We Don’t Need a Map looks at the history behind the Southern Cross — its importance in indigenous culture and how it was co-opted by the far-right. The Aborigines and the Maori saw the cross as symbolizing animist spirits that were integral in their ancestral beliefs. The SNP promotes a progressive centre-left nationalism, with policies not mired in far-right politics — unlike many other “patriotic” parties in other parts of the world, including here in Australia. The blue ‘X’ represents the Christian cross of Saint Andrew, the first disciple of Christ Jesus and patron Saint of Scotland. The cross has a long central staff and then three horizontal bars cross it near the top, in diminishing order of length. It came in to use during the American Civil War and came to represent the American South. Kaye confirmed this claim to be true. Why do symbols of patriotism get co-opted by the far right and get associated with xenophobia? It was an important symbol to the Egyptians and the Aborigines among other cultures. It was the first time a burning cross had been used as a hate symbol in America. Southern Cross definition: a small conspicuous constellation in the S hemisphere lying in the Milky Way near... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples This is obviously misleading and credit should be rightly given where credit is due. This design has become a widely recognized symbol of the Southern United States, racism and white supremacy. This is false. We’re replacing the kangaroo with this? Boys of the Southern Cross was a popular song sung by New Zealand soldiers during the South African War. As such, it is a very common symbol and primarily used by non-extremists. The confederate flag is perhaps as controversial as the Southern Cross, if not more so. An upside-down crucifix is also a symbol embraced by Satanists. The Southern Cross is the most recognizable constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, as the name suggest. Can we claim the Southern Cross back as a positive symbol of patriotism? This isn’t universally the case however. The white border represents the protection of God. Learn more. “Just because someone has a Southern Cross tattoo doesn’t mean they are racist,” he told The Guardian. Many who live in America’s Southern states see the flag as representing history and pride in the traditions of the South. What does southern-cross mean? There have even been calls for it to be banned. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read more… Just until the sun disappeared; until the sky lost the last of its color; until he could see the Southern Cross, bright above. Four bright stars form the outline, with another fainter star just below the crossbar. As Coski points out, the creator of the flag said he wanted it to be "more Heraldric [sic] than Ecclesiastical" ( here ). The Three Calvary Crosses: The 3 Crosses of Calvary which represent Jesus' Cross (the Cross in the center) and a cross on each side representing the Two Thieves who were crucified with Jesus at Calvary (a.k.a. It also known as a saltire. Stephen Stills did take a long boat trip after a divorce. Later however it was co-opted by the KKK during the civil rights movement. Perhaps the way to promote patriotism, using whatever symbols necessary, is by including all groups in society, rather than by getting behind a platform of exclusion. He would show Himself briefly after the resurrection, but the cross marked a turning point in His relationship to other people. Someone who responded to my question on Twitter, said that she had a Southern Cross tattoo but was forced to cover it up because many people believed she was a racist because of it. The Egyptians saw it as representative of the place where Horus, the Sun goddess, was crucified, marking the passage of winter. Its crossed shape is due to the stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon Crucis (in order or apparent magnitude) [ 1] . In some strange and mysterious way, the four stars that comprise the constellation Crux — better known as the Southern Cross — have come to represent the lands that lie below the equator. More background on the history of the flag can be found here and here . SOUTHERN Cross tattoos are often seen as bogan, xenophobic and racist. In reality, the flag’s design explicitly sought to avoid ecclesiastical meaning, according to Kaye. The cross is mentioned a number of times in the Bible, but most significantly in the letters of Paul. Examples of 'Southern Cross' in a sentence Southern Cross. A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Centaurus and Musca. The blue ‘X’ represents the Christian cross of Saint Andrew, the first disciple of Christ Jesus and patron Saint of Scotland. Correction June 20, 2020: The letter written by Miles to Beauregard dated to August 27, 1861, not 1868. All times AEST (GMT +10). It is also known as the rebel flag, Dixie flag, and Southern cross. [1] Contents These were the 11 Confederate states plus the contested states of Kentucky and Missouri, which the Confederacy claimed as part of its union ( here and here ). The Southern Cross is a pattern of stars (constellation) in the Milky Way galaxy. But the formerly innocuous act would soon become one of the hallmarks of the Klan—enduringly equated with intimidation, fear, and violence in the South and beyond. The stars do represent the 13 Southern states of secession. To join the conversation, please Thornton feels the symbol has been hijacked. Tribes have always marked themselves with symbols. Yes!!! There is no flag in Europe, or in the civilised world, half so beautiful and Bakery Hill as being the first place where the Australian ensign was first hoisted, will be recorded in the deathless and indelible pages of history. We've heard about your trouble, Tom, In rousting out the Boer; You shall not fight out there alone Amid the cannon's roar, The blood that stirred our noble sires To build up England's Fame, Re-kindles in Colonial sons Their prestige to maintain. The posts say: “The red represents the blood of Christ. All this makes me wonder, is patriotism morphing into something we increasingly avoid, fear and marginalise — especially as our world becomes more globalised? What a waste of $10m, Sorry for the scare campaign, the planet is fine. Register, Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout. Kaye pointed to a letter from Miles to General P.G.T. In 1854 miners rebelling against their treatment on the Ballarat goldfields invoked the Southern Cross as a symbol of freedom against the tyranny of colonial authorities, and of loyalty to the continent of Australia. The Southern Cross carries significance across many southern countries and civilizations. On the Australian flag, the cluster of five stars comprises the constellation of the Southern Cross, which is Australia's geographical location within the Southern Hemisphere. The Southern Cross is on the Eureka Flag, which represents freedom and democracy. Long before Jesus was crucified on the cross at Calvary, He exhorted us to take up our cross daily and follow Him, which is a condition of disciple A disciple is another word for a follower of Christ, one who is learning to be like his Master. For a few years it was also a popular tattoo. 1 decade ago . In her blog, Mouthless Mutters, she writes she originally got a Southern Cross tattoo to show how much she loved Australia. It can be a navigational aid but it is not the counterpart to the north star of the northern hemisphere. Second, the ultimate punishment for sin was and is complete. The meaning of this statement, and by extension the cross, is twofold. However, turning a symbol like a cross upside-down is symbolic on it's own and the interpretation of doing so differs among Catholics and Satanists. It was named by 16th-cenury European explorers, who recognised the shape of a cross. The Southern Cross has also been used as a sign of resistance in modern protest movements such as the anti-coal seam gas campaign. The … But is this fair? Lyrics. No amount of prayers or good deeds could ever make us more fit for Heaven than what … Indeed, there are quite a few people who got the tattoo to express pride in their country. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Most people tended to respond with “bogan”, “xenophobia”, “racism” and someone even mentioned half-jokingly that she crossed the road when she saw someone with a Southern Cross tattoo.. To the flag’s creator William Porcher Miles, the significance of red, white, and blue was that they were “the true republican colors,” emblematic in heraldry of valor, purity and truth ( bit.ly/3hItbVc ). The Confederate flag was flown by the breakaway southern states, which defended slavery, in the 1861-65 American Civil War. For a few years it was also a popular tattoo. 0 0? Ted Kaye, a vexillologist (flag expert) with the Portland Flag Association and Secretary of the North American Vexillological Association, told Reuters this description was “mostly inaccurate”. Associating with a tribe gives us a sense of belonging and for many it also gives them purpose. The Commonwealth Star represents the Federation of States as six points and their unity as the seventh point. The noun SOUTHERN CROSS has 1 sense: 1. a small conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere in the Milky Way near Centaurus. The Southern Cross of Honor was a commemorative medal established in 1899 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate Veterans. SOUTHERN Cross tattoos are often seen as bogan, xenophobic and racist. The Southern Cross is a symbol just like the confederate flag in America is. The Southern Cross is one of the most recognisable patterns of stars in the southern night sky, and forms part of the constellation Crux. As someone who has lived in a few different countries I have never felt a sense of patriotism towards a single nation, so it has always been interesting for me to see how for many people their sense of identity is tied with their country of birth. Even the Eureka flag, which was designed by a Canadian, is being used by the far right “Australia First party”, to the anger of many in Australian society. Māori views. Why has this symbol of patriotism morphed into something so sinister, asks Saman Shad, WHAT do you think of when you see someone with a Southern Cross tattoo? 11 Southern states seceded from the Union in the North between 1860-61, establishing their own government and conducting their way of life separately.. When a climate activist apologised for how environmentalists had misled the public over climate change threats, the fearmongers were not happy, especially when Greta is upping her fight, writes Miranda Devine. The Southern Cross is a reminder of the country’s position in the Southern Hemisphere and the bird-of-paradise represents The Southern Cross tattoo has come under fire ever since it played a starring role in the Cronulla riots back in 2005. Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts here  . log in. The cross is thus a sign of both Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. The claim states the 13 stars represent the 13 Southern states of secession. Golgotha, Place of a Skull). Nationwide News Pty Ltd © 2020. Just put “Southern Cross tattoo” in the Twitter search box and you will see that most people judge those with such a tattoo in a very negative way. the Southern Cross definition: 1. the group of stars that points towards the South Pole and appears on the flags of Australia and…. Ever since, having this tattoo has been associated with giving a certain signal about your politics and belief system. The claim states the blue cross represents the Christian cross of Saint Andrew. But until this symbol is reclaimed and widely embraced as one that signifies equality, tolerance and inclusion, I wouldn’t recommend getting it permanently etched on your skin. Māori tribes have different traditions about these stars. The Southern Cross itself is actually classed as an asterism, not a constellation, as the word ‘constellation’ applies to 88 specific areas of the whole night sky. This popular brand of patriotism has ensured that the SNP has remained the country’s largest party and in government for the past 10 years, including their current first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Examples of the claim are visible here and here  . This work being completed about 11 o'clock, the Southern Cross was hoisted, and its maiden appearance was a fascinating object to behold. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Stars and Bars, the name of the first national Confederate flag. We as humans are tribal by nature. The layout (often referred to as the "Southern Cross") is a Saint Andrew's cross, named after the X-shaped cross used to crucify St. Andrew. Why has this symbol of patriotism … In fact, the SNP is actively pro-immigration. it's much nicer now pic.twitter.com/r4axaswIHW. This was written by Stephen Stills with help from Richard Curtis and Michael Curtis. A widely circulated image on social media makes the claim that the Confederate battle flag’s colors have religious significance. The 13 stars represent the 13 Southern states of succession.” It also eventually led to a documentary that Thornton recently made, which premiered at the Sydney Film Festival. The Southern Cross has been a part of Australia’s Indigenous cosmology for millennia. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Partly false. When you see someone with a southern cross tattoo what do you think of them? What happens when you get a self-serving mining billionaire whose fortune depends on the Chinese Communist Party to help rebrand Australia? Learn more about the history and symbolism of the cross. It’s a simple question, and one that I asked on my Twitter a while back. In Alchemy, the Leviathan's cross is a symbol for sulfur, … In fact patriotic nationalism can be used to harness positivity that’s to the benefit of all in the country. The Southern Cross is indeed the name of a constellation that can be in the southern hemisphere sky. That confuses some people as it is seen as the Petrine Cross or \"The Cross of St. Peter\" since, according to Origin of Alexandria, Simon Peter was crucified upside down. Familiarity information: SOUTHERN CROSS used as a … These colors have been used by many of the country’s tribes for centuries. The 13 stars represent the 13 Southern states of succession.”. The three bars of the cross most likely represent the three realms of the Pope's authority: the church, the world, and heaven. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. Controversy over the modern use of the flag has intensified since protests erupted across the United States over the death of George Floyd last month ( here ). (noun) What do the Body and Blood symbolize in the Catholic faith? Join the conversation, you are commenting as. A national symbol that looks like a COVID-19 cell, writes Miranda Devine. Don't have an account? The Papal Cross is the official symbol of the Catholic pope in Rome and may be used only by the Pope. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Cross, the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The Celtic Cross, as typically depicted, is a traditional Christian symbol used for religious purposes as well as to symbolize concepts like Irish pride. In the book “The Confederate Battle Flag”, historian John M. Coski explains that the cross was turned diagonally with the explicit intention of not being a Christian symbol. First, the immediate earthly life of Jesus was over. The colors of the Confederate battle flag do not have religious significance, nor does the cross. Southern Cross Catholic College was created in 1995. Beauregard from August 27, 1861 where he explained his design of the flag, quoted by Philip Katcher in the book “Flags of the Civil War”: “The Stars ought always to be White … because they are blazoned ‘Proper’ (or natural color)… The white edge…is necessary… It would not do to but a blue cross…on a red field; [it] adds also much to the brilliancy of the colors…”. This shows that patriotism and pride in one’s country don’t necessarily have to be exclusionary and co-opted by the far right. The stars are visible in the southern hemisphere sky. However, quite a number of Americans see the flag as representing hate, racism and slavery. Yes, it’s a shame that the many who get the Southern Cross tattoo to show pride in their nation are sometimes falsely identified as having xenophobic beliefs. Red and black colors are traditionally important colors in the country. The Southern Cross has also been used as a sign of resistance in modern protest movements such as the anti-coal seam gas campaign. In 2010, director Warwick Thornton famously said: “I’m concerned the Southern Cross is becoming the new Swastika.” The statement caused much outrage as well as much soul searching among commentators. But then after the Cronulla riots, she noticed people’s reaction to the symbol change dramatically. Southern Cross is a great song, no doubt but it really kinda gets to me when I see that Stephen Stills wrote the song with some "HELP"from Richard & Michael Curtis. Of course that makes sense. In Scotland for instance, The Scottish National Party bases much of its popularity on promoting a patriotic Scottish nationalism. Coski further documents how according to Miles  the diagonal cross was preferable because “it avoided the religious objection about the cross (from the Jews and many Protestant sects)” ( here ). 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