The Huguenot Cross of Languedoc
The Huguenot Cross is believed to have been a sign of recognition among French Protestants (Huguenots) as early as the 16th Century. It was patterned after the Order of the Holy Spirit insignia worn by Henry IV of Navarre, who issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598 to protect Protestant freedoms. It has become a symbol worn by Huguenots (and other Protestants) all over the world as a sign of their evangelical faith.
There have been many variations in the design of the cross. The one used in Charleston, and the one most widely used, is the Cross of Cevenole. The Huguenot Cross is composed of a Maltese Cross with four arms of equal length, representing the four Gospels. Each arm becomes progressively broader as it leaves the center, symbolizing the believer’s transformation (2 Cor. 3:18). The outer edge of each arm is indented in the shape of a “V” for victory through Jesus Christ. The two points at the end of each arm, eight in all, stand for the Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3- 10). Between the arms of the cross are four fleurs-de-lis, each with three petals symbolizing the trinity. The twelve petals of the four fleurs-de-lis represent the Twelve Apostles. The lily is also a symbol of the resurrection and the care of God (Matthew 6:28). The four open spaces between the arms form four hearts, symbolizing loyalty, the love of Jesus, and the recall of His command to “Love one another.” (John 13:34). The appendage is a descending dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, guide and counselor of His Church.
Copyright 2022 French Huguenot Church
There have been many variations in the design of the cross. The one used in Charleston, and the one most widely used, is the Cross of Cevenole. The Huguenot Cross is composed of a Maltese Cross with four arms of equal length, representing the four Gospels. Each arm becomes progressively broader as it leaves the center, symbolizing the believer’s transformation (2 Cor. 3:18). The outer edge of each arm is indented in the shape of a “V” for victory through Jesus Christ. The two points at the end of each arm, eight in all, stand for the Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3- 10). Between the arms of the cross are four fleurs-de-lis, each with three petals symbolizing the trinity. The twelve petals of the four fleurs-de-lis represent the Twelve Apostles. The lily is also a symbol of the resurrection and the care of God (Matthew 6:28). The four open spaces between the arms form four hearts, symbolizing loyalty, the love of Jesus, and the recall of His command to “Love one another.” (John 13:34). The appendage is a descending dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, guide and counselor of His Church.
Copyright 2022 French Huguenot Church