Topic:  How did the custom of making the sign of the cross begin?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: December 18, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question:  How did the custom of crossing yourself come about? What are the appropriate times for men and women to cross themselves and what is the difference between them?

Answer: 

What a great question! I would encourage you to go to http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm
This is the page address for a really good history of the sign of the cross.

It seems the marking of the cross with the thumb or forefinger was first evidenced in the second century and a familiar practice for Christians. Further, it is believed that the prevalence of signing the larger cross touching forehead, breast bone and shoulders happens about the ninth century with an instruction by Leo IV.

Generally speaking, people make the sign of the cross before and after prayer. We make the sign of the cross at the beginning and at the conclusion of Mass. Some people choose to make the sign of the cross after receiving the Eucharist. You see many athletes make the sign of the cross before they begin a game or event.
Making the sign of the cross signals a time to focus on our prayer and what God is telling us.
To finish answering the second part of your question, you can make the sign of the cross whenever and where ever you wish as long as you do so in a prayerful and respectful manner.

Thanks for sending a super question.