The Meaning of the Greek Cross
Let's get straight to the heart of the matter: the particularity of the Greek cross is to be formed of four arms of equal length.
While the "classic" Catholic cross is associated with the crucifixion, the Greek cross is generally considered a sign from God.
The empty space between the arms is sometimes filled with other signs or symbols, such as other smaller crosses or acronyms written in Greek such as "ICXC" or "NIKA".
Mysteries, secrets and hidden messages : today let's find out everything there is to know about the Greek cross!
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But in fact what is the origin of the Greek cross?
Where can I find representations of this Christian cross?
But in fact what is the origin of the Greek cross?
As with many Christian crosses, of which you can find detailed studies here, the Greek cross has its origins in the ancient history of the Church.
Initially, it was the Latin cross which was adopted, notably following the example of the Labarum (a military standard) of Constantine.
When Emperor Justinian came to power, he began using the Christian good luck charm we know today as the Greek cross.
Where can I find representations of this Christian cross?
Greek crosses are easy to find in art, and especially in painting.
This is partly explained by their symmetry which made them easy to place harmoniously in many paintings.
Like other Christian symbols, the Greek cross was particularly popular in secular art.
She also had a major influence in flag design.
Most of those who represent crosses were all inspired by them more or less directly.
Thus, from the Red Cross to monastic orders, including the Greek flag: this lucky symbol has largely influenced the history of the standards of Christianity.
However, he is not the only one to have had this kind of influence! If the subject interests you, you should like the part of our site dedicated to the Christian religion.
In addition, the Greek cross is also often found used in sculpture, particularly religious furniture, or the architecture of churches and chapels.
Different colors, for different meanings
The Greek cross is a Christian lucky symbol and one of the most used in all of history.
Thus, there is a whole slew of crosses which sometimes only differ in a few small details.
You will see, the color of the Greek cross for example can change its meaning or everything…
Red Cross
A very famous variation of the Catholic symbol that we are talking about today is nothing more and nothing less than the emblem of the Red Cross, about which you will find some information here.
More than a hundred years ago, this international organization was founded to help those wounded in combat.
By choosing a red Greek cross, the desire was to find a distinctive sign that would be respected on a global level.
Orange cross
Throughout history, many peoples were oppressed. Most of the time, they have to find signs of recognition, whether they are symbols, lucky charms or a simple look.
For Northern Ireland loyalists, it was an orange Greek cross that identified them.
Green cross
Although the red cross is used as a symbol of the organization of the same name, not all rescuers can use it.
There are in fact parallel or independent organizations which, although providing a service to the community, are not part of the Red Cross.
So we had to find a symbol for them too. This was done using a green Greek cross.
Blue Cross
The blue cross represents certain medical organizations in the United Kingdom, yes, but it is on the Greek flag that it is most famous...
The Greek flag
The Greek flag is easily recognizable.
It dates from 1822, the year Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
It consists of a white Greek cross on a blue background placed in the upper left corner of the flag, with the remainder filled with nine alternating horizontal blue and white stripes.
Even though its cross is technically white, the predominance of the blue color on the flag has caused it to be considered (from a symbolic point of view anyway) as a blue Greek cross...
You can find a model of this famous lucky flag here.
Greek Flag Meanings and Symbolism
The nine bands represent the syllables of the Greek motto: "Elefthería í thánatos", usually translated as "Freedom or death".
This war cry marked the Greek people in particular through its use during the final battle against the Ottomans.
Concerning mythology, the blue and white bands rather refer to the nine muses of Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam.
The color blue can also symbolize the Mediterranean Sea, which has historically constituted an important part of the country's economy and culture.
In Greece, blue is also known as a color of protection and purity, often used in the creation of amulets and good luck charms.
Unusual fact about the Greek flag
Unlike most other national flags, no official color shade is required specified for the creation of the Greek flag.
In fact, any blue can be used. You will therefore see some that can range from a relatively pale light blue to a deep navy blue.
Most of the time though, the Greek flag tends to use a dark blue or royal blue.
