London Bay Stationery

The Evangelist Cross is also known as the jerusalem Cross or Crusader’s Cross.  The large central cross is surrounded by four smaller crosses.  Through the ages various explanations have been given for its meaning.

Most frequently this cross is said to symbolize the cross of Christ surrounded by the four smaller crosses representing the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John proclaimed to the four corners of the earth.

It has also been said that the four smaller crosses represent the fulfillment of the law in the four gospels, or that the five crosses represent the five wounds of Christ on the cross (hands, feet and side).

This cross was first used as a coat-of-arms for the Latin kingdom in Jerusalem established in 1098 when Jerusalem was captured by members of the First Crusade and elcted Godfrey of Boulogne, duke of Lower-Lorraine, king of Jerusalem.

Filed by Cheryl at 6:03 pm under History of Symbols, Symbols
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