crucifer

Crucifer is a term with two primary senses. In botany, it denotes a member of the plant family Brassicaceae, commonly called crucifers or cruciferous plants. In Christian liturgy, the crucifer is the person who carries the processional cross at the head of a church procession.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin crucifer, "cross-bearing," from crux "cross" and ferre "to bear." In botanical usage, the name is linked to the characteristic cross-shaped arrangement of the four petals on many flowers of the family (the former name Cruciferae).

Botanical sense: Crucifers include many familiar vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, radish, and turnip, as well as mustard and canola. They are typically herbaceous plants, often with four-petaled flowers arranged in a cross. Fruits are usually siliques or silicles. The plants are widespread in temperate regions and are economically important for food, oil, and flavoring; some species contain glucosinolates that impart pungent flavors and may have health effects.

Liturgy sense: In Christian worship, the crucifer is an official who bears the processional cross during entrances and processions. The role appears in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Lutheran traditions, among others, and may be filled by lay servers or clergy. The crucifer often acts under the direction of a deacon, master of ceremonies, or liturgical coordinator.

In summary, crucifer refers to either a cross-bearing plant in the Brassicaceae family or a ceremonial cross-bearer in Christian liturgy, with the common thread being the motif of bearing or displaying the cross.