The Jerusalem Cross is combined of one large Cross in the middle with four smaller Crosses surrounding it. This Cross is also called “The Holy Land Cross” and known as a symbol of the Holy Land Custody.

There is no exact information regarding the origins of the Jerusalem Cross. The symbol that many associate with the Crusader Kingdom, founded in 1099, was actually depicted on coins, seals and flags from earlier times and didn’t have anything to do with the Crusaders. However, it is true, that thanks to the Crusaders, Jerusalem Cross acquired its religious and political importance.

It is very likely that the Jerusalem Cross descended from the Cross with the points instead of the current small Crosses, which was used by the earliest Christian communities in the Middle East. It existed in Roman times, a thousand years before the Crusades.

Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land chose the Jerusalem Cross as its emblem because it reminds of the Passion of the Christ and His world domination. Many see in the number of Crosses combined in the Jerusalem Cross the five wounds of Christ. Others explain that the Cross in the middle stands for Christ and four smaller Crosses are four Apostles, the authors of four Gospels, spreading the Word of Jesus to the four corners of the world.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

A Jerusalem Cross pendant is a lovely souvenir from the Holy Land for you and your beloved ones. On our website we offer a wide selection of the Jerusalem Crosses made of sterling silver, pure gold and other materials. Some of them are set with variety of precious and semiprecious stones.