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Basque Cross

(The Lauburu)

The Basque Cross shape is called a Lauburu, an ancient symbol of prosperity. In the Basque language lau-buru means 'four mountain peaks' and it is possible this term gave rise to the name of Labarum.

Basque Cross

(The Lauburu)

Basque Cross

The Basque Cross shape is called a Lauburu, an ancient symbol of prosperity. In the Basque language lau-buru means 'four mountain peaks' ('four heads' or 'four tips') and it is possible this term gave rise to the name of Labarum.

Stela with lauburu
Stela

In the Basque Country, the symbol became popular in the 16th century art either as a representation of the four Medieval regions (Araba, Biscay, Gipuzkoa and Navarre) or as a Christian Cross (following the Reconquista). The symbol does not appear on the Basque Flag or the coats-of-arms of the seven regions (Álava, Bizkaia, Guipúzcoa, Navarra, Behe Nafarroa, Lapurdi and Zuberoa).

See also Basque Flag (Ikurriña) and the Swastika