The Cross Crosslet

Cross Crosslet

This heraldic cross is made from four Latin Crosses arranged at right-angles to each other, with their tops pointing north, south, east and west¹. The Cross crosslet, like the Jerusalem Cross, is a symbol for world evangelism of the Gospels, which gives an alternative name: Mission Cross.

Another common interpretation is that it represents the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (see Evangelists' Cross).

Jerusalem
a crusader's cross


Cross of St. James

St. Julian's
a missionary's cross


Cross Crosslet
fitched

The Cross Crosslet is sometimes confused with the St. Julian's Cross or Jerusalem Cross.

Where only three Latin Crosses are used, the symbol represents the Trinity. Often the cross is fitched, with the lower crossed-arm is replaced by a sword blade, as in the Cross of St. James.

Other names for the Cross Crosslet include Crossed Cross (French: Croisé), Recoursy Cross (French: Raccourci) and Recrossed Cross (French: Recroisetté). An artistic variation of the Cross Crosslet is the Bottony Cross.

(Click photo to enlarge)

An example of a fitched Cross Crosslet can be seen in the photo on the right (detail shown adjacent).

The forearm and hand appear to be encased in medieval armour, the shield is used in fighting, and the cross itself is shaped like a sword. And yet the holding position is not to use the cross as a sword; it's being held up to show victory (which is of course, the meaning of the Christian cross). The sword is pointing downwards, which is the normal position for a weapon after a fight is over.

Cross Crosslet Crossed

Romanian Orthodox
(Click image to enlarge)

An example of a Cross Crosslet Crossed can be seen in the centre of the coat of arms used by the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Above the cross is a descending dove and flanked by two aquilas (eagles), which also feature in the country's coat of arms. These three elements are enclosed in a shield.

Above this shield is a crown and flanked by angels.