==Just thinking aloud again== 
 You said Personally I find the whole symbol ridiculous. Especially the really explicit ones with Jesus still on it and the painted on leaking blood from the Longinus wound and hands and feet. Why you would want something like that in your house or around your neck is beyond me. here which made me think of the dying-God-motif (Life-death-rebirth deity) and the extensive emotional relationship fundamental Christianity has with the blood-and-gore of the death of the Christ including regularly eating God and drinking God's blood (Eucharist). The Old Rugged Cross was sung very frequently in the churches my parents took me to. 

  On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, 
  The emblem of suffering and shame; 
  And I love that old cross where the dearest and best 
  For a world of lost sinners was slain. 
  Refrain is:  
  So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, 
  Till my trophies at last I lay down; 
  I will cling to the old rugged cross, 
  And exchange it some day for a crown. 
  O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, 
  Has a wondrous attraction for me; 
  For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above 
  To bear it to dark Calvary. 
  Refrain 
  In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, 
  A wondrous beauty I see, 
  For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, 
  To pardon and sanctify me. 
  Refrain 
  To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; 
  Its shame and reproach gladly bear; 
  Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, 
  Where His glory forever I’ll share. 
  Refrain