Routed or Voided Cross
and introducing the Seiyaku Cross
Routed or Voided Cross
Closed Voided Cross
Open-ended Voided Cross
'Voided Cross' (Fr: Croix Vidée) is simply a heraldic term for when only the edge of the cross is traced. For example, a cross shape could be incised or carved in a rock or lump of wood.
A Voided Cross can be any shape or form. It could be a cross charged with a smaller cross of the same design, but having the same colour as the background – only the border of the larger cross is visible. Other terms include Rebated Cross, Recessed Cross, Sunken Cross, Fimbriated. Cross, Bordered Cross, Clechée Cross and Pierced Cross. (See also the Empty Cross.)
The Voided Cross and the Gamma Cross (shown on the right) have similar characteristics. The crosses have different names but they both say, albeit in different languages, the same Christian message, proclaiming of the Divinity of Jesus.
Gamma (Γ) is the third letter of the Greek alphabet, and three represents the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This shows that Jesus Christ is part of the Godhead. Similarly the Voided Cross shows that Jesus Christ was resurrected and lives today in the Godhead.
These photos show a nice cross with features that remind us of both the gamma and voided forms. On each budded arm end we can see two gamma characters, and the arms themselves are concave, showing the cross is now empty.
One could justifiably argue that the gamma characters are simply decorative angled recesses, and the concavature is an enhancement to the cross rather than an omission. But such arguments are a distraction from the more important belief of the Resurrection and Divinity of Christ.
In heraldry, when the voided part of a cross is just a border within the cross, it is called a Coticed Cross (Fr: Coticée). Like most heraldic markings, the border has no particular Christian significance.
Another example is shown on the left. It's a design we've just made up (hence the name Seiyaku Cross). Despite what you might see, there is no cross there; just an arrangement of some black ¼ discs, ½ discs, ¾ discs and full discs.
Some common uses
Embossed Cross on wafer
A Holy Communion wafer often features an Incused Cross or Embossed Cross, which is another form of Voided Cross.
Such crosses often decorate the front panel of church pulpits and at the ends of church pews, giving rise to the terms Pulpit Cross and Pew Cross.
© Sisters of Mercy
© 7th Day Adventists
Artistically, the style suits several emblems. Examples include those of the Seventh Day Adventists and the Sisters of Mercy.
Lorena Cross on bell tower
(Click photo to enlarge)
The Voided Cross is also used for its practical as well as artistic value. The Lorena Cross shown on the left, for example, was spotted on top of a delicate bell tower in Spain. The voided style reduces the risk of the tower crumbling under the weight of a solid iron cross, and since the church is in an elevated position in a mountainous region, the design is tolerant of gusty wind.
Voided Cross on gravestone
Voided Crosses are commonly seen on gravestones. It's much easier to carve a cross into a gravestone rather than carve the surrounding stone to create a Protruding Cross.
A Protruding Cross shown here on the left is a Latin Cross on a gravestone.
'Fimbriated' means 'fringed'. See also Flaming Cross.