Croix-Rouge Pattée Des Templiers

Croix de Jérusalem

Gilt & Dark Red / Dark Red Only on a white Background

The Jerusalem Cross is a distinctive heraldic Christian emblem showing a large central cross (typically a cross‑potent) surrounded by four smaller (Greek) crosses in each quadrant. Medieval writers explain these five crosses as representing Christ and the four evangelists (or the four corners of the earth to which the Gospel was spread) and, alternatively, as the Five Wounds of Christ . After the First Crusade the design became associated with the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem – tradition even credits Godfrey of Bouillon with its arms – and it was painted in red on white shields, banners and surcoats as the badge of the crusader kings and knights. In later Christian tradition the Jerusalem Cross remained a powerful symbol of pilgrimage and the Holy City and it is still the official emblem of the papal Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and still worn by modern pilgrims.

Croix de Malte

White on a Black Background

The Maltese Cross originated with the Knights Hospitaller, a medieval Catholic military order founded in the 11th century during the Crusades. Based in Jerusalem and later Malta, the knights adopted the cross as their emblem to symbolise their vows of piety, chastity, obedience, and their commitment to defend the faith. The cross features eight points, each representing the knightly virtues: loyalty, piety, generosity, bravery, glory and honour, contempt of death, helpfulness, and respect for the Church. Over time, it became a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and service, particularly associated with the Order of St John. Today, the Maltese Cross remains a widely recognised emblem used by modern humanitarian and chivalric organisations descended from the Crusader orders.

Croix Puissante / Potencie

Black on a White Background

The Cross Potent is a heraldic cross with crossbars at the end of each arm, resembling crutches or “potents.” Its name derives from the Latin potentia, meaning power. It became most notably associated with the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, where it was used as the central element in the kingdom’s coat of arms—typically shown as a large gold cross potent surrounded by four smaller Greek crosses. Adopted in the 12th century, the cross symbolised both Christian dominion and divine authority in the Holy Land. Its symmetrical design reflected strength and stability, ideals upheld by the Crusader states. Today, the Cross Potent is still used in heraldry and by some Christian and chivalric orders as a symbol of historical continuity and spiritual resolve.

Croix Pommée

Often Depicted as Silver on a Blue Background

The Cross Pommy, also known as the Cross Pomée, features arms that terminate in rounded knobs or “pommes,” resembling small spheres. This unique design is thought to symbolise the fruits of Christian faith or the globes of the world, signifying the spread of Christianity. It emerged in medieval heraldry and was used by various Crusader orders, notably in decorative and ceremonial contexts rather than as a principal emblem. The rounded ends softened the rigid form of the traditional cross, conveying themes of grace and mercy alongside military might. While less prominent than the Maltese or Cross Potent, the Cross Pommy served to distinguish ranks, roles, or houses within the Crusader hierarchy and remains a rare but meaningful symbol in ecclesiastical heraldry today.

Croix Botonée

Dark Red or Black on a White Background

The Cross Bottony, also called the Cross Botonée, features arms that end in trefoil shapes—three rounded lobes resembling a clover or budding flower. This design symbolises the Holy Trinity and spiritual growth. Its name derives from the French bouton, meaning “button” or “bud.” The cross became popular in medieval heraldry and was used by various Crusader orders, particularly the Teutonic Knights, to represent purity, renewal, and divine protection. The trefoil ends made it visually distinct while reinforcing Christian doctrine through symbolism. Often appearing on banners, seals, and ecclesiastical garments, the Cross Bottony conveyed a fusion of martial purpose and religious devotion. Today, it continues to appear in ecclesiastical heraldry and organisations with roots in Crusader and monastic traditions.