3 Ways To Cross Yourself - WikiHow

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How to Make the Sign of the Cross: Three Ways Download Article Learn the right way to cross yourself in any Christian tradition Co-authored by Fr. Scott Bailey and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Western Tradition
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• Eastern Tradition
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• Making a Small Cross
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• Origins of the Sign of the Cross
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• FAQs
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• Rosary Prayer
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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This article was co-authored by Fr. Scott Bailey and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Father Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Father Scott is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he creates a variety of engaging content explaining aspects of Catholicism. He is known for his brief but meaningful sermons, and for making Catholic teaching and spirituality accessible to all. He has a Masters of Divinity from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, an S.T.B. from the Lateran University, and a BA in philosophy from Regis University.  There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 754,657 times.

Crossing oneself is a common practice for Christians in liturgical churches, especially the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican (Episcopal) churches. It is used to begin and end prayers and ceremonies, as well as occasionally as a stand-alone practice of asking God to bless oneself. We’re here with everything you need to know about crossing yourself, including tips from Catholic priest Father Scott Bailey.

How do you cross yourself?

1. Touch the fingertips of your right hand to your forehead.
2. As you do this, say, “In the name of the Father…”
3. Touch the center of your chest and say, “...and of the Son…”
4. Touch the front of your left shoulder and say, “...and of the Holy…”
5. Touch the front of your right shoulder and say, “...Spirit.”
6. Say, “Amen.”

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Western Tradition

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1. 1 Follow this tradition in Latin Rite and Protestant churches. This method is most common in the Western Catholic Church. It may also be performed in Protestant traditions that support the sign of the cross, including most Anglican and Lutheran churches.[1]
   • For instance, you might perform the Western sign of the cross if you attend a Tridentine Mass.
2. 2 Lift your right hand with your fingers open or first two fingers together. Many worshippers make the sign of the cross with an open hand, their five fingers reminding them of the five wounds of Christ. Others raise the index and middle fingers together, symbolizing Christ's divine and human natures.[2] The thumb is often bent to touch the ring finger in the two-finger position.
   • Many other hand shapes are also in use. There is no requirement to make a specific hand shape, but most leaders encourage you to follow your congregation's tradition unless you derive a spiritual benefit from another form.
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3. 3 Touch the fingertips of your right hand to your forehead. The sign of the cross is made in many contexts, both privately and in church. At the start of worship or when blessing yourself outside of church, it is usually accompanied by an invocation of the Holy Trinity.[3] If you’re uncomfortable saying the prayer out loud, it’s okay to just recite it in your head.
   • If the service is in English, say: “In the name of the Father…”
   • If the service is in Latin, say: "In nomine Patris..."
   EXPERT TIP

   Fr. Scott Bailey

   Catholic Priest Father Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Father Scott is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he creates a variety of engaging content explaining aspects of Catholicism. He is known for his brief but meaningful sermons, and for making Catholic teaching and spirituality accessible to all. He has a Masters of Divinity from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, an S.T.B. from the Lateran University, and a BA in philosophy from Regis University.  Fr. Scott Bailey Catholic Priest

   In the Catholic tradition, the sign of the cross is a form of prayer. As we make the sign of the cross, we say, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” which symbolizes our belief in the Trinity.

4. 4 Touch the center of your chest. Bring your hand down to your sternum. Some people place their left hand on their breast during the sign, and touch the right hand a little higher than it.[4]
   • If the service is in English, say: “...and of the Son…”
   • If the service is in Latin, say: "...et Filii..."
5. 5 Touch the front of your left shoulder. According to Bailey, “Traditions differ slightly on which shoulder to touch first. Catholics typically start with the left shoulder.”[5]
   • If the service is in English, say: “...and of the Holy…”
   • If the service is in Latin, say: "...et Spiritus..."
6. 6 Touch your right shoulder in roughly the same location. Bailey says after you touch your left shoulder, move your hand across your chest and touch your right shoulder.[6]
   • If the service is in English, say: “Spirit.”
   • If the service is in Latin, say: "...Sancti."
7. 7 Say "Amen". Some people prefer to place their hands together when they say, “Amen.”[7] However, if you prefer, you can just drop your hands instead.
   • In many Latin countries, it is common to make the small cross with your thumb and kiss your thumb before saying Amen. In the Philippines, this gesture has evolved into simply touching the thumb to the chin.
8. 8 Bless yourself when entering a church. If you are part of the Latin Rite, it is traditional to bless yourself when you walk into a church. Dip your fingers in the font of holy water, then make the sign of the cross. You may use the large or the small cross.
   • Many Catholics also bless themselves when walking past a church and after receiving communion.
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Section 2 of 5:

Eastern Tradition

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1. 1 Hold your right thumb, index, and middle fingertips together. In Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches, most people use the three-finger blessing. Your fingers represent the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity, brought together in the Godhead.[8]
   • Tuck your index and pinky fingers fingers into the palm of your hand, representing the Two Natures of Jesus Christ (meaning He is fully human and fully divine).
2. 2 Touch your forehead, then the top of your stomach. Touch your fingertips to the center of your forehead, then bring your hand down to your solar plexus. Some people place it on their chest instead, as in the Western tradition.[9]
   • In the Orthodox tradition, some people are concerned that touching your chest makes an inverted cross, with a short lower end.
   • Instead of touching your chest or stomach, you can bring your hand all the way to touch the ground. This is sometimes used during the Great Fast of Easter, or in times of great trial.
3. 3 Cross yourself from right to left. Bailey says that unlike the Catholic tradition, “Eastern Orthodox Christians typically go from their right shoulder to their left.”[10] This is a tradition from many centuries ago, and was once shared by the Western church.[11]
4. 4 Recite a blessing as you make the cross. There are many ways to do this. Here are two examples, separated with slashes to mark where you move your hand:
   • "Lord / Jesus Christ / Son of God / have mercy on us."[12]
   • “My hope is the Father. / My refuge is the Son. / My protection is the Holy Spirit. / Holy Trinity Glory to Thee.”
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Section 3 of 5:

Making a Small Cross

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1. Use your thumb to make a small cross. Bailey says, “Early Christians made a small cross on their forehead to discreetly identify each other.”[13] Today, Roman Catholics make the sign with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass. Place the small cross first on your forehead, then on your lips, then on your breast.
   • There are many interpretations for this blessing. One common one asks you to approach the Gospels with an open mind, confess them with your mouth, and safeguard it in your heart.

Section 4 of 5:

Origins of the Sign of the Cross

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1. The sign of the cross originated with early Christians. “Under the Roman Empire, Christianity was illegal until around the mid-300s,” says Bailey. “Early Christians made a small cross on their forehead as a way to discreetly identify each other. This secret gesture indicated to others that it was safe to speak freely about their faith.”[14]
   • “Over time,” Bailey adds, “this evolved into the full sign of the cross that we use today.”[15]
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

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1. 1 What is the correct way to cross yourself? The basic sign of the cross involves touching your fingers to your forehead, then your chest or stomach, followed by your left (or right) shoulder, and finally the opposite shoulder. However, there are a number of variations, including differences in how you hold your hands and which shoulder you touch first.
   • Typically, the “correct” way to cross yourself is to follow what the rest of the congregation does when you’re at a religious service.
   • The only truly “wrong” way to cross yourself is to do it without reverence for the act.
2. 2 What does it mean to cross yourself? Bailey says, “The sign of the cross is a way of expressing that we belong to Christ, embracing his cross as our own. It can also be a form of prayer.”[16]
3. 3 Can I cross myself if I’m not Catholic? Yes, crossing yourself is common in many Orthodox and Protestant traditions. You can also cross yourself if you’re not a member of any church but you’re attending a service, as long as you do so sincerely.
4. 4 Do I have to cross myself? No, if you’re attending a church service or mass, it’s completely appropriate to abstain from crossing yourself if you’re not comfortable doing it or you’re not sure about your religious affiliation.
5. 5 When is it appropriate to cross yourself? Many people cross themselves when entering a church, before or after prayer, before eating, or when they walk by a church. The sign of the cross may also be included in some masses.[17]
   • You can cross yourself any time you feel moved to do so.
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Community Q&A

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• Question I can't kneel for confession. What do I do? Community Answer If you literally CAN'T kneel, but still confess, God will understand. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 120
• Question Why do many Catholics kiss their fingers after making the sign of the cross? Community Answer When we make the Sign of the Cross, we form our fingers in one of several ways to form some aspect of the Holy Trinity or of Christ and His five wounds (if we use all five fingers). In essence, to kiss our fingers afterward is to render a kiss to God. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 53
• Question Is it okay to make the sign of the cross during recessions and processions, or anytime the crucifix passes by? Leo Boivin Community Answer Even though there are times when the sign of the cross is mandatory, there are no particular moments when it is not proper. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 43

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Tips

• Oriental Orthodox churches typically make the sign from left to right, as in the Western tradition, but sometimes use the Eastern hand shape or their own traditions (such as one finger to symbolize Christ's one nature). This also applies to the Eastern Catholic churches from the same countries — that is, in the Alexandrian, Armenian, and Syrian Rites. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 2

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References

1. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/sign-of-the-cross
2. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/sign-of-the-cross
3. ↑ https://anglicancompass.com/the-sign-of-the-cross/
4. ↑ https://anglicancompass.com/the-sign-of-the-cross/
5. ↑ https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/do-this-in-remembrance-of-me-part-6-sign-of-the-cross
6. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-mass-for-millennials-sign-of-the-cross/
8. ↑ https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/contributors/a-short-history-of-the-sign-of-the-cross/
9. ↑ https://www.kencollins.com/instructions/how-01.htm

More References (8)

10. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
11. ↑ https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/contributors/a-short-history-of-the-sign-of-the-cross/
12. ↑ https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sign_of_the_Cross
13. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
14. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
15. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
16. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
17. ↑ https://anglicancompass.com/the-sign-of-the-cross/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Fr. Scott Bailey Catholic Priest This article was co-authored by Fr. Scott Bailey and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Father Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Father Scott is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he creates a variety of engaging content explaining aspects of Catholicism. He is known for his brief but meaningful sermons, and for making Catholic teaching and spirituality accessible to all. He has a Masters of Divinity from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, an S.T.B. from the Lateran University, and a BA in philosophy from Regis University.  This article has been viewed 754,657 times. 152 votes - 90% Co-authors: 21 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 754,657 Categories: Christianity Article SummaryX

To cross yourself following the Western tradition, lift your right hand and bring it to your forehead. Then touch the center of your chest. Reach over to touch your left shoulder and then back to your right shoulder. For churches in the Eastern tradition, start by touching your forehead and chest in the same way. Then touch your right shoulder before the left. To finish making the sign of the cross, place your hands together, and say, “Amen.” If you want to learn what prayers to say while you're crossing yourself, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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