Symbols are important to
cultures in all periods of history. A study of the symbols an era relates
to, helps us understand their beliefs and what was important to
them. Below are some symbols prevalent in medieval Europe and the Middle East and
their associated meanings.
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This cross in early
historical periods was often referred to as "God's March." It is
the most recognized emblem of the Christian faith. Evolving
from
this cross (and the Greek equal-armed cross), many other versions of the cross
were designed during the Middle Ages. Often these images were
used on clothing, art, buildings, and in heraldic images.
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Cross of Cleves
(synonymous with "Latin cross flory")
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Maltese
Cross. I'd be hard pressed to offer more information than History of the
Maltese Cross, a fabulous site on the evolution of the Maltese
Cross, also known as the symbol for the Order of Saint John of
Jerusalem.
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The Crusaders' or
Jerusalem Cross was first used as a coat of arms for the Latin Kingdom
in Jerusalem. The four small crosses represent the four
Gospels proclaimed to the four corners of the earth, moving outward
from Jerusalem. Also, all five crosses can symbolize the five
wounds of Christ during the Passion. It was used as the emblem of
the Templar Crusaders, and may have been the personal arms of Templar
Godfrey de Bouillon. See Kingdom of
Jerusalem 1099-1291 for further discussion of the possible usage of
this emblem in the personal heraldry of Templar Godfrey de Bouillon.
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This symbol, a triskelion within a circle, was believed to exorcise evil spirits.
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This symbol was a
Saracen talisman.
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Symbols were rendered with XARA
using P22's font "Koch
Signs."
Reference: Koch, Rudolf (1955), The Book of Signs, Dover,
NY. ISBN 0486201627.
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