Jerusalem Cross

The Jerusalem Cross is another cross with rich symbolism and interesting history. The article presents several pieces of information about the Jerusalem Cross.





When we look at the Jerusalem Cross we can notice it constitutes a large Greek cross with four small crosses placed in the corners. The Jerusalem Cross is supposed to symbolize Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem whereas the small ones symbolize four countries which took part in crusades (France, Germany, Sicily and England). The cross can also be found in the coat of arms and flag of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The Greek cross has a form widely known for all pre-Christian religions. It is often placed in the circle and in Asian world it shows symbolism of the light, relationship between the Heaven and the Earth or four equal values.

Christianity accepted it in 322 thank to a monk called Pachomius, that was a sign of universality of Christian religion. Four arms express four directions of the world, horizontal line expresses man's work whereas the vertical one expresses God's grace. The cross is often used by engineers who demarcate building sites or buildings themselves. It was also used in planning sacred buildings especially in Byzantine and Romanesque architecture.