Templar Symbols: Meaning of the Crosses, Seals and Mottos
Templar symbols occupy an important place today in the imagery associated with the Order of the Temple. The red cross, the pattée cross, the seal of the two knights, Latin phrases, or the white mantle are regularly presented as characteristic signs of the Templars.
However, they do not all have the same historical status. Some are directly documented in the history of the Order, others belong more broadly to the world of the Crusades or military religious orders, while some associations have mainly developed over time.
Understanding this difference allows one to distinguish the symbols actually linked to the Temple, the traditions associated with it, and the contemporary representations inspired by this universe.
In this guide, discover the main symbols associated with the Templars, their origin, and what historical sources actually allow us to affirm.
What are the main symbols associated with the Templars?
The term "Templar symbol" covers signs of very different natures today. The following table allows for a quick understanding of their status.
| Symbol or phrase | Origin | Link to the Templars |
|---|---|---|
| Red cross | Christian sign used in the Order | Directly associated with the brothers of the Temple |
| Pattée cross | Form of cross pre-dating the Temple | Attested in certain Templar contexts, but not exclusive to the Order |
| Seal of the two knights | Medieval institutional seal | Directly documented in the history of the Temple |
| Non Nobis Domine | Biblical psalm | Traditionally strongly associated with the Temple |
| Deus Vult | Tradition of the First Crusade | Linked to the Crusades, but predates the creation of the Order |
| Sigillum Militum Christi | Seal inscription | Directly attested on a Templar seal, but it is not a motto |
| Jerusalem Cross | Latin East states | Mainly associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem, not as an emblem specific to the Temple |
| Maltese Cross | Order of Saint John of Jerusalem | Not a Templar cross |
The red cross: the sign most directly associated with the Templars
The red cross constitutes one of the signs most directly associated with the Order of the Temple. It appears on the brothers' clothing and gradually became one of the most recognizable elements of their visual identity.
However, medieval representations do not necessarily show a unique and perfectly standardized form comparable to a modern logo. The geometry of the cross can vary according to documents, eras, and mediums.
The white mantle worn by the knight brothers also possesses particular importance in the tradition of the Order. The Rule of the Temple notably associates this color with a requirement for purity of life.
Conversely, one must be cautious with modern interpretations that systematically attribute a precise list of meanings to the color red, such as courage, strength, protection, or sacrifice. These readings can be religious or contemporary without necessarily constituting an official medieval symbolic code.
To place this cross within the general history of the institution: Order of the Temple: origin, history, and fall of the Templars .
The pattée cross: a form historically linked to the Temple, but not exclusively
The pattée cross designates a family of crosses whose arms generally widen toward their ends. There are several variants of this geometry: it is therefore not a single, perfectly fixed design.
This form existed before the creation of the Order of the Temple and was used in various Christian and medieval contexts.
It is nevertheless attested in the Templar environment. A seal dated 1251 documented by the scientific database Sigilla presents, in particular, a pattée cross in a context directly linked to the Temple.
The pattée cross can therefore legitimately be studied among the symbols associated with the Templars, provided it is not presented as an invention of the Order or as an exclusively Templar form.
To learn more: Pattée Cross: meaning, origin, and link to the Templars .
Is the Jerusalem Cross a Templar symbol?
The Jerusalem Cross generally consists of a large central cross accompanied by four small crosses. It belongs to the Christian history of the Latin East states and is particularly associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
The Templars obviously played a major role in the Holy Land and in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which explains why this symbol is often linked to their universe today.
However, one should not make it the emblem of the Order of the Temple itself. Its history goes beyond that of the Templars, and its primary association lies in the context of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Several religious interpretations have been proposed over time to explain the five crosses. It is preferable to present them as interpretations rather than as a unique and certain medieval meaning.
To learn more: Jerusalem Cross: meaning, origin, and history .
Is the Maltese Cross a Templar cross?
No. The eight-pointed Maltese Cross is not a cross specific to the Order of the Temple.
It is historically associated with the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, which would later become the Order of Malta. Templars and Hospitallers belong to the same broad context of medieval military religious orders, but they are two different institutions.
The visual proximity between certain medieval crosses explains why they are frequently mixed in contemporary creations. To understand their history, however, one must maintain this distinction.
To learn more: Maltese Cross: meaning, origin, and link to the Templars .
The Templar seal: a truly documented institutional symbol
Unlike many symbols associated with the Temple today, the Templar seal places us directly in front of medieval institutional objects.
A seal primarily serves to authenticate a document and identify the authority that issues it. It should therefore not be considered simply as the medieval equivalent of a modern logo.
One of the most famous motifs shows two knights on a single mount. This motif is actually documented on several seals linked to the Order.
Over time, different interpretations have been proposed: poverty, fraternity, communal life, or unity of the brothers. These hypotheses have become very popular, but the seal itself does not provide a certain explanation that allows one to retain any as an official meaning.
Not all seals linked to the Temple show the two knights, moreover. Other motifs appear according to the dignitaries, territories, and functions.
To discover documented examples: Templar Seal: meaning of the symbol of the Order of the Temple .
What phrases are associated with the Templars?
The expressions presented today as "Templar mottos" actually come from different historical contexts.
| Phrase | Translation | Origin | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non Nobis Domine | Not unto us, O Lord… | Biblical psalm | Traditionally strongly associated with the Temple |
| Deus Vult | God wills it | First Crusade | Not a motto specific to the Order of the Temple |
| Sigillum Militum Christi | Seal of the Knights of Christ | Seal inscription | Directly attested in the Order, but it is not a motto |
Non Nobis Domine: a biblical verse traditionally associated with the Temple
Non Nobis Domine is probably today the phrase most strongly associated with the Templars.
The complete sentence begins with:
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
It can be translated as:
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory."
This phrase was not created by the Templars. It comes from a biblical psalm: Psalm 113B in the numbering used by the AELF (Association Épiscopale Liturgique pour les pays Francophones), corresponding to Psalm 115 in the Nova Vulgata.
Its association with the Temple is ancient and particularly strong in tradition, but the sources used here do not allow us to present it simply as a unique official motto uniformly used throughout the Order.
To learn more: Non Nobis Domine: meaning and origin .
Deus Vult: a phrase from the Crusades predating the Temple
Deus Vult generally means "God wills it." The phrase is mainly linked to the tradition of the First Crusade and the account of Pope Urban II's call at the Council of Clermont in 1095.
The chronology is important: the call of Clermont precedes by about twenty-five years the founding of the Order of the Temple, generally placed around 1120.
The Templars therefore did not yet exist when the tradition of Deus Vult appeared in the context of the First Crusade.
The phrase belongs first to the general history of the Crusades. Its modern association with the Templars is explained by the major role they would later play in the Latin East states.
To learn more: Deus Vult: meaning, origin, and Crusades .
Sigillum Militum Christi: an authentically Templar inscription
Sigillum Militum Christi offers a very different case.
The scientific database Sigilla documents, in particular, a seal of the Order of the Temple used in 1259 bearing the legend:
+ SIGILLVM MILITVM XPISTI
This inscription can be expanded in the form Sigillum Militum Christi, generally translated as "seal of the Knights of Christ."
It is therefore a phrase directly attested on a Templar institutional object. But precisely because it constitutes the legend of a seal, one should not transform it into a motto of the Order.
To understand in detail the difference between verse, cry, inscription, and motto: Templar mottos: meaning of the Templars' phrases .
White mantle, sword, and shield: symbol or chivalric iconography?
Not all objects represented in Templar imagery should be placed on the same level.
The white mantle
The white mantle possesses a real historical link to the knight brothers of the Order. Associated with the red cross, it constitutes one of the most recognizable representations of the medieval Templar.
The sword and shield
The sword and shield obviously belong to the military universe of medieval knights. They logically appear in many modern representations of the Templars.
However, they do not constitute, on their own, exclusively Templar emblems. A generic sword or shield can represent medieval chivalry without allowing one to identify the Order of the Temple specifically.
The presence of a cross, a seal, or a documented inscription generally gives a much more precise link to the Templar universe.
Which Templar symbol should you choose?
The best choice depends above all on the history or universe to which you wish to refer.
| You are looking for... | Symbol or phrase |
|---|---|
| The sign most directly associated with the Temple | Red cross |
| A medieval form attested in a Templar context | Pattée cross |
| A truly documented institutional motif | Seal of the two knights |
| A biblical phrase traditionally associated with the Temple | Non Nobis Domine |
| An inscription directly attested on a Templar seal | Sigillum Militum Christi |
| The world of the First Crusade | Deus Vult |
| The Kingdom of Jerusalem | Jerusalem Cross |
| The Order of Saint John, then of Malta | Maltese Cross |
Templar symbols in contemporary jewelry
The crosses, seals, and inscriptions linked to the history of the Temple are used today on many pieces of jewelry: rings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants.
These creations should be considered contemporary jewelry inspired by historical symbols. They are not automatically reproductions of jewelry that would have been worn by the brothers of the Order of the Temple.
Templar rings
A ring offers a relatively small but very visible surface. The cross pattee, the seal, or circular inscriptions work particularly well on a signet ring.
To choose a model, its material, and its proportions: Men's Templar ring: meaning, style, and symbolism .
Templar necklaces
A necklace generally allows for larger pendants and therefore more detailed patterns or inscriptions. The length of the chain and the actual size of the pendant also have a significant influence on the final look.
To learn more: Templar cross necklace: meaning and advice on how to wear it .
Templar bracelets
On a bracelet, the symbol is usually integrated into a plaque, medallion, cross, or a more compact metal element.
To choose a model: Men's Templar bracelet: meaning, how to choose, and how to wear it .
Discover in the shop
Discover our contemporary creations inspired by the crosses, seals, and symbols associated with the history of the Order of the Temple.
Why do Templar symbols still fascinate us today?
The disappearance of the Order at the beginning of the 14th century did not lead to the disappearance of its image. Over the centuries, history, literature, legends, cultural movements, and contemporary creations have gradually enriched the imagination surrounding the Templars.
Simple and immediately recognizable signs like a red cross or a medieval seal also allow for a visual representation of a much more complex history.
This popularity explains, however, why symbols belonging to different contexts are today frequently gathered under the "Templar" label. Distinguishing between medieval sources and more recent associations allows one to preserve their full richness without turning tradition into historical certainty.
This fascination goes beyond crosses and seals. The brutal disappearance of the Order also gave rise to numerous stories of hidden treasure, some of which are still associated with the Templars today.
Discover the history and legends of the Templar Treasure
Frequently asked questions about Templar symbols
What is the main symbol of the Templars?
The red cross worn on clothing is one of the signs most directly and strongly associated with the Order of the Temple.
Which cross did the Templars wear?
The Templars are associated with a red cross, but its geometry does not necessarily appear in a single perfectly standardized form across all medieval sources.
Is the cross pattee really Templar?
It is well attested in certain Templar contexts. However, it existed before the Order of the Temple and was not exclusively reserved for them.
What does the Templar seal represent?
One of the most famous seals depicts two knights on a single mount. It is a motif that is genuinely documented in the history of the Order.
Why are two knights represented on the same horse?
Several interpretations have been proposed over time, including poverty, fraternity, or communal life. The seal itself, however, provides no definitive explanation that would allow one interpretation to be held as official.
What was the motto of the Templars?
Non Nobis Domine is currently the formula most traditionally associated with the Temple. The sources used here, however, do not allow it to be presented simply as a unique, official motto used uniformly by the entire Order.
Does Non Nobis Domine come from the Templars?
No. The formula comes from a biblical psalm that predates the founding of the Order of the Temple.
Was Deus Vult a motto of the Templars?
No, not as a motto specific to the Order. The formula belongs first to the tradition of the First Crusade, which began before the creation of the Temple.
What does Sigillum Militum Christi mean?
The formula generally means "seal of the knights of Christ." It is directly attested on a seal of the Order of the Temple, but it is a seal inscription and not a motto.
Is the Jerusalem Cross a Templar symbol?
It belongs primarily to the history of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Its context is close to that of the Templars, but it should not be presented as the emblem of the Order.
Is the Maltese Cross Templar?
No. The eight-pointed Maltese Cross is historically associated with the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, which later became the Order of Malta.
What should we remember about Templar symbols?
There is no simple catalog of "Templar symbols" that each possess a fixed and certain meaning.
The red cross, certain seals, and certain inscriptions are directly documented in the history of the Order. The cross pattee is attested in Templar contexts but is not exclusively linked to the Temple.
Non Nobis Domine is a biblical formula traditionally strongly associated with the Templars, while Deus Vult belongs first to the history of the First Crusade. Finally, Sigillum Militum Christi is directly attested on a Templar seal but constitutes an institutional inscription rather than a motto.
The Jerusalem Cross and the Maltese Cross also show why it is important to place each sign in its true historical context.
This distinction between medieval source, historical tradition, and contemporary association allows for a better understanding of the symbols gathered today around the Templar world.
Historical sources and further reading
- National Archives – The Templars: History and archives of the Order of the Temple
- Sigilla / IRHT – Seal of the Order of the Temple with two knights
- Sigilla / IRHT – 1251 seal with cross pattee in a Templar context
- Sigilla / IRHT – 1259 Templar seal and inscription SIGILLVM MILITVM XPISTI
- AELF – Psalm 113B: biblical origin of Non Nobis Domine
- Fordham University – Robert the Monk: account of the speech of Urban II at Clermont
- Sovereign Order of Malta – History of the eight-pointed cross
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