Cross of Saint James

The Cross of St. James^[1] is similar to a Cross flory fitchy and is formed by a cross flory, where the lower part is fashioned as a sword blade (rather like fitched or fitchee or fitchy)^[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.

Insignia and meaning

The insignia of the Order of Santiago is a bright red cross simulating a sword and has the shape of a fleur-de-lis on the handle and on the arms. The knights wore the stamp of the cross on their banners and on their white capes. The cross on the banner had three insignias on it, one in the middle and one on each end of the arms.

The three fleurs-de-lis represent spotless honour (an honour of having defeated an enemy without spilling blood), which makes reference to the moral characteristics of the apostle St. James.^[4]

The sword represents the knightly character of the apostle and refers his martyrdom, since he was decapitated by sword. It can also symbolize, in a certain sense, taking the sword in the name of Christ.

It is said that the form of the insignia originated during the crusade period, when the knights took small crosses with the bottoms sharpened to be able to nail them into the ground and carry out their daily devotions.^[5]

Order of Santiago

Most notably, the Cross of Saint James 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 Santiago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.

Gallery

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  Cross flory

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  Croix fichée

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  Cross flory fitch

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  Cross of the Order of Santiago

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  The Saint James cross
  Order of Saint James of the Sword
  (Portugal)

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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

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  Cross crosslet fitchy

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  Decorated Emblem of the Order of Santiago

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.

See also

• Cross

References

1. ^ Cross of St. James
2. ^ A Glossary Of Terms Used In Heraldry By James Parker
3. ^ Cross Fitchy
4. ^ La Cruz de Santiago, http://www.filosofia.org/hem/193/acc/e16385.htm, retrieved February 18, 2008 
5. ^ Cross Fitchy (Cross fitché), http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefsfitchy.htm, retrieved February 20, 2008