What does Jerusalem Cross mean?
James Stevens
Updated on February 27, 2026
The Jerusalem Cross has been a symbol of faith for centuries. Some historians believe that the large cross represents Christ, while the four smaller crosses represent Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Others suggest that the symbol is a visualization of the gospel being spread to the four corners of the Earth.
What does the Holy cross symbolize?
The universal symbol of the Christian faith, the cross represents Christ’s victory over death. In some traditions, a cross is oriented to the cardinal directions to represent the universal nature of Christ’s sacrifice and prayers are said for the salvation of all.
What is God’s cross called?
The crucifix emphasizes Jesus’ sacrifice—his death by crucifixion, which Christians believe brought about the redemption of humankind. Most crucifixes portray Jesus on a Latin cross, rather than any other shape, such as a Tau cross or a Coptic cross.
What did the Red cross mean in the Crusades?
The red cross in particular was associated with the Knights Templar, from the time of the Second Crusade (1145), but in 1188 red and white crosses were chosen to identify the French and English troops in the “Kings’ Crusade” of Philip II of France and Henry II of England, respectively.
What is an upside down cross called?
The Cross of Saint Peter or Petrine Cross is an inverted Latin cross, traditionally used as a Christian symbol, but in recent times also used as an anti-Christian symbol. In Christianity, it is associated with the martyrdom of Peter the Apostle.
What are the four points of the cross?
Stations
- Jesus is condemned to death.
- Jesus takes up his Cross.
- Jesus falls for the first time.
- Jesus meets his Mother.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
- Jesus falls for the second time.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
What is the biblical meaning of the cross?
cross, the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians.
What is the name of the Templar cross?
heraldic cross pattée
The heraldic cross pattée was sometimes used by the Teutonic Knights, a Crusader order, though their more usual emblem was a plain straight black cross on white field..
What does the Jerusalem cross stand for?
Popular interpretations of the Jerusalem Cross: The central cross stands for Christ and the four smaller crosses stand for the 4 evangelists John, Luke, Mark, and Matthew. The large cross represents Christ as the strength at the center of Christianity and the smaller crosses as the 4 corners of the earth to which the faith spread.
What is the significance of the Jerusalem cross?
The Jerusalem Cross is a major symbol used in Christianity, representing Christ’s command to spread the Gospel around the world beginning in Jerusalem. The symbol is basically composed of 5 crosses; 1 large central cross with 4 smaller crosses in each quadrant.
What does Jerusalem mean to Christians?
Jerusalem is most significant to Christians because in their beliefs it is the location of Christ’s crucifixion, death and ultimate resurrection. It was also the site of other significant episodes of Jesus’ life. Additionally, the city is home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , perhaps the most sacred place in the entire Christian world.
What’s with the Jerusalem cross?
History of the Jerusalem Cross. The Jerusalem cross features one large central cross with equidistant arms and crossbars at each end,with four smaller Greek crosses in each quadrant.