The Huguenot Cross is not only beautiful and symbolic, but possesses the
added charm afforded by the romance of history and tradition. It recalls a
period of valor, constancy, faithfulness and loyalty to truth. It is becoming
more and more a sign among the descendants of the Huguenots throughout the
entire world.
It is impossible to state precisely the period in which our Huguenot
ancestors adopted the usage of what they called the Sainted Spirit. It certainly
existed before the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 1685. It is worn as an
emblem of their faith.
The Cross consists of an open four-petal Lily of France, and the petals thereby form a Maltese Cross. The four petals signify the Four Gospels. Each arm or petal, at the periphery, has two rounded points at the corners. These points are regarded as signifying the Eight Beatitudes. The four petals are joined together by four fleur-de-lis signifying the Mother Country of France, each of which bears a rounded point distally. The twelve rounded points described in the four petals and the four fleur-de-lis signify the Twelve Apostles. There is formed between each fleur-de-lis and the arms of the two petals with which it is joined, an open space taking the shape of a heart which suggests the seal of the great French Reformer, John Calvin. Suspended from the lower central petal by a ring of Gold is a pendant dove signifying the Church under the Cross. In times of persecution, a teardrop supplanted the dove.
