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The Mystery of the Jerusalem Cross: How This Ancient Symbol Changed History
The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Pentateuch, is a distinctive cross symbol with four smaller Greek crosses surrounding a large central cross. This symbol represents the four gospel reporters and the mission of the gospel to the four corners of the world. The symbol came into widespread use during the Crusades and became the emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which it has worn since 1099. Since then, the use of the Jerusalem Cross has continued to change, and it still appears in the emblems of many organizations in modern times.
This ancient symbol is not only a religious symbol, but also has deeply influenced many countries and organizations at the cultural and historical levels.
Origin
The Jerusalem Cross symbol originated in the 11th century, and the first recorded connection with the Kingdom of Jerusalem is around the second half of the 13th century. The symbolic meanings of these five crosses vary, some interpret them as the five wounds of Christ, or as a symbol of Christ and the four evangelists, or as a symbol of Christ and the four worlds. The earliest documentary record of this appears on the altar stone of St Brelade's Church, where the wording mentions five crosses.
Over time, the Jerusalem Cross was also used as an emblem and as a seal for the civil service, although it was not widely adopted by the rulers of Jerusalem in the 12th century. Only during the reign of John II did this symbol gradually become officially the emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Archaeological records show that the symbol could be seen on copper coins issued by Henry II of England between 1158 and 1180.
Classical Heraldry
In late medieval heraldry, the Jerusalem Cross became the symbol of several Crusader States. Not only that, the cross was also used as a variation of the flag flown by Peter the Great during his 1693 northern campaign at Frodohai. The Jerusalem Cross is also mentioned in many later legends and stories, such as the magic weapon mentioned by Joan of Arc, which may also be related to this symbol.
"The Jerusalem Cross is not only a religious presence, it has also witnessed the interweaving of countless heroes and stories in various historical contexts."
Modern Uses
The use of the Jerusalem Cross in modern times has extended to many fields. This variation was used on the revolutionary flag during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. In 1862, Prince Albert of Wales had the Jerusalem Cross tattooed on his arm during a visit to Jerusalem, demonstrating the connection between the symbol's historical power and personal faith.
However, the use of the Jerusalem Cross was not always praised. Over time, the symbol has been used by some politicians and groups, and has even been associated with white supremacy in certain contexts, which has caused quite a bit of controversy. Democrat Thom Steyer showed off a cross on his hand during a 2020 debate, while Pete Hegseth's tattoos have also become the focus of media attention after his 2024 nomination.
Conclusion"This symbol represents an intersection of faith and culture, but its use also reflects the complexity of the contemporary political context."
The long history of the Jerusalem Cross is not just an extension of coordinates in time, but also a rich story interwoven with cultural, religious and political factors. From the swords of the Crusaders to the modern political arena, this symbol has shown its profound historical significance in different guises. In the future, how will it continue to influence the direction and interpretation of the world?
