Description

• 10mm Olive Wood Beads
• Jerusalem Cross
• Strong Nylon Cord

Jerusalem Cross

Jerusalem Cross is a cross with arms of equal length each ending in a bar; a cross potent.

Dating back to heraldic times, Jerusalem Crosses were the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, circa the 11th and 12th century, when Crusaders captured Jerusalem, re-establishing Christianity in the area.

The Design of the Jerusalem Cross

Also known as the Five-Fold Cross, or “cross-and-crosslets”, Jerusalem crosses are a variant of the cross and consists of a large cross that is surrounded by four smaller Greek crosses – one in each of the quadrant formed by the larger cross. This same symbol was adopted as the coat of arms and the emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem from the 1280s. The Jerusalem cross was given by Pope Urban II to the crusaders in the Middle ages. It was then adopted by the Crusaders and is, therefore also known as the ‘Crusader’s Cross.’

Jerusalem Crosses: The Significance

There are various takes on what the heraldic emblem represents. The red of the cross symbolizes God’s sacrifice for man.

The Four Gospels

One is that the four smaller crosses in each of the quadrants made up by the larger cross represent the authors of the gospels – Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. These writers also helped spread the word of Jesus in the four corners of the world.

The Five Wounds of Christ

Another symbolism is the representation of the five wounds of Christ. The smaller crosses represent the wounds on Christ’s feet and hands, and the larger central cross represents the wound inflicted by a soldier’s spear.

The Eight Beatitudes

Today, many believers wear the Jerusalem Cross as a sign of commitment to the eight Beatitudes – the way that Jesus Christ taught us to reach the kingdom of heaven.