The “St. Lawrence” Crucifix that adorns our Altar during the Penitential Season always raises questions, “Why Black?” Black symbolizes mourning as well as the darkness one encounters when one’s eyes are closed in death and, “What’s Up With The Skull and Crossbones?” First of all, Jesus’ Crucifixion occurred on The Hill of Golgatha, which means “Place of the Skull.” From a distance did this hill, possibly pock-marked with caves, resemble a dead man’s skull? Perhaps! Take notice of this skull’s foundation. The head rests on the bones that resemble an X, denoting “wrong or incorrect.” So, man meets with the darkness of death either because he ignores the Truth or journeys down the wrong path. This Symbol has been in use since the 3rd or 4th Centuries. The Skull should be a reminder of Adam’s sin and through that first transgression, sin entered the world and, so too, death. Our only hope of salvation is to carry our crosses in union with His.

Other Historical considerations regarding the Skull and Crossbones must include the Knights Templar, who from the 10th thru 12th Centuries used the crossed bones surmounted by a skull on a red flag. The Christian fighting force sailed ships in support of the crusades and their flag was a depiction of the burial practices while on the high seas. The flag was referred to as the “Joli Rouge” or “The Red Pretty.” The English slang of the pirates soon had that term devolve into the “Jolly Roger.”

On board a ship, there were no coffins, nor extra wood from which to build them, however, each Sailor had a
short, deep trunk or chest, (His “Treasure Chest”), containing the worldly possessions of the Sailor/Knight. When a Knight passed at sea, his legs and head were removed and his torso was placed in the trunk. The legs were placed a-top from corner to corner, and the head was a –top that, between the legs. When the chests were dredged or dug up later, you would be gazing upon the Skull and Cross Bones of a Valiant Christian Knight.

Later, after the Crusades, outlaw ships kept the flag’s design for themselves. These Pirates used the flag to warn Captains of other vessels to surrender or die. Eventually, the flag’s color was changed to black.

--Parish Bulletin, March 1, 2020