Paw cross
The Paw Cross , also known as the Cross of the Order of Christ , is a Greek cross (i.e. a cross with arms of equal length) with arms starting at the point of intersection that initially remain the same width and only widen outwards at an angle at their end. It is similar to the paw cross , the arms of which widen outwards in a concave (sometimes oblique) manner over their entire length or most of their length. The corresponding variant of the Latin cross (with a longer lower arm) with arms only spreading outwards at the end is the Johanneskreuz .
In heraldry it is found as a common figure in coats of arms .
A special form of the paw cross with flat trapezoidal arm ends and an applied bar cross was the emblem of the Portuguese order of Christ . The current form of the emblem of both the Portuguese and the papal orders of Christ has a longer lower arm, analogous to the Latin cross, i.e. a St. John's cross with a Latin cross on top.
Examples
Portuguese Air Force cockade
Flag of Guernsey
Coat of arms of the Karlstad diocese (Sweden)
Coat of arms of Andermatt UR (Switzerland)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Gert Oswald : Lexicon of Heraldry. 3rd, unchanged edition. Battenberg, Regenstauf 2011, ISBN 978-3-86646-077-5 , p. 312