Cross of Lorraine – France Libre
The Cross of Lorraine became the emblem of France Libre – Free French Forces during World War II when General de Gaulle adopted it on July 1, 1940.
This symbol was chosen to counter the Nazi Swastika.
Since then, it has retained its significance for the French people.
The Free French Forces incorporated a red Cross of Lorraine onto the white background of their tricolor flag.
Vice Admiral Muselier, hailing from Lorraine in Eastern France, played a pivotal role in popularizing this symbol.
He also designed the pavillon de Beaupré, the flag of the Free French Forces’ warships. The French tricolour displays a red Cross of Lorraine positioned within a white diamond.
This distinctive cross is also commonly seen on French battlefields and war memorials.
Origins of the Cross of Lorraine
The cross, a symbol deeply ingrained in Christian iconography, traces its origins to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Traditionally depicted as a vertical beam intersected by a horizontal one, it represents the instrument of Jesus’ execution.
According to biblical accounts, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, ordered the inscription “INRI” (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) to be affixed to the cross.
With the endorsement of the Patriarchs of Jerusalem (the Bishops overseeing the Holy Land), the Cross became an emblematic representation of the Knights Templar ‘s commitment to their religious and military duties during the medieval Crusades.
Over time, variations of the cross emerged, including the Cross of Lorraine, distinguished by its two equal-length horizontal bars.
Moreover, in ecclesiastical heraldry, the cross with two horizontal bars came to symbolize the authority of archbishops and other high-ranking clergy. It was incorporated into their coat of arms, signifying their spiritual leadership within the Church.
Thus, the cross holds multifaceted symbolism, representing not only the central tenets of Christianity but also aspects of chivalry, military valor, and ecclesiastical authority throughout history.
Cross of Anjou
The Cross of Lorraine, originally known as the Croix d’Anjou – Cross of Anjou, has a rich history intertwined with the noble houses of medieval Europe.
Initially added to the crest of the Dukes of Anjou during the 14th century, the Cross of Anjou held significant religious and symbolic importance.
Indeed, legend has it that it was fashioned from a relic of the True Cross, discovered in Byzantium and brought to the Abbey of Boissière in Anjou in 1244. The Dukes of Anjou revered this relic, which was temporarily housed in the Couvent des Jacobins in Angers during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years War.
In 1431, the Cross of Anjou took on a new significance when René of Anjou inherited the title of Duke of Lorraine following the death of his father-in-law, Charles II of Lorraine. René’s marriage to Isabelle of Lorraine solidified his connection to the region, leading to the adoption of the Cross of Anjou as the Cross of Lorraine.
Interestingly, the association of the Cross of Lorraine with the kings of Hungary emerged through a series of royal marriages and political alliances.
Charles I of Anjou, who was crowned King of Sicily by the Pope in 1266, married Mary of Hungary in 1270. This union extended the influence of the House of Anjou-Sicily to encompass not only Hungary but also Croatia, Provence, Poland, and Jerusalem.
Consequently, the Cross of Lorraine found its place on the coat of arms of Hungary, Slovakia, and Lithuania, serving as a lasting emblem of historical connections and dynastic power across Europe.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Free French Naval Forces Public Domain – King of Dalmatia blason by João do Cró Public Domain
