Crosses from The Christian Celts

       Celtic Christianity or Insular Christianity refers broadly to certain features of Christianity that were common, or held to be common, across the Celtic-speaking world during the Early Middle Ages. "Celtic Christianity" has been conceived of with differing levels of specificity: some writers have described a distinct "Celtic Church" uniting the Celtic peoples and distinguishing them from the "Roman" Catholic Church, while others classify it as simply a set of distinctive practices occurring in those areas. Scholars now reject the former notion, but note that there were certain traditions and practices used in both the Irish and British churches but not in the wider Christian world. These include a distinctive system for determining the dating of Easter, a style of monastic tonsure, a unique system of penance, and the popularity of going into "exile for Christ". Additionally, there were other practices that developed in certain parts of Britain or Ireland, but which are not known to have spread beyond a particular region. The term therefore denotes regional practices among the insular churches and their associates, rather than actual theological differences. Read more...

Scripture References for Celtic Cross Chrismons:

• "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV)
• "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT)
• "Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
   God said to Moses, “ I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘ I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14 (ESV)
• "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

Celtic sing, "The Call"

The Gospel has a call as well.

Answer The Call of The Gospel:

•  Has God Called You? The Calling of the Christian Minister
• The Doctrine of God's Effectual Call
• Charity and the Call of the Gospel
• The Two Natures of the Divine Call
• What is The Gospel?
• Answering the Call of God

An Inhabited Cross Chrismon

Inhabited Cross, Florentine, 1491. All inhabited crosses have one of the
following depicted on them: people, animals and/or villages/cities.
Inhabited crosses look different depending on the culture of the artist
who designs the cross. The above is one of many types.

       The inhabited cross is an ancient variety of this symbol, described by Dante in his Divina Commedia, printed in Florence in 1491. This cross is resplendent with a glory far more radiant then the suns and constellations of every kind which blaze around it. Arriving with Beatrice in the planet Mars, the poet exlaims:

"For with so great a lustre and so red

Splendors appeared tome in twofold rays,

I said: "O Helios who dost so adorn them!"

Even as distinct with less and greater lights

Glimmers between the two poles of the world

The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt,

Thus constelled in the depths of Mars,

Those rays described the venerable sign

That quadrants joining in a circle make.

Here doth my memory overcome my genius;

For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ,

So that I cannot find ensample worthy:

But he who takes his cross and follows Christ,

Again will pardon me what I omit,

Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ.

From horn to horn, and 'twixt the top and base,

Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating

As they together met and passed each other"

       Among the twelve little figures inhabiting the cross, representing the souls of valiant warriors, Dante gives the names of eight who occupy the arms of the cross, beginning from left to right. These are Joshua, Judas Maccabaeus, Charlemagne, and Roland in the left arm; and the right, William the Conqueror, Richard Coeur de Lion, Godfrey de Bouillon, and Robert Guiscard. Cacciaguida, and ancestor of the poet, is one of the four souls, not named, who are kneeling in the stem, and upper part of the cross. 

"This cross does not contain the Crucified in person, and yet Dante declares that there Christ shone resplendent; in fact, as has been said, the Cross is the symbol of Christ. Iconographically considered, the Son of God is in the Cross, as He is in the Lamb, and in the Lion; He is there hidden under the semblance of the instrument of punishment on which He died. The second Person of the Trinity is figured by an infinite number of different objects: three alone, the Lamb, the Lion, and the Cross, are symbols of our Lord. Even the Fish does not rise to the dignity of a divine symbol." (Didron, Christ. Ion., vol. i., p. 405.)

Scriptural References for Any Inhabited Cross Chrismon:

• "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. God, in her palaces, Has made Himself known as a stronghold." Psalm 48:1-3
• "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:2
• "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16

The Cross of Glory Chrismon

      The Cross of Glory chrismon/symbol is always depicted with precious stones or gems and some kind of floral motif.

Scriptural References for The Cross of Glory Chrismon:

• "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:21-26 (KJB)
• "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" John 11:40 (KJB)
• "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 (ESV)
• "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him." Colossians 1:15-16 (NLT)

The Gospel Cross Chrismon

The word gospel, meaning "good news" or "glad tidings", is derived from the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion. The gospel was considered the "good news" of the coming Kingdom of Messiah, and of redemption through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the central Christian message. The Greek word euangelion is also the source (via Latinized evangelium) of the terms "evangelist" and "evangelism" in English. The authors of the four canonical Christian gospels are known as the Four Evangelists.This is why there are four books depicted with the Gospel Cross: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

       In Christianity, the Gospel (Greek: εὐαγγέλιον euangélion; Old English: gospel), or the Good News, is the news of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15), and of Jesus's death on the cross and resurrection to restore people's relationship with God. It may also include the descent of the Holy Spirit upon believers and the second coming of Jesus.

       The message of good news is described as a narrative in the four canonical gospels. The message of good news is described as theology in many of the New Testament letters. It relates to the saving acts of God due to the work of Jesus on the cross and Jesus' resurrection from the dead which bring reconciliation ("atonement") between people and God.

       Christian theology describes the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ not as a new concept, but one that has been foretold throughout the Old Testament and was prophetically preached even at the time of the Fall of Man as contained in Genesis. It is called Proto-Evangelion or Proto-Gospel.

The good news can be summarized in many ways, reflecting various emphases. Cambridge New Testament scholar C.H. Dodd (1964 has summarized the Christian good news as taught by the apostle Peter in the Book of Acts (see Kerygma; Acts 2:14-41; Acts 3:11-4:4; Acts 10:34-43):

1. "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." Acts 3:18-26 (KJB) (The Age of Fulfillment has dawned, the "latter days" foretold by the prophets.) 
2.  "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Acts 2:22-31 (KJB) (This has taken place through the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.)
3.  "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:32-36 (KJB) (By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God as Messianic head of the new Israel.) 
4.  "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:44-48 (KJB) (The Holy Spirit in the church is the sign of Christ's present power and glory.)
5.  "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:20-21(KJB) (The Messianic Age will reach its consummation in the return of Christ.)
6.  "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:37-41 (KJB) (An appeal is made for repentance with the offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.) 

Scripture References for The Gospel Cross Chrismon:

• "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20 (NASB)
• "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself." Ephesians 1: 19-23 (NLT)
• So also, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Know then that those of faith, these are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, foretold the gospel to Abraham: "All the nations will be blessed in you." So then, those of faith are blessed along with the believing Abraham. Galatians 3:6-9 (BLB)
• "The LORD had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12: 1-3 (NIV)

"Ain't That Good News!"

Luther's Rose From 1530

Luther's Rose is always depicted as snow white or
 as having very pale shades of color reflected into it.

        The Luther rose was the seal that was designed for Martin Luther at the behest of Prince John Frederick, in 1530, while Luther was staying at the Coburg Fortress during the Diet of Augsburg.

In a July 8, 1530 letter to Lazarus Spengler, Luther interprets his seal:

Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. "For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Romans 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theologiae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen.

Scripture Reference for Luther's Rose:

• "for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:10 (NAS)

More About The Lutheran Rose:

• See the Lutheran Clip Art Index

The Anchor/Cross Symbol

       The anchor was used in Christian art at a very early period, being frequently found in the catacombs. It is the symbol of steadfast hope, firmness, tranquillity, and patience.

Scripture References for The Anchor Chrismon:

• "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
• "For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ." Colossians 2:5

Ancient Woven Cross Pattern

       Above is an ancient design of a woven cross. This one may be found in Scotland and Ireland in church cemeteries and in other architectural accents. The cross represents the personal sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Peoples all over the world have designed crosses that reflect their faith and cultural design preferences.

Scriptural References for The Woven Cross:

• "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth." Psalm 139:13-15
  

A Cross Confirmation Banner by Kathy Grimm

Close-up of the Cross Confirmation Banner.

      Within Christianity, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the covenant made in Holy Baptism. In some denominations, confirmation also bestows full membership in a local congregation upon the recipient. In others, such as the Roman Catholic Church, confirmation “renders the bond with the Church more perfect,” because a baptized person is already a full member.

      In Protestant churches, the rite tends to be seen rather as a mature statement of faith by an already baptized person. It is also required by most Protestant denominations for membership in the respective church, in particular for traditional Protestant churches. In these traditional Protestant churches: Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran it is recognized by a coming of age ceremony.

      I have designed a simple banner that may be used during a Confirmation ceremony. The cross applique pattern is included below for those of you who would like to sew your own version. This design may be made by either traditional appliqué methods or by backing fabrics with a fusible material during the cutting, pressing and assembling of the banner.

Traditional reds and whites are used for this Confirmation banner.
I even selected a bit of iridescent white fabric to jazz it up a bit.

Confirmation cross pattern for the banner by Kathy Grimm
Latin variety of The Cross Patonce, often used for making
Chrismon Christmas ornaments.

Scripture References for The Confirmation Cross Symbol:

• "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
• "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
• "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
• "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV)

Cross of Constantine Pattern - two versions

This pattern would look nice done in felt with pearl beads sewn around the edge.

        Two patterns of the Cross of Constantine for those of you who are crafting Chrismons this Christmas.

Cut this cross of Constantine from wood or Styrafoam before decorating it with glitter.

Left, a simple Cross of Constantine. Center, A coin of Constantine (c.AD 337)
 showing a depiction of his labarum spearing a serpent. Right, modern ecclesiastical labara.

      This cross was the design which the Emperor Constantine saw gleaming in the sky on the eve preceding his great victory over Maxentius. It was surrounded by the motto, "In hoe signo vinces." After gaining the battle, the Emperor professed Christianity, and adopted this Cross as his device on banner and shield. it is also found on his coins.

      The Cross of Constantine is formed of the first two letters of the Greek word Christos or Christ--the X (Chi) and P (Rho) united. It resembles a Monogram rather than a Cross, and was much used as such by the early Christians. It is adapted to Corpus Christi, and Ascension Day.

Scripture References for The Cross of Constantine Chrismon:

• "Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!" Luke 24:31 (NLT)
  
• "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 (NIV)
• "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." Mark 16:19 (BSB)

More About The "X":

• Why the "X" Doesn't Take Jesus Out of Christmas!

Saint Andrew's Cross Chrismon Pattern

Saint Andrew elected to be crucified on a Saltire, because he deemed himself unworthy of Christ's cross. Cut this simple shape from wood or Styrofoam, then decorate it with gold or white paint and sequins for the Chrismon tree.

Left, a simple example of St. Andrew's cross. Center, The crucifixion of Saint Andrew.
 Right, Statue of Andrew in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran by Camillo Rusconi.

     The Cross of martyrdom and emblem of humility. St. Andrew, condemned to be crucified, and deeming himself unworthy of dying on a Cross of the same form as that on which his Master had suffered, besought his executioners to make his Cross of another shape, and perished on the one now known by his name. In Heraldry, this Cross is called a Saltire. 

      It is the national Cross of Scotland, whose patron Saint is St. Andrew; and at the accession of James I., it was added to the Cross of St. George on the national flag, thus forming the original Union Jack -- so named from "Jacques" or James. It may be used on St. Andrew's Day.

A second example of St. Andrew's Cross.

Scripture References for Saint Andrew's Cross Chrismon:

• "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 (NLT)
• But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:13 (NLT)
• "In your streets flowed the blood of the prophets and of God's holy people and the blood of people slaughtered all over the world." Revelation 18:24 (NLT)

The Greek Cross Chrismon

A Greek cross pattern for Chrismon crafts.

Left, a simple Greek cross symbol. Center, Flag of Greece. Right, Crosses frame this cube that appears to be hollow or solid and projected either inward or outward. A similar design was photographed in a crop circle. This design can be made by repeating the central hexagon outward once on all 6 sides then erasing some inner line segments and filling in the voids.

       The Greek Cross consists of four arms, all of equal length and thickness, and capable of being inclosed in a circle. It is the Cross of S. George, the patron Saint of England (he is supposed to have been an Eastern Bishop), and is borne on the national Flag in Gules (red) on a white ground. It also belongs to the arms of the City of London, where it bears on it the " Sword" of S. Paul, the patron Saint of the metropolis.
       If you don't want to cut a Greek cross from wood or Styrofoam, you could just fold one from heavy cardstock or decorative paper. The folding tutorial below is done with napkins but any light weight materials may be used for folding.
       This idea would also look nice for a formal Christmas table setting at a church dinner I think.

        "Learn how to fold into a Greek Cross from a paper napkin. You can also use starched cloth napkins. Very simple instruction (step by step). Creative napkin folds."

Scripture References for The Greek Cross:

• "Know, therefore, that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with those that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:9 (Jubilee Bible 2000)
• "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15 (KJB)
• "For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
• "By whom also we have access through faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope; And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us." Romans 5:2-5 (Douay-Rheims Bible)
  

The Passion Cross Chrismon

The Divine Virtues in English

      This Cross is called the Passion Cross, and is appropriate to Easter. When raised on three steps, it is called a Calvary Cross. The three steps typify Faith, Hope, and Charity. 

      Charity is represented by the largest step, which rests on the earth, because that virtue is the

foundation of all others; Hope rests on Charity; Faith supports the Cross itself. Some people refer to the steps as The Divine Virtues.

Left, basic Passion Cross Symbol. Center, Crucifixion by
Albrect Altdorfer. Right, El Greco's "Jesus Carrying the Cross.

The Divine Virtues in Latin: Fides, Spes, and Caritas.

A Latin Cross Chrismon

The Latin cross is perhaps the most recognizable cross worldwide.
 Download this one to use as a template for your next Chrismon craft.

Left, a simple Latin cross symbol. Center, Cross in Valle de los Caídos near Madrid, the highest cross in the world. Right, Tile cross from Rødtvet Church in Oslo, Norway, built in 1978.

The Latin Cross consists of four limbs: the lowest called the foot ought to be longer than the two arms joined together; the summit should be the length of one arm; the arms must be of equal length to each other. All the limbs must be of exactly the same thickness or breadth.