We Do Not Know Why Templars Got the Red Cross as T

The bright-red Templar Cross is one of the most iconic symbols (if not the most iconic) of the Middle Ages. It has to components: its shape and its color (blood red).

The practice (the rule, actually) of wearing the cross on tunics and armor of crusaders was introduced by Pope Urban II – the “founding father” of Crusades. He convened and addressed the Council of Clermont which launched the series of Christian military expeditions into Palestine collectively known as the Crusades.

Pope Urban II officially instituted the cross both as a military distinction and as a reminder to Crusaders (knights, sergeants and foot soldiers) that they were fighting for a cause beyond them: that of Jesus Christ and His Church.

The pope ordered that the sign of the Christian cross be cut from any piece of cloth and sewn into the tunics and coats of those who went out to fight. However, all of these crosses were quite disparate: no indication of its shape or color was given.

Strangely, Knights Templar were not supposed to wear any cross at all on their tunics or armor; they were ordered by Pope Honorius II in 1129 to wear white tunics as a symbol of Christian purity.

Only in 1147, eighteen years later, Pope Eugene III (the former student of Bernard of Clairvaux), allowed the Templars to add a red cross to their clothing. Initially, the Templars had to wear it on their left shoulder, on the same side as their heart.

The red cross was a symbol of martyrdom – every Templar demonstrated that he was willing to give his life for Jesus Christ and His Church, if necessary. The death in combat was considered a great honor, as it guaranteed a place in heaven.

However – especially in a visually powerful combination with white tunic or coat – the Templar Cross is also a symbol of power (military power). Also – quite surprisingly – it is a symbol of hope and assistance, particularly during times of crisis (apparently the Templars positioned themselves as protectors in Outremer).

Officially, the Templar Cross is called the “Vermilion Cross” or the “Cross of Gules”. Contrary to a popular misconception, its exact shape is not known and is hotly debated. We do not know exactly whether the Templars were using Greek or Latin Crosses (IMHO, the latter is more likely) – or both.

However, we still do not know exactly why the Templars got the red cross as their symbol. Most likely, the decision was made by Bernard of Clairvaux for whom it was the symbol of protection [of the Ark and by extension, the whole Outremer] from evil forces.