The Arma Christi, or weapons of Christ, refer to the instruments of the Passion and have a profound meaning in the Christian tradition. Their iconography dates back centuries and finds an important place in religious art, where each object becomes a symbol of the suffering endured by Jesus. Miniatures of these instruments, such as the nails, the cross, the crown of thorns, and others, were often attached to crucifixes, reliquaries, or rosaries. These representations served not only to beautify objects of devotion, but also to encourage contemplation of Christ's sufferings and to remind the faithful of the importance of his sacrifice. By meditating on these Arma Christi, believers can strengthen their faith, feel Christ's unconditional love, and remember the redemption he offered to humanity through his suffering. This tradition continues to inspire many artists and devotees, testifying to the power of images and symbols in Christian spirituality.
The flagellation column
The scourging column is a key element of the Passion of Christ in the Gospels. After being arrested, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin and then taken to Pilate. As punishment, Pilate orders him to be scourged on a column, an act of torture intended to make him suffer before his crucifixion. The Roman soldiers mock him, beating him while treating him with contempt. This column symbolizes the suffering and humiliation that Jesus endured for the salvation of humanity.
The crown of thorns
The crown of thorns is a powerful symbol of Christ's Passion. After his scourging, Jesus is mocked by the Roman soldiers who place a braided crown of thorns on his head, ridiculing him by hailing him as the "King of the Jews." This crown, although an instrument of suffering, represents the contempt and humiliation he endures. He is then led to his crucifixion wearing this crown, which embodies his sacrifice and suffering for humanity. The crown of thorns thus became a symbol of his love and sacrifice.
The crucifixion cross
The crucifixion cross is the instrument of Jesus' death. After being condemned by Pilate, Jesus carries his cross to the place called Golgotha, where he will be crucified. Nailed to the cross, he suffers intense agony, surrounded by mockery and contempt. Above him, a sign reads "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews", marking his accusation. His crucifixion on the cross is the culmination of his Passion, representing the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
The nail-driving hammer
The hammer is the tool used in the crucifixion of Jesus. After being condemned, Jesus is brought to the place of his execution, Golgotha, where the cross awaits him. Roman soldiers use the hammer to drive nails through his hands and feet, securing him to the cross. This tragic moment represents both Jesus' physical suffering and the weight of humanity's sin. The nails, symbols of his suffering, become a central element in the story of his crucifixion.
The three nails (in both hands and the one going through both feet)
The three nails used in Jesus' crucifixion are powerful symbols of his suffering. Two nails are driven through his hands, securing his body to the cross, while a third nail is driven through both of his feet. This painful process is ordered by the Roman soldiers, who mock him throughout the execution. The nails represent not only physical torture, but also the ultimate sacrifice Jesus makes to atone for the sins of humanity. In the Christian tradition, they are a reminder of the pain of the crucifixion and Jesus' unconditional love.
Centurion Longinus's Lance piercing the right flank
The spear of the centurion Longinus is used after Jesus' death on the cross. As he is crucified, Jesus breathes his last, and to ensure that he is truly dead, Longinus orders that his right side be pierced with the spear. Blood and water flow from Jesus' side, signifying confirmation of his death. This gesture by Longinus also has spiritual significance, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice for humanity. Longinus later converts to Christianity, recognizing Jesus' divinity through this act.
The Holy Sponge, at the end of a branch of hyssop and soaked in vinegar.
At the crucifixion, as Jesus suffers on the cross, he famously utters the words, “I thirst.” To quench his thirst, the Roman soldiers present him with a sponge soaked in vinegar, attached to the end of a hyssop branch. The sponge is raised to his lips, offering him some of the bitter liquid. This act of giving vinegar, a symbol of humiliation, underscores Jesus’ anguish and suffering in his final moments. It is also a fulfillment of prophecy, illustrating the depth of his sacrifice for humanity.
Extremely rare reliquary containing a relic of the True Cross and representations of the instruments of the passion Arma Christ i on relics.es
The pliers for removing nails from hands and feet
The pincers are the tool used by Roman soldiers to remove the nails that held Jesus to the cross after his death. Once the crucifixion was complete and Jesus' body was inanimate, they used the pincers to remove the nails from his hands and feet, allowing his body to be detached from the cross. This moment follows the agony of the crucifixion, marking the end of Christ's suffering. After the nails were removed, Jesus' body was handed over to Joseph of Arimathea, who placed it in a tomb. The use of the pincers symbolizes the brutality of the execution and the final respect given to Jesus in death.
The ladder to take down the body of the dead Christ from the cross
The ladder is used to lower the body of Jesus from the cross after his crucifixion. After confirming his death, Roman soldiers place the ladder against the cross in order to remove the body of Christ. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, asks Pilate for permission to take the body of Jesus for a proper burial. With the help of the ladder, the body of Jesus is gently detached from the nails that hold it. This act of removing the body from the cross marks the beginning of the process of preparation for his burial, showing respect and sorrow to the disciples and relatives.
The thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas to betray and deliver Christ
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This pact is made with the chief priests and scribes, who are looking for a way to capture Jesus without causing unrest among the people. Judas receives the agreed sum in exchange for information about Jesus' whereabouts. Following this arrangement, Judas leads the Roman soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identifies Jesus with a kiss. This act of betrayal for money becomes one of the darkest moments of the Passion of Christ, symbolizing human weakness and greed.
The lantern and torches of the guards who came to arrest him
When Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, a group of guards, armed with lanterns and torches, approach to apprehend him. These lights illuminate the dark night, revealing the authorities' intention to capture Jesus. Judas Iscariot, who has betrayed Jesus, leads them to him by identifying him with a kiss. The guards, instructed by the religious leaders, are ready to arrest him and take him before the Sanhedrin. The use of lanterns and torches symbolizes the spiritual darkness in which humanity finds itself by betraying Christ.
The sword of Saint Peter, cutting off the ear of Malchus
When Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of the disciples, Saint Peter, reacts violently by drawing his sword. He attacks Malchus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Jesus, seeing the attack, rebukes Peter for resorting to violence and tells him to put his sword back in its sheath. Then he touches Malchus' ear and heals it, thus showing his compassion even in this moment of betrayal. This incident underlines the importance of peace and nonviolence in Jesus' teaching, even in the face of adversity.
The whips (flagellum or flagrum) of the Flagellation of Christ
Whips, known as flagellum or flagrum, are used in the scourging of Jesus, an act of torture prior to his crucifixion. After being arrested, Jesus is brought before Pilate, who orders him to be scourged. Roman soldiers tie him to a column and beat him with whips made of several strips, often equipped with pieces of metal or bone to inflict wounds. This torture causes intense pain and deep wounds to his body. The scourging is a key moment in the Passion, symbolizing Christ's suffering and the sacrifice he makes for humanity.
The seamless tunic
Jesus' seamless tunic is mentioned in the account of his crucifixion. According to the Gospels, this tunic, woven in one piece, is very precious and symbolizes the purity and integrity of Christ. After his death, the Roman soldiers, instead of tearing it, decide to cast lots to obtain possession of it. This gesture underlines how sought after the tunic is, reflecting the value of Jesus in the hearts of his disciples. The event unfolds in accordance with the prophecy, showing that even in his death, every detail of Jesus' life has a profound meaning.
Cross of the Passion, reliquary of the true cross on relics.es
The soldiers' dice, casting lots for Christ's clothes
After Jesus' crucifixion, the Roman soldiers divided up his clothes. They took Jesus' clothes and, as prophesied, cast lots to see who would get each piece. The Gospels record that they sat down and cast dice to determine the fate of his tunic, which was woven from a single piece. This gesture shows the soldiers' contempt for Jesus, not realizing the deeper meaning of what they were doing. The act of casting lots for Jesus' clothes underscores the humiliation he suffered even in death, while fulfilling the Scriptures.
The hand of the high priest that slapped Christ
During Jesus' trial before the high priest Caiaphas, a striking incident occurs when Jesus answers a question about his teaching. In response, one of the high priest's guards slaps Jesus, asking him how he dares to speak like this. Jesus, with dignity, asks him why he is hitting him, insinuating the injustice of his treatment. This act of violence symbolizes the rejection and hostility of the religious authorities toward him. Jesus' humiliation, even during his interrogation, underlines the depth of his sacrifice for humanity.
St. Peter's Rooster
At the Last Supper, Jesus predicts that one of his disciples, Peter, will deny him three times before the rooster crows. Peter, confident in his devotion, declares that he will never deny his master. Later, after Jesus is arrested, Peter is in the courtyard of the high priest, where he is questioned by people who identify him as a disciple of Jesus. He denies Jesus three times, and as the rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus' words. Wracked with guilt and sorrow, he weeps bitterly, realizing the truth of his master's prophecy.
The Veil of Veronica
The Veil of Veronica refers to a tradition that tells of a woman named Veronica who met Jesus on the road to Calvary. Moved by his suffering, she offered him a towel to wipe his face. When Jesus accepted this gesture of compassion, his face was imprinted on the veil, leaving a miraculous image. This act symbolizes kindness and faith in the face of pain, as well as the deep connection between Jesus and those who suffer. The Veil of Veronica has become a symbol of devotion to Christ and recognition of his suffering.
The moon and the sun
The moon and sun are often mentioned to symbolize cosmic events and moments of great significance. At the time of Jesus' crucifixion, the Gospel of Matthew describes that from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, darkness fell over the whole earth, suggesting that the sun was darkened. This event marks the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice and the sadness surrounding it. The moon, although not explicitly mentioned at this time, is often associated with darkness and spiritual introspection. Together, the sun and moon evoke the importance of these celestial events in the narrative of Christ's Passion.
Reliquary of the True Cross on relics.es
Two angels presenting the Holy Grail
In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus uses a cup to institute the Sacrament of the Eucharist, a symbolic representation that is sometimes associated with the Holy Grail. After the crucifixion, some apocryphal accounts speak of visions in which angels present the Grail, symbolizing the blood of Christ shed for the salvation of humanity. These angels represent the continuity between heaven and earth, carrying a message of hope and redemption. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention this scene, it does speak of the spiritual importance of the Grail as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice.
The swords of the soldiers during the arrest of Christ
When Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, a group of soldiers armed with swords and clubs arrive to capture him. Judas Iscariot, the traitorous disciple, leads them to Jesus and identifies him with a kiss. Upon seeing this, Peter, one of the disciples, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant. Jesus, seeing the violence, rebukes Peter and tells him to put his sword back in its sheath, emphasizing that those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. This episode illustrates the contrast between human violence and the peaceful message of Jesus, who chooses to submit to his arrest in order to fulfill his mission of redemption.
The Purple Coat
The purple cloak is used by the Roman soldiers in the mockery of Jesus after his scourging. They clothe Jesus in a purple cloak, a symbol of royalty, mocking him as “King of the Jews.” This cruel gesture is meant to ridicule Jesus and emphasize the humiliation he is undergoing. The soldiers also crown him with a crown of thorns, emphasizing the physical and psychological torture he is enduring. The purple cloak, although intended to mock him, becomes a poignant symbol of his sacrifice and the truth of his divine kingship.
The face of the man spitting in the face of Christ during the Mockery
During Jesus' mockery after his scourging, the Roman soldiers mock him, calling him the king of the Jews. In this act of contempt, one of the soldiers spits in Jesus' face, adding to the humiliation he endures. This violent and degrading gesture is a demonstration of the brutality and rejection that Jesus suffers from the authorities. Despite this suffering, Jesus remains silent, embodying sacrifice and unconditional love for humanity. This moment illustrates the cruelty of his treatment and the misunderstanding of his divine mission.
The Titulus Crucis placed at the top of the cross, bearing the Latin inscription “INRI” (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum)
The Titulus Crucis is the wooden panel placed on top of Jesus' cross during his crucifixion. It bears the Latin inscription "INRI," meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This inscription was ordered by Pontius Pilate, who wanted to affirm the reason for Jesus' condemnation. The Jewish religious leaders objected to the inscription, but Pilate refused to change it, claiming that what he wrote, he wrote. The Titulus Crucis symbolizes Jesus' rejection of earthly kingship and emphasizes the contrast between his spiritual ministry and the mockery of the authorities.
Reliquary, instruments of the passion of Christ on relics.es
The reed placed in Jesus' hand to simulate a scepter during the Derision
When the Roman soldiers mock Jesus, they dress him in a purple robe and place a reed in his hand to simulate a scepter. This gesture is a mockery, intended to deride his claim to kingship as "King of the Jews." The soldiers prostrate themselves before him in feigned veneration, laughing and taunting him. After this, they whip him and spit in his face, intensifying the humiliation he suffers. The reed, a symbol of misappropriated power, underlines the contrast between Jesus' true kingship and the contempt he is subjected to at this moment.
The chains and ropes reputed to have been used to bind Jesus during the night in prison
After his arrest, Jesus is brought before the Jewish and Roman authorities, where he is interrogated. The Gospels do not explicitly describe the chains and ropes used to bind him, but tradition indicates that he was probably bound to keep him under control. The soldiers and guards, aware of his influence and the crowd that might oppose his arrest, bind him to take him to court. This action symbolizes the humiliation and suffering that Jesus endures as he is treated as a criminal. The chains and ropes suggest the loss of his freedom as he prepares to make his sacrifice for humanity.
The Holy Grail
The Holy Grail is often associated with the cup used at the Last Supper, when Jesus institutes the Eucharist. This cup is said to have collected the blood of Jesus during his crucifixion. Although the Holy Grail is not mentioned explicitly in the Gospels, it has become a powerful symbol of Christ's redemption and sacrifice. Later legends connect the Grail to themes of spiritual quest and salvation. In the Passion, it embodies the idea of communion between God and humanity through Jesus' sacrifice.
The bucket containing the gall and vinegar
At the time of Jesus' crucifixion, the Roman soldiers offered him a mixture of gall and vinegar to drink, in an act intended to quench his thirst while adding to his humiliation. This mixture is traditionally considered bitter and unpleasant, symbolizing the suffering and contempt that Jesus endures. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is said to refuse to drink this mixture, expressing his refusal to accept any form of relief for his pain. This gesture underscores the cruelty of the soldiers and their rejection of any form of compassion toward him. The bucket containing the gall and vinegar becomes a poignant symbol of the physical and spiritual pain that Jesus endures during his Passion.
The shroud used for the Deposition, then to wrap the body of Christ during the Entombment
After Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, asks Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. He takes it down from the cross and wraps it in a clean shroud, thus respecting Jewish burial rites. This shroud becomes a symbol of the dignity accorded to Christ's body, even in death. Jesus is then placed in a newly dug tomb, where the shroud remains with him. This moment of the Deposition and entombment marks a crucial stage in the Passion, foreshadowing the resurrection and the triumph over death.
The faces of some of the participants in the Passion, such as Judas or Caiaphas
In the Passion of Christ, the faces of key characters such as Judas Iscariot and Caiaphas are filled with tension and conflict. Judas, in betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, shows a face marked by greed and regret, especially as the weight of his betrayal consumes him. Caiaphas, the high priest, wears a determined and arrogant face, seeking to eliminate Jesus because of his perceived threat to religious authority. The two characters embody opposing motivations, one representing personal betrayal, the other the defense of power. These faces, witnessing Jesus' suffering, reveal the complex emotions and tragic choices that surround the events of the Passion.
Pontius Pilate's two hands making the gesture of washing himself
At Jesus' trial, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, is faced with the decision of whether to condemn or release Jesus. After hearing the accusations of the religious leaders and seeing Jesus' innocence, he decides to wash his hands as a sign of disavowal of responsibility for his death. This symbolic gesture shows his attempt to distance himself from the judgment he is passing, asserting that he is not guilty of the blood of this righteous man. Despite his handwashing, Pilate ultimately yields to the pressure of the crowd and orders the crucifixion. This moment illustrates Pilate's moral dilemma and underscores the tragedy of Jesus' condemnation, despite his innocence.
The bucket of myrrh used to anoint Jesus' body
The bucket of myrrh is mentioned during the preparations for Jesus' burial after his crucifixion. Myrrh, an aromatic resin, is used to anoint and preserve the bodies of the deceased according to Jewish customs. When Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus retrieve Jesus' body, they wrap it in a shroud and apply myrrh and oils to respect the funeral rites. This gesture of love and devotion highlights the dignity of Jesus' body, even after his death. The use of myrrh also symbolizes the sacrifice and humanity of Jesus, who suffered for the salvation of humanity.
The gallows
In the story of the Passion of Christ, although a gallows is not explicitly mentioned, the cross on which Jesus is crucified can be seen as a similar instrument of execution. It represents the condemnation of Jesus by the Roman authorities and the rejection of his message by a section of society. The cross, a symbol of shame and suffering, is erected on Mount Golgotha, where Jesus is crucified between two criminals. This act of public killing is intended to discourage any rebellion against the Roman Empire. The cross ultimately becomes a symbol of redemption and love, transforming an execution gallows into a sign of hope for humanity.
The ear
During Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of his disciples, Peter, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant. This impulsive gesture illustrates Peter's defense of his master's arrest, but it also underscores the climate of tension and violence surrounding these events. Jesus, seeing what has happened, rebukes Peter and tells him to put his sword back in its sheath, stating that those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. He then heals Malchus' ear, demonstrating his compassion and commitment to peace, even in the midst of his imminent suffering. This incident highlights the contrast between human violence and the peaceful message of Jesus, who is preparing to face his Passion for the salvation of humanity.
The Language
In the context of Christ’s Passion, the tongue takes on symbolic importance, especially when it is used to utter words of mockery and reproach. After his arrest, Jesus is brought before the high priest Caiaphas, where he faces false accusations, and his tongue becomes the means by which the authorities attempt to condemn him. During interrogations, false witnesses testify against him, manipulating his words to justify his crucifixion. Furthermore, the tongue of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, embodies duplicity and betrayal. Through these interactions, the tongue illustrates the power of words, both to hurt and to reveal truth, highlighting the contrast between human cruelty and the gentleness of Jesus’ message.
Sources
-
Tresidder, Jack (2001). Christian Symbols: Their Origins and Meaning . New York: HarperCollins.
-
White, John S. (1977). The Symbols of the Bible . New York: Harper & Row.
-
Price, E.W. (1984). The Art of the Bible: The History of the Bible in Art . New York: Harper & Row.
-
Lightbown, Ronald (1996). Christian Art: A History . Boston: Prentice Hall.
-
Hendrix, Scott M. (1998). Medieval Christian Art . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
-
Romer, Michael L. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Christian Art and Architecture . New York: Macmillan.
-
Tresidder, Jack (2000). Symbols of the Bible: From the Latter Days to the Last Days . New York: HarperCollins.
-
McLachlan, Kathryn (2007). Medieval Art: A Topical Dictionary . Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago.
-
Esposito, John L. (1998). The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church . New York: Oxford University Press.
-
Gamboni, Ricardo (2003). Medieval Italy: An Encyclopedia . New York: Garland Publishing.
