| A holding cross, or a comfort cross, as it is | | | | is looking for solace. |
| sometimes called, is an asymmetric cross that is | | | | · Anyone who is struggling to cling to |
| made to fit ergonomically into the palm of one's | | | | their faith. |
| hand and is used during prayer. It is thought that | | | | · Anyone who is looking for a companion |
| the holding cross is based on an ancient design | | | | for their prayers and meditation. |
| found in ancient European chapels. Although the | | | | · If you or someone you know is ill simply |
| origin of the holding/comfort cross tradition is not | | | | holding the cross may be the best way to pray. |
| known, it is thought that it dates back to the | | | | A holding cross is the ideal gift to mark most gift |
| early Christians. | | | | giving occasions such as a baptism, confirmation, |
| Holding crosses are made out of many different | | | | birthday, Easter, Christmas or just to give to |
| types of wood, but in my opinion, none is more | | | | someone to say Thank You. It is recommended |
| appropriate than a cross made out of the olive | | | | to keep a supply of these crosses ready to give |
| wood prunings of trees that grow in the very | | | | to your loved ones in their times of need. |
| region that Jesus was born - in the area around | | | | Holding crosses are made out of many different |
| Bethlehem. Olive trees have scattered the | | | | types of wood, but in my opinion, none is more |
| landscape there since biblical times, where they | | | | appropriate than a cross made out of the olive |
| grow both in terraced groves and on the hilltops. | | | | wood prunings of trees that grow in the very |
| The oil from the fruit of the Olive Tree has been | | | | region that Jesus was born - in the area around |
| used for religious rites since biblical times. Since | | | | Bethlehem. Olive trees have scattered the |
| the olive tree is a protected species in Israel and | | | | landscape there since biblical times, where they |
| cannot be cut down, all olive wood artifacts are | | | | grow both in terraced groves and on the hilltops. |
| made only from the trees pruning's. Olive wood | | | | The oil from the fruit of the Olive Tree has been |
| items are imbued with spirituality, and do not | | | | used for religious rites since biblical times. Since |
| require much care since olive oil is naturally | | | | the olive tree is a protected species in Israel and |
| protecting them from corrosion and changes of | | | | cannot be cut down, all olive wood artifacts are |
| color. In time the holding cross will develop its own | | | | made only from the trees pruning's. Olive wood |
| patina from frequent handling. No two crosses will | | | | items are imbued with spirituality, and do not |
| ever look the same due to the variations in the | | | | require much care since olive oil is naturally |
| grain on the wood. | | | | protecting them from corrosion and changes of |
| Who should have a Holding Cross? | | | | color. In time the holding cross will develop its own |
| · Anyone who is in a time of struggle or | | | | patina from frequent handling. No two crosses will |
| loss and is looking for guidance. | | | | ever look the same due to the variations in the |
| · Anyone who needs to find comfort and | | | | grain on the wood. |