its size is limited, and its location may be varied. In long axial spaces
custom has located the symbol at the remote visual climax; its symbolic
meaning is clearer if it is located among the worshipers, on a staff. In
smaller chapels a processional cross or crucifix may be the only cross
desired. Such a device weighs no more than about 15 pounds (7 kg) and is 80 to
90 inches (2000 to 2250 mm) tall. A base about 30 inches (750 mm) high will
lift it sufficiently above the beads of people. In larger spaces other, larger
devices may be introduced and they may be on taller staffs or be otherwise
displayed. Crosses may be made from a variety of materials including fabrics.
Two basic forms with many variations occur. The Latin Cross, with vertical
member longer than horizontal is taken as a reference to the death of Jesus
and in some traditions the image of the Lord (the corpus) is mounted on it,
making what is called a crucifix. The Greek Cross has equal members. It is
said to derive from the Greek initial for Christ and has symbolical references
to universality, to the meeting of divine and human, and to other things
depending on detail. Two processional crosses are needed, one with and one
without the corpus.
It is appropriate in a larger space to use both forms, one as a display
cross and one as a processional cross. The processional cross is then placed
near the pulpit or the altar/table. If two are used one is appropriately the
Greek form and the other Latin. Crosses should be especially fine works of
art. See Facility Plates 21 and 22, pages 37.06-81 and 37.06-83.
b.
Jewish Symbols. A common symbol of Judaism is the menorah, a
seven branched candlestick. This may be of substantial size and in various
geometries or sculptural forms. It stands on the floor, or may be wall
mounted. See Facility Plate 23, page 37.06-85. Two other Jewish symbols are
the Tablets of the Law with Hebrew inscriptions and the hexagram. (These are
also used by Christians.)
c.
Islamic Devices. It is conventional that banners or rigid devices
carrying devotional inscriptions in arabic are placed over the mihrab, over
the pulpit dais (member) and over the main portal in muslim places of worship.
Details of such devices may be obtained from the North American Islamic Trust,
Inc., 10900 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46231.
d.
Stations of the Cross. A devotional practice common among Roman
Catholics but used by other Christians also is a prayer sequence memorializing
the passion of Jesus. The service is enriched by movement along the Path of the
Cross consisting of fourteen stations, each of which is conventionally given a
location marked by an image or a symbol. In a military chapel these cannot be
permanently fixed. However, planning should include provision for hanging or
emplacing the marks of the stations. The devices themselves, kept in storage
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