What is the Jerusalem Cross?

drbonebrake · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2005 Posts: 7 Status: **Offline**

The Jerusalem Cross is constructed with a large center cross and four smaller crosses placed in the quadrant spaces surrounding the larger cross. The cross was an early part of heraldry and was incorporated in the coats of arms of knights and banners of Christian Crusaders.

The history of the Jerusalem cross may be traced back to the coat of arms carried by knights of the 12th century. A version of the coat of arms was issued to Teutonic Knights by Pope Innocent III. Another form of the cross is known as the \"Crusaders\' Cross.\" This form appeared on a banner given to the Crusaders by Pope Urban II. It was constructed as a representation of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. It also became known as the emblem of the Templar Crusaders. It was carried by the Templar Knights of Godfrey de Bouillon.

One interpretation of the symbol is that the four smaller crosses represent the four books of the Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Another interpretation is that the four crosses represent the four directions in which Christianity spread from Jerusalem. A third interpretation is that the five crosses symbolize the wounds Jesus received as he was crucified.

Today, the Jerusalem cross may be found within a variety of Christian art, architecture and jewelry. Modern day Christians wear the cross in the form of pins and necklaces for a variety of reasons associated with its symbology and heraldry.