The Jerusalem Cross

[Zamudio]

Greetings all!

I have been doing some reading about the different types of cross and have come across this design that I really like.

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The only thing I am unclear about is the shape of the cross. Isn’t this a set of five greek crosses? Would it be suitable for a Catholic to wear?

I would appreciate some clarity on this matter.

Bless you all.
Z

 

[DavidFilmer]

The only thing I am unclear about is the shape of the cross. Isn’t this a set of five greek crosses? Would it be suitable for a Catholic to wear?

Yes, it is a set of five “Greek” Crosses. It would not be UN-suitable for a Catholic to wear (it was, after all, approved by Pope Urban II for the banners of the knights of the First Crusade).

Catholics are perfectly OK with many Greek things, and this is one of them. The covers of many "New Jerusalem Bible"s (a Catholic translation) feature artwork of this design. My own NJB has this Cross emossed in gold upon a blue hardcover binding.

But I think it is not easy to find such a cross to wear. Maybe in these days of the Internet it is easier, but my wife was, at one time (20 years ago), part of a prayer group which adopted this particular cross as its symbol. And they could not find one anywhere. They wound up contracting a jeweler to custom-make one for them (in gold).

 

[Mrs_Mac]

I bought several of these crosses when I was in the Holy Land earlier this year. I was told the center cross represents Jerusalem, the center of the world, and the four small crosses represent the four corners of the world. Other than the shape of the cross, I don’t think there’s any particular Greek symbolism to it.

 

[Zamudio]

Yes, it is a set of five “Greek” Crosses. It would not be UN-suitable for a Catholic to wear (it was, after all, approved by Pope Urban II for the banners of the knights of the First Crusade).

Catholics are perfectly OK with many Greek things, and this is one of them. The covers of many "New Jerusalem Bible"s (a Catholic translation) feature artwork of this design. My own NJB has this Cross emossed in gold upon a blue hardcover binding.

But I think it is not easy to find such a cross to wear. Maybe in these days of the Internet it is easier, but my wife was, at one time (20 years ago), part of a prayer group which adopted this particular cross as its symbol. And they could not find one anywhere. They wound up contracting a jeweler to custom-make one for them (in gold).

Thanks for replying, I do see what you mean about it being difficult to find. I have found a pendant which is very nice.

I bought several of these crosses when I was in the Holy Land earlier this year. I was told the center cross represents Jerusalem, the center of the world, and the four small crosses represent the four corners of the world. Other than the shape of the cross, I don’t think there’s any particular Greek symbolism to it.

Here is what I found about them on Google (You were right)

The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusaders Cross and the Five-Fold Cross, is comprised of Greek and Tau crosses. Four Tau crosses meet in the center creating a Greek cross. Four additional Greek crosses, one in each corner, make a total of five crosses.

The symbolism of the five crosses has been explained in a variety of ways. Here are a few:

The five crosses represent the five wounds Jesus received on the cross. The large center cross represents the wound in Jesus’ side while the four smaller crosses represent the wounds he received in his hands and feet. The large center cross represents Jesus and the four smaller crosses represent the four Gospel writers. The four smaller crosses represent the four corners of the earth to which the gospel is being taken or for which Jesus died. The five crosses represent the five nations active in the Crusades: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The five crosses represent the five principalities of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Cross was employed as an emblem by the Crusaders. Godfrey de Bouillon, who became the first ruler of Jerusalem after it was captured from the Moslems in 1099, wore the Jerusalem Cross as his symbol.

 

[MaeRose]

Yes, The Jerusalem Cross is completely acceptable for a Catholic to wear. Catholics don’t normally prejudice against Greek symbols, a lot of symbols are used in the Catholic Religion. Also, this cross is the symbol of SEARCH which is a Catholic Religious retreat that many Juniors and Seniors in high school go through. The SEARCH cross as those call it, is this exact same cross and is used to symbolize the initiation into the SEARCH family and secret. SEARCH is basically a weekend of activities, prayer, mass, and opening up to those whom you may not normally talk to. The Jerusalem Cross is blessed by a priest and is completely acceptable for Catholics to wear.

 

[CalCatholic]

I bought mine at a Christian shop in Bethlehem. This cross is used by the Franciscans at the majority of the Holy sites in Israel.

 

[DavidFilmer]

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