Jerusalem Cross: Meaning, Origin and History of the Symbol

The Jerusalem Cross is one of the most recognizable emblems of the world of the Crusades and the Holy Land. Its silhouette is immediately identifiable: a large central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses.

Associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem, it spans several centuries of history and continues today to appear in heraldry, Christian institutions, religious objects, and jewelry of medieval inspiration.

But its popularity also leads to much confusion. What do its five crosses really mean? Did Godfrey of Bouillon use it as early as 1099? Was it worn by the Templars? And what is the difference between the Jerusalem Cross, the cross pattée, and the Maltese Cross?

To answer these questions, one must distinguish between historical evidence, heraldic traditions, and the symbolic interpretations developed over time.

What is the Jerusalem Cross?

The Jerusalem Cross is a composition formed of five crosses.

In the center, there is generally a large cross potent—that is, a cross where each of the four branches ends in a sort of crossbar.

In each of the four spaces left around this central cross is a smaller cross.

The whole therefore forms:

• a large central cross;
• four small crosses arranged around it;
• for a total of five crosses.

This form is also known by different names depending on the context:

• Jerusalem Cross;
• quintuple cross;
• crusader's cross;
• cross potent cantoned with four crosslets.

However, all these terms are not perfectly interchangeable depending on the period and usage.

What does the Jerusalem Cross look like historically?

In the heraldic tradition of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, the emblem is generally represented by a large cross potent accompanied by four small crosses.

Late heraldic representations traditionally use a gold cross on a white or silver background.

This combination is particularly famous because it juxtaposes two heraldic "metals," gold and silver, whereas medieval heraldry generally tends to avoid this type of association.

However, not all modern representations of the Jerusalem Cross use these colors. Today, it can be red, black, gold, or silver depending on the institution, the medium, or the object on which it appears.

What is the meaning of the five Jerusalem crosses?

This is probably the question that gives rise to the most interpretations.

There is no single explanation that can be stated with certainty to represent the official original meaning of the symbol in the Middle Ages.

Several readings have emerged over time.

The five wounds of Christ

One of the most widespread Christian interpretations associates the five crosses with the five wounds of Christ during the Crucifixion.

The large cross and the four small ones thus become a symbolic representation of Christ's wounds.

This interpretation remains used today, notably by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Christ and the four Evangelists

Another reading considers the large central cross as a representation of Christ, while the four small crosses evoke the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The composition would then express the spread of the Gospel from a spiritual center.

Jerusalem and the four corners of the world

The structure of the symbol also allows for a geographical reading.

The large cross represents Jerusalem as the center, while the four small crosses refer to the four cardinal directions and the spread of the Christian message to different parts of the world.

The Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre itself has mentioned this contemporary interpretation of Jerusalem as a spiritual center surrounded by the four directions.

Which interpretation should be kept?

It is best not to try to impose a single meaning.

The Jerusalem Cross is an ancient symbol whose interpretations have been enriched over the centuries.

The five wounds, Christ surrounded by the four Evangelists, or Jerusalem and the four directions now constitute the main symbolic readings associated with its five crosses.

What is the origin of the Jerusalem Cross?

The exact origin of the five-cross form is more complex than popular tradition sometimes suggests.

Multiple-cross compositions existed before the Crusades. It would therefore be excessive to claim that the geometric form was invented from scratch in Jerusalem in 1099.

On the other hand, the Jerusalem Cross became permanently linked to the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem founded after the First Crusade.

The physical evidence preserved allows us to attest to its use as an emblem of the kingdom in the 13th century.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, for example, holds an enameled basin made in Limoges around 1250-1275. In the center of the object appear the arms of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem: a large cross surrounded by small crosses.

This piece constitutes particularly interesting evidence because it shows that the symbol was by then sufficiently established to clearly represent the kingdom.

The Jerusalem Cross and the Kingdom of Jerusalem

To understand the emblem, we must return to the First Crusade.

After the capture of Jerusalem by the crusaders in July 1099, a new Latin state was established in the Holy Land.

Godfrey of Bouillon, one of the main leaders of the crusade, was chosen to govern Jerusalem.

However, he refused the royal title. Sources and the National Library of France present him, among other things, as Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre.

After his death in 1100, his brother Baldwin became the first sovereign to be crowned King of Jerusalem.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem then became one of the main Latin states established in the Orient following the First Crusade.

It is in this political and religious environment that the Jerusalem Cross would eventually establish itself as its most famous heraldic emblem.

Did Godfrey of Bouillon already use the Jerusalem Cross?

The Jerusalem Cross is very often presented as the personal coat of arms of Godfrey of Bouillon as early as 1099.

This claim must be significantly qualified.

Heraldry as we know it developed mainly during the 12th century, after Godfrey's death in 1100.

Late medieval representations subsequently regularly attributed the arms of Jerusalem to Godfrey, sometimes several centuries after the events.

This explains why he appears in numerous illuminations and heraldic traditions bearing this cross.

But a representation made subsequently does not necessarily prove that Godfrey personally used this exact coat of arms during the capture of Jerusalem.

It is therefore more rigorous to say that the Jerusalem Cross became the heraldic emblem of the kingdom and was then retrospectively associated with Godfrey of Bouillon.

What is the link between the Jerusalem Cross and the Crusades?

The link is real, but here again, one must avoid shortcuts.

The Jerusalem Cross is directly associated with the Christian kingdom established in the Holy Land after the First Crusade.

It therefore naturally belongs to the historical world of:

• crusades;
• pilgrimages to the Holy Land;
• Latin States of the Orient;
• military religious orders;
• and medieval Christian Jerusalem.

However, not all crusaders obviously wore the Jerusalem Cross as a common uniform.

The armies of the Crusades brought together men from different regions, with their own lords, banners, crosses, and distinctive signs.

The Jerusalem Cross must therefore be understood primarily as the particularly famous emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, rather than as the unique sign worn by all crusaders.

Was the Jerusalem Cross a Templar cross?

No, not in the strict sense.

This distinction is essential.

The Order of the Temple appeared in the Kingdom of Jerusalem at the beginning of the 12th century and its history is deeply linked to the Holy Land.

The Templars therefore operated in the same historical environment as that to which the Jerusalem Cross belongs.

But this does not mean that the Jerusalem Cross was the specific or official emblem of the Order of the Temple.

The Templars are primarily associated with a red cross worn on their clothing, the shapes of which could vary according to periods and representations.

They also used their own seals and institutional signs.

The Jerusalem Cross therefore belongs more to:

• the Kingdom of Jerusalem;
• the history of the Holy Land;
• the Crusades as a whole;
• and, later, to different Christian traditions linked to Jerusalem.

It nevertheless remains very close to the Templar world since the Templars lived and fought in this same historical context.

To discover the emblems more directly linked to the Temple, consult our guide dedicated to Templar symbols.

Jerusalem Cross and cross pattée: what are the differences?

These two symbols are frequently confused because they are both associated with the medieval world and the Crusades.

However, their shape is very different.

The Jerusalem Cross

It features a large central cross and four small crosses.

Its central cross is generally potent in traditional heraldic representations.

The cross pattée

The cross pattée consists of a single cross whose four branches widen toward their ends.

It is much simpler visually and is today strongly associated with the Templar imagination.

The essential difference can therefore be summarized as follows:

• Jerusalem Cross: five crosses and a strong link to the Kingdom of Jerusalem;
• cross pattée: a single cross with flared branches and a strong modern association with the Templars.

Jerusalem Cross and Maltese Cross: what are the differences?

Confusion is also frequent with the Maltese Cross.

The latter has four branches ending in eight very characteristic points.

It is mainly associated with the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, and later the Order of Malta.

The Jerusalem Cross, on the contrary, is composed of a large cross accompanied by four crosslets.

Their histories intersect in the same Mediterranean and chivalric world, but these are indeed two distinct emblems.

To delve deeper into this difference, consult our article dedicated to the meaning of the Maltese Cross.

Is the Jerusalem Cross still used today?

Yes.

The disappearance of the medieval Kingdom of Jerusalem did not lead to the disappearance of its symbol.

The Jerusalem Cross still appears today in different religious, historical, and heraldic contexts.

It constitutes, in particular, the badge of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a pontifical institution linked to supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

In this contemporary context, it is generally represented in red on a white background.

The symbol also remains present in the culture of the Holy Land, pilgrimages, religious souvenirs, and various representations evoking Jerusalem.

This continuity explains why a cross originating from the medieval world remains immediately recognizable several centuries later.

Why wear a Jerusalem Cross today?

Today, a Jerusalem Cross can be worn for very different reasons.

For some, it is above all a Christian symbol linked to Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

For others, it recalls the history of the Crusades, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and medieval chivalry.

It can also be chosen simply for its aesthetics: its geometric balance and its five crosses create a design that is immediately recognizable on a pendant, signet ring, or other piece of jewelry.

The meaning given to the jewelry remains personal. It can express faith, historical interest, attachment to Jerusalem, or a passion for the medieval world.

The symbol, however, should not be presented as an object materially guaranteeing any particular protection: its significance is primarily religious, historical, symbolic, or aesthetic.

How to choose a Jerusalem Cross piece of jewelry?

The choice depends mainly on the desired style and the importance you wish to give to the symbol.

The Jerusalem Cross necklace

The necklace is probably the medium that makes the five crosses easiest to recognize.

The pendant offers enough space to clearly distinguish the central cross and the four crosslets.

A model like the Sacred Necklace of the Order of Jerusalem is particularly suitable for those who wish to wear the symbol visibly on their chest.

The Jerusalem Cross ring

On a ring, the symbol takes on more the appearance of a heraldic emblem.

The surface of a signet ring allows the cross to be highlighted while maintaining a more compact aesthetic.

The Sacred Kingdom Ring follows precisely this logic by placing the Jerusalem Cross at the center of the ring.

Which color to choose?

A silver finish generally gives a result that is more sober and easier to wear on a daily basis.

Gold is more reminiscent of the traditional heraldic representations of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Red, when used in the details, immediately reinforces the modern Christian and chivalric reference.

The best choice remains the one that matches your style rather than seeking a supposedly historically mandatory color for all uses.

Why does the Jerusalem Cross still fascinate?

Few symbols bring together history, religion, heraldry, and the chivalric imagination as clearly.

Its silhouette is simple enough to be immediately recognizable, yet rich enough to give rise to several levels of interpretation.

It recalls the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Crusades, but it now extends well beyond this historical context.

It can evoke Jerusalem, the five wounds of Christ, the spread of the Christian message, or simply a medieval heritage that continues to attract history enthusiasts.

It is this ability to traverse the centuries while maintaining a strong visual identity that likely explains its lasting presence on coats of arms, religious objects, and contemporary jewelry.

Frequently asked questions about the Jerusalem Cross

What do the five Jerusalem crosses mean?

Several interpretations exist. The five crosses can notably evoke the five wounds of Christ. Another reading sees Christ in the large cross and the four Evangelists in the smaller ones. They can also represent Jerusalem in the center and the four corners of the world.

Is the Jerusalem Cross a Templar cross?

No. It is primarily associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The Templars operated in this same historical environment, but the Order of the Temple possessed its own emblems and is mainly associated with a red cross.

Who created the Jerusalem Cross?

It is not possible to attribute the invention of the shape to one person with certainty. Compositions featuring multiple crosses predate the Crusades. The Jerusalem Cross then became the heraldic emblem of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Did Godfrey of Bouillon wear the Jerusalem Cross?

Heraldic tradition has largely associated it with the arms of Jerusalem. However, known depictions date from after his death, and structured heraldry developed mainly after his time. It is therefore prudent not to claim that he was already using these exact arms in 1099.

Why does the Jerusalem Cross have one large cross and four small ones?

This five-cross arrangement is the origin of its main symbolic interpretations. The large cross is notably associated with Christ or Jerusalem, while the other four can evoke the Evangelists or the four corners of the world.

What is the difference between the Jerusalem Cross and the Maltese Cross?

The Jerusalem Cross is composed of five crosses. The Maltese Cross is a single eight-pointed cross, historically linked to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and later the Order of Malta.

What is the difference between the Jerusalem Cross and the cross pattee?

The Jerusalem Cross comprises a large central cross surrounded by four small crosses. The cross pattee consists of a single cross whose arms widen toward their ends.

Is the Jerusalem Cross still in use?

Yes. It is the current emblem of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and remains present in various religious, historical, and heraldic contexts linked to the Holy Land.

A symbol between Jerusalem, the Crusades, and Christian heritage

The Jerusalem Cross is much more than a simple decorative variation of the cross.

Its history is intimately linked to the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and the memory of the Crusades, even if its precise origin and the initial meaning of its five elements cannot be reduced to a single explanation.

Its large central cross and four small crosses have thus received several readings over time: the five wounds of Christ, Christ and the four Evangelists, or Jerusalem and the four corners of the world.

It should not be confused with the Templar cross, the cross pattee, or the Maltese Cross, even if all belong to a historical and symbolic universe that intersected several times in the Middle Ages.

It is precisely this encounter between history, spirituality, and visual identity that allows the Jerusalem Cross to continue to fascinate and be worn several centuries after the disappearance of the medieval kingdom to which it remains attached.

Historical sources and further reading

• Metropolitan Museum of Art – Gemellion with the Arms of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, c. 1250-1275
• National Library of France – Jerusalem at the heart of the First Crusade and Godfrey of Bouillon
• National Library of France – Record of Godfrey of Bouillon, sovereign and Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre
• Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – The Jerusalem Cross and its symbolism
• Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre / Vatican – The Jerusalem Cross and the five wounds of Christ