to find out the importance of this famed cross in history.
Historical Origins
Most people that sport iron cross jewelry wear it for mainly one reason, and it’s typically not for its historical virtues. Traditionally they were worn as a World War II German decoration, while some wear it as a symbol of hate for the Nazi party of Germany.
However, the origin of the iron cross goes back hundreds of years to the era of the Teutonic knights. The Teutonic knights displayed the original cross as a symbol of their power and authority. It was a feared and respected symbol that was recognized far and wide. It represented honor, justice and bravery. However, it faded into oblivion in the minds of the general public and was revived by Hitler during the World War II when he used it as a decoration for the highest acts of bravery on the battle field.
The Embracement by Urban Culture
While the cross was worn proudly by many Nazis, it is also worn as a mark of hatred by neo-nazis for what the German political party stood for. Perhaps all this has added a bit of charisma to the iron cross that has become a part of a range of jewelry worn by young and old alike without actually knowing where it originated from.
Bikers particularly wear it as a part of their style that’s distinctively different from others around them. Thus, this style has actually become a fashion statement, especially the gothic themed with dark outline accents.
Bikers especially appreciate large, properly heavy jewelry with either skulls or bones emblazoned or embedded on it. Daggers, swords, and fleur-de-lis themed iron cross jewelry adds to the standard crosses appeal. The symbol of the biker group’s loyalty to ideals of rebellion and power is now an art form for daily jewelry wear.
