MEANING:
The Jerusalem cross, is a heraldic cross consisting of a large Cross Potent with a smaller plain cross in each quadrant.
It is known as the Crusader’ Cross as it began as a heraldic cross worn on the coat of arms of Godfrey of Bouillon during the First Crusade. It was used as the heraldry of the supreme ruler of the Crusader States known as the King of Jerusalem for about two centuries.
When known as the Five-Fold Cross the symbolism varies from representing the five wounds of Christ (small crosses for the hands and feet, and the large central cross for the spear wound in His side), Christ and the four quarters of the world, or Christ and the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
The Jerusalem Cross has also been accepted to be an unofficial symbol of Christian Deism. Deism is a theological position (though encompassing a wide variety of view-points) concerning God's relationship with the natural world. It refers to a deist who believes in the moral teachings—but not divinity—of Jesus. The Jerusalem Cross contains memory helps that point to twenty words that paraphrase the statements that Jesus used to describe the essence of his message. The 20 words are: "There is one God. I will love God with all my heart and love all others as I love myself." See Mark 12:28-31 and Luke 10:25-28 for two versions of Jesus' original statements.
THE CARVING:
Our carvings are single pieces of western red cedar, designed and carved to be wall hangings. Each piece is finished with a blend of clear oils that brings out the natural color of the wood. For more information on the process of creation, please see my profile.
SIZE:
One picture has the piece on a quilting board, lined up on the 1 inch marks. So subtract 1 inch from the height and width for the stock size. Measurements may vary slightly from piece to piece. This one is about 11 inches by 11 inches.
