Jerusalem Cross Meaning, History and the Pilgrim Tradition

The Jerusalem cross, also known as the Crusader cross, consists of one large central cross with four smaller crosses between its arms

It is one of the Christian symbols most closely associated with the city, and for many believers and pilgrims it is a personal keepsake from the Holy Land

The origins of the symbol

A cross surrounded by four smaller crosses is known from before the Crusades, and some researchers trace its beginnings to Eastern Christianity

Tradition links it to Godfrey of Bouillon, one of the leaders of the First Crusade, which ended with the capture of Jerusalem in 1099

Historically, the symbol is not documented as an official emblem of Jerusalem’s rulers as early as the twelfth century, and appears as an emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem mainly from the thirteenth century

In the familiar heraldic version, the crosses are gold on a silver background, a combination generally avoided in heraldry, with some explaining the exception through Jerusalem’s special status

What the five crosses represent

The five crosses have been given different interpretations over the years

The most common interpretation is the five wounds of Jesus at the Crucifixion

Other interpretations see the central cross as Jesus and the four smaller crosses as the four Evangelists, or as the spread of the Gospel to the four corners of the world

Pilgrims and the Holy Land

Over the generations, pilgrims visiting Jerusalem adopted the cross as a sign of their pilgrimage

It remains a symbol of the Custody of the Holy Land, the Franciscan order caring for holy sites in the land, as well as of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre

In this way, the cross became a bridge between the city’s history and the personal faith of those who visit it, as well as those who hold it in their hearts from afar

How to choose

• Baptism: A small, delicate Jerusalem cross pendant is a traditional and touching gift for a baby, to be kept as they grow
• First Communion: A medium-sized cross on a fine chain suits children of this age
• Other occasions: Confirmation, a wedding, Christmas or a keepsake from a visit to Jerusalem
• Color: Gold tones echo the symbol’s traditional heraldic colors, while silver tones offer a clean, modern look