Stone cross

The Stone cross from Urberach is roughly worked from red sandstone, arms smaller than the head and body. The front of the cross showed a carpenter’s axe in relief manner. In 1729 the original location was named “At the three crosses”. The stone cross stands presumably as a memorial (atonement for man-slaughter). In the 15th and 16th century the atoning for a man slaughter was part of the law practice in daily life. The contract called “atoning-contract” had been written by the authorities to reach a settlement between the offender and the bereaved. But more important than the atoning and the penalty was the concern for the soul of the killed person, who died without sacraments. Apart from messes and pilgrimages which had to be sworn and undertaken by the offender, a cross had been put up to save the soul of the victim. The custom and law caused the passers-by to pray for the poor soul.