When Did Christians Start Wearing Cross Necklaces?

I was putting on a cross necklace today and thought to myself, when did this start? So I did some digging and this is what I found. 

Early Christianity: A Time of Secrecy

In the earliest days after Jesus's resurrection, Christians were often persecuted by the Roman Empire. They worshipped in secret, gathering quietly in homes or catacombs.

(When I was writing this, I remembered visiting one of the secret hiding places in Co. Donegal, Ireland where Catholics used to worship in hiding. I was a child then but I recall it being in the side of a hill like a cave but not quite as deep or extreme. 

I looked it up and learned that during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the Penal Laws banned Catholic worship in Ireland, believers often risked their lives to attend Mass. They gathered secretly in caves, forests, hillsides and other remote spots, using large flat stones called Mass Rocks as hidden altars.) 

During the time of early Christianity, the cross was not a common or public symbol.

Because crucifixion was a brutal form of execution, it was associated with shame and fear (this made me want to cry to be honest). 

Early Christians used other symbols to identify their faith.

The Turning Point: Constantine and the 4th Century

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, making Christianity legal in the Roman Empire.

This was a huge turning point in Christian history.

It blows my mind that an Empire such as Rome became Christian only 300 years after Christ. I’m having to stop myself go down a branched-off rabbit hole so maybe I’ll save that for a different article.

Back to the point: According to early Christian tradition, Constantine saw a vision of the cross before battle and it led him to victory.

After that, the cross became a public symbol of Christian triumph and faith.

Churches began featuring crosses on altars, banners and buildings. The symbol was no longer hidden. It was honoured.

When Did People Begin Wearing the Cross?

By the 5th to 7th centuries, Christians began wearing small crosses made of wood, iron, or gold. These were often worn under clothing as a sign of personal devotion or protection.

In the Middle Ages, it became common for pilgrims to bring home cross-shaped tokens after visiting holy sites.

These crosses were seen as spiritually significant, almost like carrying a piece of the journey with you.

I remember studying The Canterbury Tales (ages ago, so don't quiz me on it haha) written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 1300s. It tells the story of a group of pilgrims traveling together to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury, sharing stories along the way to pass the time. It paints a colourful picture of what the pilgrimages were like in the Middle Ages. 

As time passed, the cross became more than a symbol of Christ’s death. It came to represent His love, resurrection and our identity in Him.

That’s when people began to wear it proudly and visibly—as a statement of faith.

Wearing the Cross Today

Today, wearing a cross means different things to different people:

• A personal reminder of Jesus' love
• A visible expression of faith
• A way to feel protected and close to God
  

Even something as simple as a necklace around your neck carries centuries of faith, courage and love. 

Isn’t that amazing?

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Thank you for reading!