A famous piece of early-third century Roman wall art, the “Alexamenos graffito,” depicts two human figures, with the head of a donkey, arms stretched out in a T-shaped cross, with the caption “Alexamenos worships his god.” The Ankh is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic abbreviation known as the Coptic Egyptian Cross or key of life, after adoption by Coptic Christians. The loop at the top is associated with eternal life and the rise of the Sun.

While the symbol of the five-fold cross appears to originate in the 11th century, its association with the Kingdom of Jerusalem dates to the second half of the 13th century. Popular: The Cross of Lorraine is a frequent appearance in heraldic emblems and is quite popular to identify as the French symbol because of its identity of historical connections. The Gelre Armorial (14th century) attributes to the "emperors of Constantinople" (the Latin Empire) a variant of the Jerusalem cross with the four crosslets inscribed in circles. [8] Philip of Courtenay, who held the title of Latin Emperor of Constantinople from 1273–1283 (even though Constantinople had been reconquered by the Byzantine Empire in 1261) used an extended form of the Jerusalem cross, where each of the four crosslets was itself surrounded by four smaller crosslets (a "Jerusalem cross of Jerusalem crosses"). [9] Classical heraldry [ edit ] The Jerusalem cross is often used in frequency selective surface applications. The Jerusalem cross is an attractive choice for the periodic element because such a choice makes the frequency selective surface less sensitive to angle of incidence. [14] See also [ edit ] The design variations of the Jerusalem Cross allow for creativity and individual expression while maintaining the historical and spiritual significance of the symbol. Whether in its traditional form or with modern adaptations, the Jerusalem Cross continues to be a powerful visual representation of faith and the rich history of Jerusalem. Contemporary Usage of the Jerusalem CrossThe Coptic Cross is best known as a symbol of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, an emblem of strong representative and complexity, figuring a circle generating four equidistant arms with an array of further miniature crosses and characteristics. There are several interpretations regarding the meaning and symbolism behind the Jerusalem cross. The most common one is about the Five Holy Wounds of Jesus Christ.

In Christian communities, the Jerusalem Cross is often seen in churches, religious artwork, and religious ceremonies. It is displayed as a symbol of faith and a reminder of the Christian heritage tied to the holy city of Jerusalem. It can be found in various forms, including jewelry, ornamental items, and religious artifacts. The four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, with Christ in the center Christianity (central cross) broadcast by missionaries to the four corners of the world In late medieval heraldry the Crusader's cross was used for various Crusader states. The 14th-century Book of All Kingdoms uses it as the flag of Sebasteia. At about the same time, the Pizzigano chart uses it as the flag of Tbilisi (based on the latter example, the Crusader's cross was adopted as the flag of Georgia in 2004). At the end of the medieval period, the cross of Jerusalem will have been used for various Christian states of the Near East.

15. Russian Orthodox Cross

If you have any other questions about the Jerusalem Cross or would like to learn more about its history and significance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to provide you with the information you need. The Jerusalem Cross is also the symbol of Kairos, a four day Jesuit retreat that is held for youth in high schools and parishes around the world. The four crosses are used to symbolize the motto of the retreat "Live the fourth". History: After Emperor Constantine I, having seen these letters in a dream with the inscription “In this sign, you shall conquer,” and then gaining victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, the Chi Rho Cross became a considerable symbol of Christianity. Another interpretation of the Jerusalem cross is that it represents Jesus and his four evangelists: Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke.

Shape: The Mariner’s Cross is a confluence between the traditional Christian cross as well as the shape of an anchor such that the typical shape of this fusion would be either the letter T or lower-case ‘t’ with a curved top or ringed top. There is a historiographical tradition that Peter the Great flew a flag with a variant of the Jerusalem cross in his campaign in the White Sea in 1693. [10] Modern use [ edit ] This organization takes responsibility for preserving the holy spots in Judea and Jerusalem. Hence, they kept the Crusader’s cross. The Jerusalem Cross is rich in symbolism and meaning and goes by many different names, including the Crusader's Cross. BNF Français 22495, fol. 78; the same ms. also has the Jerusalem cross in a silver field ( fol. 36) and in a blue field ( fol. 115).Shape: The Jerusalem Cross has one large central cross and four smaller crosses, each placed within a quadrant. These interpretations and meanings highlight the cultural and religious significance of the Jerusalem Cross. It continues to be an important symbol of Christianity and the historical and spiritual connection to the city of Jerusalem. Design Variations of the Jerusalem Cross