The Cross in Heraldry

New Zealand Tablet, 14 March 1912, Page 47

The Cross in Heraldry

In early pagan- days, the cross (says the Are Maria) was a symbol or shame and ignominy; and only those deformed or misshapen trees tnat could be used for no other. purpose were formed into crosses. But since the Blood of ■ Christ sanctified the Cross of Calvary, crosses have been endeared to the hearts of all Christians] and the most precious woods and metals have been formed into them. They were-everywhere employed as symbols, of life and regeneration. To the third century may be traced the custom of .making the Sign of the Cross in memory of the Holy One. In the days of Constantine,. Christians painted crosses on the entrances of their houses, as a symbol of their faith. . The history of the cross in heraldry is intimately connected with the history of - civilisation itself. The impetus to such a use was given by the Crusaders, who wore a red cross upon their right shoulder, as a token pf the obligation they had taken upon themselves; and its form and meanings in heraldic designs are many. In fact, over four hundred and seven different forms have - been , recorded by students of biography and genealogy. In heraldry, the cross is formed by two perpendicular and two horizontal lines crossing in the centre of the shield. This form is modified in various ways by additions and combinations, thus expressing many meanings. It has been said that human intelligence has never- devised a system so infinite in its varieties and so endless in its application as is to be found in the science of heraldry, in which figure twenty-seven basic or fundamental crosses, a few of which are here noted. The Greek cross has all four arms of equal length, while the Latin cross has the earth end longer than the other three arms. The Calvary or Christ-Cross rests upon three steps or degrees. The Patriarch , Cross is recognised by its double cross-bar. The St. Andrew’s Cross is an X, in token of the form of cross on which that saint suffered martyrdom by having his hands and feet bound to its four arms. The St. Anthony Cross is shaped like a T, and has its name from the cross that St Anthony, abbot, wore upon his cloak, though the origin of his cross seems to be Egyptian. ■ • When one remembers that every device on an escutcheon has a special meaning, being the symbol of prowess, services rendered, devotion, or other -distinctive quality, one realises how complete a .historical record is furnished by heraldry, in which the Christian cross plays so conspicuous a part. .

The death is reported of the Hon. Edward Blake, K.C., P.C., LL.D., the 'distinguished Canadian lawyer, who, for many years was a member of the Irish Party in the House of Commons. Finality has at last been reached in the litigation arising but of the legal dispute regarding the validity or otherwise of the will of the late Father Byrne, of Dalby, Queensland. News has just reached Brisbane (says the Catholic Press) that the Privy Council has disallowed the appeal of the executors of the will, which means that the bequest made under it to be expended wholly or in part as the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane-might judge most conducive to the good of religion, has been held to be invalid according to law. It will be remembered that the Full Court of Queensland, consisting of five judges, his ; Honor Chief Justice Cooper, and their Honors Mr. Justice Real, Mr. Justice Chubb, Mr. Justice Power, and Mr. Justice Bhand, unanimously held that the bequest of the residue of the estate; was a good, charitable gift, and consequently that the will was valid. The matter was then carried to the High Court, 1 which, by a majority made up of the : Chief Justice and Mr. Justices Barton and Isaacs, as against Mr. Justices O’Connor and Higgins, reversed the judgment of the Queensland Full Court. Appeal was then made to the Privy Council, which, it is cabled, has upheld the view of the majority of the High Court. .The decision is a highly- important one, and will, undoubtedly, take rank as a leading one in legal annals.