Crosses

The presence of the crucifix in the territory of Ayas, as in other Alpine regions, is not limited only to places of worship and devotion: a small wooden cross, sometimes even the composition of Calvary with the three crosses, applied to the door protects the rascard, the house, the stable, just as it protects the rooms when affixed inside, and it can be engraved on furnishings and work tools to propitiate their use.

‘Mission crosses’ from the post-Tridentine era, instead, mark the passage of Capuchin friars, becoming symbols of a protective boundary for the community against natural disasters, evil, and negative external influences. These large wooden crosses generally bear information about the mission and the date, and may feature wooden symbols of the Passion of Christ: the tunic contested among legionnaires at the foot of the cross, the hands and feet pierced by nails, the crown of thorns, Judas’ silver coins, the executioners’ pincers, the weapon raised to defend Jesus during his arrest, Longinus’ spear that pierced Christ’s side, the hammer used to nail his limbs to the cross, and finally a rooster symbolizing Saint Peter’s denial. A large cross bearing numerous symbols of the Passion is affixed to the facade of the cemetery chapel in Antagnod.