The Teutonic Cross: the meaning of the symbol

Even before the rise of Christianity, the cross, which was widely used since the days of Ancient Egypt, was called the main of the signs. At the moment it is customary to distinguish about 4 dozens of such symbols, differing in the mutual arrangement of the crossbeams, their proportions, and also the presence of decorative elements. Among them is the Teutonic Cross.

A few words about the Order

The Teutonic cross is the main symbol of the knight association of the same name, which arose in 1190 in Palestine during the Third Crusade. Initially, a group of German pilgrims, led by the chaplain Conrad and the canon Vourhard, established a hospital on the outskirts of the fortress of Acre, where they assisted wounded and sick knights from Germany. Soon spiritual patronage over the hospital was taken over by the church of St. Virgo, and a little later Pope Clement the Third established the brotherhood of St. Mary of the Teutonic. After the German knights distinguished themselves in the assault of Acre, the Duke Friedrich of Swabia received permission to convert it into the eponymous knightly order, placing Chaplain Conrad at the head. Teutons obeyed only the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the Pope. Returning to Europe in the early 13th century, they settled in the town of Eschenbach.

The meaning of symbolism in the life of spiritual and knightly orders

The Middle Ages were an era when special importance was attached to the signs. They carried various functions, from mystical to informative. The symbols played an especially important role in the life of military formations, including spiritual and knightly orders. Not only the organizations themselves had their own coat of arms and flag. There was also a detailed system of symbols used to designate posts and responsibilities within the order itself.

The Teutonic Cross: a description

This symbol, first appeared on the clothing, flags and armor of the Knights of the Order in Palestine, over time, underwent some changes. Initially, it was a simple black cross on a white box. Later, his improvements began to appear. Today, the symbol of the organization, which calls itself the Teutonic Order, is a Latin (Catholic) cross of black enamel with a white border that covers the helmet with black and white feathers.

Cross-country

There is one more symbol that is associated with the German knights. It's about cross-breeding. Some call it also the Teutonic cross. It is an absolutely symmetrical symbol. At the heart of the silhouette of the cross-piece is the Greek cross, on the branches of which there are small crossbars. It is believed that it is endowed with a deep symbolic meaning. In particular, religious literature mentions that small crosses at the ends of the cross bars indicate the four Christ's Gospels. At the same time in paganism, the ordinary Teutonic cross signifies the unity of the four elements.

Hierarchical signs

As already mentioned, the main cross of the Teutonic Order was by far not its only symbol. There were different categories of members of the organization. They wore them on clothes and armor, just as modern military men indicate their ranks on the form, using stars or other figures on shoulder straps.

Grand Master

The head of the order was the owner of his own coat of arms. Its basis was the Teutonic cross (the meaning of the symbol you already know) with a yellow border. On top of it was "superimposed" another one of the same. It was smaller in size and yellow. In addition, in the center of the second cross was a small shield with a black eagle. The latter symbolized the German Imperial House. Thus, the Teutonic Cross of the Grand Master signified the recognition of his senior representative as the Sovereign of the Order.

Landmaster of the Order

This post had territorial affiliation. For example, the landmaster in Prussia was the plenipotentiary deputy of the Grand Master on the lands of this historical region. To ensure that their own and other people's knights, as well as ordinary people knew who they were dealing with, the bearers of this title sewed black Teutonic cross (photo above) on top of which a second one was placed, but smaller and white.

Badges of the Grand Marshal of the Order

Depending on the historical period, the knights who wore this title used different types of hierarchical arms. Initially, it was no different from the one worn by the Grand Master, but there was no yellow cross on it. Later it appeared, but the color border reached only the middle of each of the bars.

Symbols of Great Bodies

In the modern sense, this post meant the Deputy Grand Master for small assignments. In addition, komtures led the administrative units of the state of the Teutonic Order of the lowest rank. They did not have separate arms, but they carried special rods with a cross, symbolizing their authority to execute the court.

Signs of distinction of full knights

This group was the backbone of the Teutonic Order. She was supposed to put on completely white clothes. Above, they put on themselves cloaks of the same fabric, on which - both on their backs and on their breasts - the Teutonic crosses were depicted.

Semiborya

Since they were not considered full knights, they were not allowed to wear a special uniform. However, even among this category of members of the Teutonic Order, there was a certain hierarchy. The senior officials were allowed to wear gray raincoats. On them in the area of the shoulder a black T-shaped cross was sewn.

Sergeants

Such a junior command structure was provided only for mercenary units. They were instructed to wear white tunics with a narrow sleeve, on top of which were piled gray cloaks with an embroidered T-shaped cross.

Mercenaries or bollards

In order to distinguish such soldiers from the enemy soldiers in battle, small white shields with T-shaped crosses were sewn onto their monotonous black clothes. Their location in different periods was different (on the chest, on the back, on the shoulder, etc.).

"Iron Cross"

The order with this name was established in March 1813. His sketch was created by King Frederick William the Third himself. As a basis for his creation, he took the Teutonic cross. The symbolism was extremely simple: the reward was intended to encourage those Germans who fiercely fought for the liberation of their country from the Napoleonic occupation, so Friedrich sought to remind fellow citizens of the golden period of German chivalry.

Later, the "Iron Cross" was revived by Adolf Hitler. He ordered to place a swastika in his center, and engrave the figure "1939" below.

In 1940, the knightly varieties of this award were also established, thus the Führer further confirmed the continuity of traditions and the connection of his regime with the Teutonic Order. Interestingly, only one person was awarded the highest of these orders, which were decorated with golden oak leaves, diamonds and swords, Hans Ulrich Rudel, the legendary pilot of the German Luftwaffe. He received it for permanently disabling the Soviet battleship "Marat" and knocked down several hundred tanks of the Red Army.

Now you know what the Teutonic cross looks like, and are familiar with its varieties. This means that, considering historical engravings or miniatures, you will be able to determine who the depicted knight is: a knight, a comrade, a sergeant, a marshal or a Grand Master.