The most important of Catholic emblems, symbolizing the Church's holy faith and the redemption of mankind, because Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, died on a cross. It is used on Catholic churches, schools, institutions, altars, vestments, etc., to indicate that they are consecrated to God's service; and, when blessed, either as a cross or a crucifix, it becomes a sacramental. Crosses were used among many nations for the execution of criminals; but nevertheless in certain regions they were held in religious honor because of their symbolism. The swastika was emblematic of the revolutions of the sun and consequently of life; and the Egyptian crux ansata (cross with a handle) was a symbol of the reproductive powers of Nature. There are many varieties of crosses including,