Heraldic Cross
Heraldry is the art form used to identify military and arms bearers, and a Heraldic Cross can be any shape or design.
Heraldic Cross
Arms of Pope John Paul II
Heraldry is the art form used to identify military and arms bearers. It is also used for non-military purposes, such as the Pope's Coat of Arms (an example of ecclesiastical heraldry), family crests, colleges, Masonic lodges, etc. A Heraldic Cross can be any of the designs shown on our main index, and many more besides.
The original reason for painting or somehow marking a symbol on a shield or clothing was to recognise which side the warrior was on. A single colour and/or shape would suffice. These identification markings were later enhanced to show the rank of the bearer, and it wasn't long before logos became popular. One such logo was the cross, especially for Christians fighting in the First Crusades, which puts the cross as one of the earliest heraldic ensigns. Military divisions of Christian nations would distinguish themselves with specific variations and/or colours of the cross.
The number of different heraldic ordinaries and charges fill several volumes of heraldic reference books, some of which no doubt are featured in the random advertisements placed on this page by Google Ads.
