The History of the Jerusalem Cross

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 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 Muslims in 1099, wore the Jerusalem Cross as his symbol.

The symbolism of the five crosses has been explained in a variety of ways. This ancient Christian symbol is used here in two ways, to show Jesus as both the messenger and the message:

Christ is represented by the central cross, surrounded by the four evangelists, represented by four smaller crosses. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, is proclaimed through the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Gospel is likewise represented by the central cross, surrounded by the four directions, represented by the four smaller crosses. The Gospel is proclaimed to the four corners of the earth, to the north, south, east and west.