What Is a Jerusalem Cross?
The Jerusalem Cross is a Christian symbol designed over time after the death of Jesus. Its primary use in history has been for heraldic or military use, which accounts for its other term, Crusader's Cross. While some of the original features stemmed from Jerusalem itself, it was heavily modified in Europe and became the principle image of the Crusades, appearing on items such as coins.
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Features
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The basic design of the Jerusalem Cross is that of a large Greek cross in the center and four smaller crosses surrounding the image in all four corners. Modern designs can be more elaborate, but still retain the basic premise.
History
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The most famous use of the image occurred during the Middle Ages when Pope Urban II issued Crusaders the Jerusalem Cross in the form of papa banners in the First Crusade.
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Considerations
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The image is said to represent Christ as the main cross and his four evangelists: John, Luke, Mark and Matthew. Some Christians point to the five crosses as referencing the five wounds Jesus sustained during the Passion.
Significance
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Throughout the Middle Ages and afterward, the Jerusalem Cross was used as a symbol of the expansion of Christianity to all four corners of the world.
Fun Fact
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One important use of a modified version of the Crusader's Cross was by the Republic of Georgia. During the 14th century, the country adopted the image as its national symbol and flag.
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Resources
- Photo Credit CrusaderJohnael at Wikimedia Commons
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Comments
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I didn't know what the cross meant but had an idea, I bought 3 of the pins n I gave 1each to my parents n my oldest sister which passed away.now that I have read the meaning, I'm glad I bought them :)
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now I will remember what I was told when some asks What it stands for.
