Cross of Saint James
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cross of St. James,[1] similar to a Cross Flory Fitch or Cross Fitchy is formed by a Cross Flory, where the lower part is fashioned as a sword blade (similar to fitched or fitchee)[2] - making this a cross of a warrior. It was popularized then due to its resemblance to a sword, symbolizing in a sense taking up the sword for the name of Christ.[3]
This form is said to have originated at the time of the Crusades, when the crusaders carried small crosses with pointed lower arms, capable of being thrust into the ground at a time of daily devotions.
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[edit] Order of Santiago
Most notably, it was the emblem of the twelfth-century military Order of Santiago, named in reference to Spain's patron saint, Saint James the Great. This cross design is also called the Cross of the Knights of St. Iago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.
[edit] Gallery
 Croix fichée |
 Cross flory fitch |
 Cross of the order of Santiago |
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 The Saint James cross in the heraldic atlas by Jhr. J.L.M.Graafland and the famous heraldic artist A.Stalins |
 Cross crosslet fitchy |
[edit] External links
- The Cross of Saint James, history of the cross used by the Spanish Order of Santiago and the Portuguese Order of St. James of the Sword.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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