The Cross of St. James,[1] similar to a Cross Flory Fitch or Cross Fitchy is formed by a Cross Flory, where the lower part is fashioned as a sword blade (similar to fitched or fitchee)[2] - making this a cross of a warrior. A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other dividing one or two of the lines in half It was popularized then due to its resemblance to a sword, symbolizing in a sense taking up the sword for the name of Christ. [3]
This form is said to have originated at the time of the Crusades, when the crusaders carried small crosses with pointed lower arms, capable of being thrust into the ground at a time of daily devotions.
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Most notably, it was the emblem of the twelfth-century military Order of Santiago, named in reference to Spain's patron saint, Saint James the Great. This article deals with the Spanish Order of knighthood For the Portuguese Order see Order of St For people and places called Saint James, see the Saint James disambiguation page This cross design is also called the Cross of the Knights of St. Iago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.
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Croix fichée |
Cross flory fitch |
Cross of the order of Santiago |
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The Saint James cross in the heraldic atlas by Jhr. A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other dividing one or two of the lines in half J. L. M. Graafland and the famous heraldic artist A. Stalins |
Cross crosslet fitchy |