Throughout Christian history those who have sought to proselytize have relied on integrating the symbols and ideas of native peoples with those of Christianity. Spanish missionaries to the New World brought with them the double-armed Patriarchal Cross, or the Cross of Lorraine. They found that it was readily accepted by their converts and became the most favored symbol of the new religion throughout the Spanish colonies. The design was instantly recognizable to the indigenous people as it closely remembled the dragonfly, a native icon for death and rebirth.
Dimensions " x "