Engrailed Cross and Indented Cross

Engrailed Cross

For the Engrailed Cross (French/heraldic: Croix Engreslée), the obvious feature is the rugged edges of each arm. 'Engrailed' simply means dimpled with concave curves, similar to the convex curves seen on the edge of a scallop shell (see Compostelan Cross). Grail reminds us of the Holy Grail; the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper (see Communion Cross).

The word 'engrailed' is distantly related to grill, implying protection. (Actually, grill is not such a neat analogy for Christians, since although a grill can protect something precious, the precious gift of salvation is not locked away but freely available. Indeed, the cross can make us free.)

The pattern also looks a bit like waves on the ocean; hence an alternative name: Wavy Cross. (See also another cross we call a Wavy Cross.) Other names include Indented Cross (French/heraldic: Croix Denchée).

The feature of the Engrailed Cross for Christians is its spikes, which represent the thorns piercing Jesus' head during his Crucifixion (see Crown of Thorns Cross).

Invected Cross or Paternoster Cross

A similar heraldic cross, but with the spikes pointing inwards, is called the Invected Cross. For Christians, this is known as the Paternoster Cross.

Indented Cross

A heraldic cross with the spikes pointing both inward and outward, like a jagged saw-tooth edge, is called an Indented Cross (French: Croix Vivrée). Where the teeth angles are more acute it is called a Dancetty Cross (French: Croix Écotée). Both the Indented and Dancetty Crosses look similar to the Flaming Cross.