Among the rich array of characters and elements that parade through the town’s streets each Maundy Thursday, the Cross of Reproaches holds a prominent place for its didactic and symbolic function. It is not a bare cross but a standard that displays all the objects from the Passion of Jesus.
What is the Cross of Reproaches in Verges?
The term “reproach” refers to an offense or scorn. This cross showcases the instruments with which Jesus was humiliated and tortured, known as the Arma Christi (Instruments of Christ’s Passion). In the Verges Procession, it is carried solemnly, allowing the audience to identify each passage of the sacred drama through its objects.
The Symbols Hanging on the Cross
If you look closely at the Cross of Reproaches as it moves through the streets, you can see fascinating details. Key elements include:
- The rooster: Recalling the denials of Saint Peter.
- The bag of coins: The symbol of Judas’s betrayal.
- The crown of thorns, nails, and hammer: The instruments of the crucifixion.
- The ladder and the lance: Evoking the descent from the cross and the wound in his side.
- The column and the whips: Representing the flagellation.
A Key Element of the Street Procession
Unlike the scenic tableaux with dialogue, the Cross of Reproaches speaks through its imagery. It is a piece that invites reflection from visitors as it advances through the town’s narrow alleys.
Ultimately, the Cross of Reproaches demonstrates how the Verges tradition keeps the medieval practice of teaching sacred history alive through the senses. For this reason, it remains one of the most photographed and studied elements for its great iconographic value.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
