This esteemed cross is known by various names: the Jerusalem Cross, the Crusader’s Cross, and the Five-fold Cross. It symbolizes the four gospels or the four cardinal directions from which the teachings of Christ spread out from Jerusalem. Comprising five crosses with arms of equal length, it features a central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses placed in each quadrant.
Its designation is not arbitrary: this particular version of the Christian cross served as the emblem and heraldry of the Kingdom of Jerusalem starting in the late 13th century.
The Origins of the Five-fold Cross
While the Jerusalem cross symbol itself traces back to the 11th century, its association with the Holy Land is linked to the Crusades. Traditionally, the concept of adopting this cross as the emblem of the newly formed state is credited to Godefroy de Bouillon, the inaugural ruler of Jerusalem.
However, not all monarchs adopted it. For instance, Jean de Brienne, who reigned from 1210 to 1212, depicted only a simple silver Christian cross on a gold background in his coat of arms.
Subsequent rulers later adopted the cross we are discussing here as their personal emblem. One can easily envision kings donning pendants featuring their symbol: the Jerusalem cross.
Various Uses of the Crusader’s Cross
The Jerusalem Cross has served numerous purposes since its inception. Here are a few examples that would pique the interest of history enthusiasts:!
The Cross of Jerusalem in Coinage
Between 1158 and 1180, King Henry II of England commissioned the minting of coins known as “Cross-and-Crosslets.”
Legend has it that during the Crusades, Henry II stumbled upon a signet ring (the exact design of which remains unknown, but it bore the Crusader’s cross) that he found exceptionally beautiful. He was so enamored with it that he decided to incorporate the symbol it bore into the extensive list of emblems of the English crown.
In essence, the design of these coins was based on a model of the Jerusalem cross, but with four small crosses positioned diagonally. Moreover, coins minted for the city of Jerusalem in the late 12th century did not exclusively feature this Christian cross as the city’s seal. Monuments like the Tower of David, the Dome of the Rock, or the Holy Sepulcher were also used. It was only during the reign of John II (1284–1275) that the majority of coins struck prominently displayed this symbol of Christianity.
A Common Religious Symbol in Heraldic Art
The Christian cross, in its various forms, is a prevalent motif in heraldic art, often appearing on flags with thousands of variations.
Here are several examples showcasing the widespread use of the five-fold Jerusalem cross:
During the late medieval era, the cross of Jerusalem adorned the flags of numerous Christian states in the Near East.
The 14th-century “Book of All Kingdoms” depicts it as the flag of Sebasteia, a Byzantine Empire province.
Around the same time, maps like Pizzigano’s show it as the flag of Tbilisi, a Georgian city.
Carlo Maggi, a Venetian dignitary knighted by the Order of the Holy Sepulcher in the early 1570s, incorporated the Jerusalem cross into his coat of arms.
Legend has it that Peter the Great, the renowned Russian emperor, flew a flag bearing a variant of the Jerusalem cross during his 1693 White Sea campaign.
Modern Usage of the Jerusalem Cross
Today, the Order of the Holy Sepulcher and the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land still prominently feature the Jerusalem Cross in their emblems. The latter is a Catholic organization responsible for safeguarding holy sites in Jerusalem and Judea.
In the early 20th century, the Jerusalem cross became a symbol of evangelization in certain Protestant denominations. Notably, the “Episcopal Church Service Cross” emerged during World War I and was initially utilized by the Anglican Church in the United States.
In the 1950s, the Congress of the German Evangelical Church adopted the Jerusalem cross as its community symbol. Additionally, the current flag of Georgia, introduced in 2004, incorporates this type of Christian cross.
The Significance of the Jerusalem Cross
Alongside its association with the Crusades, the Jerusalem Cross is also referred to as the Crusader’s Cross.
However, beyond its historical context, various interpretations offer insight into the deeper meaning of the Jerusalem Cross.
Symbolizing the Five Wounds of Christ
In some interpretations, the Jerusalem Cross symbolizes the five sacred wounds of Christ. The central, larger cross is believed to represent the wound inflicted on Jesus’s side by a soldier’s spear, as recounted in John 19:34.
The four smaller crosses surrounding the central one are often interpreted as symbolizing the wounds on Jesus’s hands and feet, inflicted by the nails used to fasten him to the cross. This interpretation imbues the Jerusalem Cross with a profound reminder of the sacrifice of the Lord and the redemption it brings to humanity.
Christ and the Four Evangelists
Another interpretation of the Jerusalem cross is that it symbolizes Christ and the four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In this interpretation, the central position of Jesus signifies his centrality in the Gospel, with the writings of the four evangelists revolving around him.
It is unfortunate to witness instances where material elements overshadow the core tenets of the Christian faith. As believers, the Jerusalem cross serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’s centrality in our lives and the enduring significance of the gospel message in our daily existence.
This perspective on the Jerusalem Cross underscores the significance of spreading the good news to all corners of the world. It is an interpretation that holds particular resonance for missionaries and evangelists, emphasizing the imperative of proclaiming the gospel message far and wide.
The duty to spread good news to the Four Corners of the World
The verse from Acts 1:8 underscores the divine mandate to spread the gospel to all corners of the world, from Jerusalem to the farthest reaches of the earth.
In ancient times, the prevailing belief in a flat earth limited people’s understanding of the world’s expansiveness, leading to fears of venturing too far and “falling off the edge.”
Within this context, a third interpretation of the Jerusalem cross emerges: Christ at the center, with the four quadrants symbolizing the four cardinal directions or quarters of the world.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds profound significance in the lives of Jesus and his disciples, being the site of his crucifixion and resurrection. In the context of spreading the gospel, Jerusalem symbolizes our familial and closest relationships—it is our home base. Thus, sharing the message of Jesus and the hope of eternal life begins with our family and loved ones.
Judgment
Judea represents our immediate circles, including neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and friends. Just as God has entrusted us with the task of sharing our faith within our families, we are also called to extend this message to those in our close social circles.
Samaria
Samaria, historically known for its strained relations with Israel, presents a challenging aspect of Jesus’ command to spread the gospel. Despite existing animosities, Jesus instructed his disciples to preach even in Samaria. This teaches us the importance of sharing our faith with those we may not necessarily get along with or agree with, demonstrating love and compassion to all.
At the Ends of the Earth
In Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples, he urged them to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. This commandment is not merely symbolic; rather, it underscores the universal nature of God’s message and the call for evangelization to reach every corner of the globe.
Some individuals are gifted with a special calling to be missionaries, tasked with carrying out this global mission.
The Jerusalem cross holds profound significance, both in the Middle Ages and today. Throughout history, various iterations of the cross have been embraced by different groups and organizations.
During the Crusades, the Jerusalem cross carried immense weight and symbolism, and it continues to serve as an emblem for certain branches of Christianity today. Its meaning has evolved over time, with multiple interpretations coexisting. Yet, regardless of perspective, the Jerusalem cross remains a powerful symbol of Christ and the Christian faith.
Thus, it rightfully claims its position among the most significant Christian crosses of all time, bearing witness to the enduring message of Jesus Christ.
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