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Also known as the cross pattée, the Templar cross is an iconic symbol in medieval European history. Adopted by the Knights Templar (a 12th-century Roman Catholic militia), this cross was intended to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Over time, this cross evolved into an emblem of faith, loyalty, and protection from the enemies of Christianity. What are the origins of the Knights Templar? What is the meaning of the Templar cross? In this content, the Precious Cross team gives you an idea of everything you can know about the Templar cross.
What are the origins of the Templars?
If you want to know better the templar cross, you must necessarily have an idea of its origins. Indeed, among the different origins of the Templars, we can note :
The Crusaders
The Crusades are a series of military expeditions which was launched by European Christians in the Middle Ages. These aimed to reconquer the Holy Land from the hands of the Muslims. They began in 1096 and extended until 13th century. There first crusade was triggered in 1096 after the appeal of Pope Urban II to the holy war. The latter had the objective of reclaim jerusalem and the holy places of the ChristendomIt was during this first crusade that there was the participation of many knights.
The following crusades were launched to maintain Christian control of the Holy Land. However, they were less successful than the first. Although the crusaders established several states in the region, the territories were constantly threatened by local Muslims. The consequences of the crusades have had a significant impact on the history of europe and the Middle East. They have influenced politics, religion and culture for centuries.
The Mark of Cain
At first, the immaculate habit of the Templars was devoid of the emblematic cross pattée. The cross was added in 1147 by Pope Eugene III. There temple cross, commonly called cross of the templars remains the distinctive symbol of the Knights Templar to this day. It is said that this cross originated from the mark of cain, more than 5,000 years old. It is considered to be divine protection granted to Cain.
The fame of the Templars and their symbol has stood the test of time. Today, the cross pattée of the templars remains present on various media such as clothing, paintings, and contemporary jewelry. If you are passionate about the symbolic jewelry, our site offers a collection of christian jewelry inspired by the cross of the Templars. These unique pieces are ready to be discovered and adopted by lovers of symbols loaded with history.
The militia of the companions of Christ
The militia of the companions of Christ was established as an order military religious in Italy in the 12th century. It is seen as a precursor to the renowned military orders. In this militia that emerged following the First Crusade, we find :
As we noted a little higher, the crusade had inspired many Europeans to go to the holy land for fight muslimsThe militia members took an oath to live in poverty and devote their lives to defending the Christian faith.
The popularity of the militia grew up quickly in Italy, where she benefited from numerous gifts of land and property. Engaged in various military campaigns in Europe and the Middle East, members have seen their influence decline over time. 14th century, the order was dissolved and its members were integrated into other military orders such as the Hospitallers and the Teutonic Orders. Furthermore, although less known than the Templars, the militia of the poor companions of Christ played a significant role in the history of military orders in Middle AgesShe demonstrated her commitment to the Christian faith and her participation in major defense campaigns.
The Knights Templar
The Templars emerged in 12th century in the context of the Crusades. They were created to protect Jerusalem and its surroundings which are often exposed to attacks by Muslim groups. Founded in 1119 by a group of knights French led by Hugues de Payns, the order was later renamed : the Knights Templar or the Templars. Their mission was to :
Their fame and their power has increased thanks to gifts of land, money and other property from European nobles and kings. These resources strengthened their ability to participate in various military campaigns in Europe and the Middle East.
Over time, the Templars have acquired considerable wealth. They have become a powerful military order. However, tensions arose between the order and some European leaders such as the French King Philip the Fair. These tensions reached their peak with the simultaneous arrest of the Templars in 1307. The Templar order was later dissolved and its members faced various charges such as heresy and sodomy. For example, the grand master of the order (Jacques de Molay) was burned at the stake in 1314The Templars' property was confiscated and some of the members were transferred to other orders such as the Hospitallers and others to royal powers.
Moreover, although their dissolution put an end to the order of the templars, their symbolism has endured throughout history. The controversial accusations of heresy and mystical practices, particularly related to Baphomet, have given rise to legends and a mystical aura around the Templars. Their story continues to fascinate and arouse interest in the field of medieval history, occultism and symbolism. This has helped shape the collective perception of military orders over the centuries.
What is the meaning of the red cross of the Templars?
The history of the Christianity is closely linked to the use of the cross (a symbolism that has manifested itself in various ways over time).In fact, well before the time of the crusades, many were those who said that the crosses appeared miraculously on the clothes of people considered worthy. This is also the reason why during the crusades, armies seeking visual distinction have adopted the cross as a sign of identification.
According to the writings of Abbot Guibert in his History of Jerusalem, Pope Urban He would have instituted this sign as a military distinction indicator and a symbol intended to instill courage in Christian knights committed to the divine cause. This decree ordered that the figure of the crossbe cut from any material and then sewn onto the tunics and coats of the expedition members. This measure was intended to identify the crusaders and to strengthen their determination.
In 1128, Pope Honorius He grants the knights of the military order the privilege to use white coats without the addition of a cross to symbolize innocence. We must wait for the pontificate of Eugene III (1145-1153) so that the obligation to display red crosses was established to symbolize martyrdom. Over time, this red cross acquired a deeper meaning. It became inseparable from the very identity of the order of the Templars.
Proud of their organization and their distinctive uniform, the Templars attributed a sacred value to their banner adorned with the red cross. A guard of ten soldiers was always posted near their Templar standard. Unfurled before battles, this banner inspired fear in their enemies since it symbolized the unwavering determination of the Templars. They would retreat from the battlefield only when their cross emblem was still flying above them. In short, the history of the Templars and their military exploits have deeply marked this medieval period. The red cross has evolved to become a powerful symbol. It reflects the identity and mission of the Templars.
What does the Templar cross mean in Christianity?
From a Christian point of view, The cross represents a significant symbol of the suffering and death of Jesus. Indeed, the Templars appropriated this symbol in their quest for meaning and identification. By exploring the sign of the cross outside the Christian context, you discover historical facts that testify to its use in certain old alphabets, including the Hebrew alphabet. In this alphabet, the cross was associated with the letter "tav" which is the most complex and the last of the alphabet. The latter symbolizes completion. This letter could mean the end of all things combined.
When we delve deeper into the symbolic meaning of the tav letter, it is composed of two distinct parts : daleth And nun which represent Din and Dan, or judgment. Thus, we can conclude that the sign of the cross evokes an inevitable judgment after death. This interpretation suggests that the cross symbolizes the conclusion of a cycle associated with a divine judgment.
However, the Templars attributed to the cross a special meaning related to their mission. The order of the Templars has a history dotted with rituals and mystical symbols.From then on, they can interpret the cross as a constant reminder of their commitment to the faith Christian and the protection of holy places. Furthermore, the evolution of the cross in the iconography of the Templars may have played a central role in their identity. In addition to its historical link With Christianity, the red cross of the Templars became the visual symbol representing the order itself.
It has transcended its original meaning to become an emblem of the order, carrying values, devotion and mysticism. Thus, the Templar cross has helped to forge a singular identity within the order.
What to know about the cross and the crown among the Templars?
The distinctive emblem of the Order of the Templars consists of the cross and the crown. These remain a constant association within this institution. Indeed, beyond the boundaries of Freemasonry, the cross and the crown form a symbolic bond. The interpretation of this symbol is often assimilated to an allusion to the reward heavenly crown reserved for those who live their lives in accordance with Christian precepts. The crown, on the other hand, embodies the concept that the end is not conclusive. It signifies that we remain constantly ready and endowed with the strength necessary to overcome obstacles.
The symbol of the cross combined with the crown is regularly accompanied by the well-known Templar motto : " In Hoc Signo Vinces " This Latin phrase, translated into French, means : "By this sign, you will conquer." It reflects the Templars' will to triumph and conquer, closely aligned with their commitment to the catholic church. Moreover, the church has always supported the order of the temple in order to :
Furthermore, the long-standing motif of the cross and crown is also used by the first church of christ (Scientist) with legal protection as a trademark. However, be aware that the combination of the cross and crown is not exclusive to Christian science. It has been used by various Christian churches, both Protestant and Catholic. For example, it is reported that the cross and crown appeared on the cover of the rule book of Concord Congregational Church in New Hampshire.
There Crown and Cross also constitute a distinctive symbol within the masonic order of the york rite which serves as the logo of the Templars. In general, the cross and crown remain popular symbols within Christianity. They emphasize that the Templars are deeply rooted in Christian principles and symbolism. The combination of these two symbols creates a unique meaning which represents the heavenly rewards that await faithful believers after the trials and tribulations of earthly life. Some experts perceive the crown and cross as the life, ministry, glory, and message of Jesus Christ.
For a deeper analysis on the issue, we invite you to read This item
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