Templar Symbols: The history and meaning of these ancient symbols

The Order of the Templars no longer exists but remains present in history also thanks to the esoteric Templar symbols linked to it. Let’s find out what they are and what they mean.

Among the various religious chivalric orders linked to the Catholic Church, that of the Templars is one of the best known. Although they no longer exist today, during the Middle Ages the Templars played a fundamental role in the protection of pilgrims who travelled to Jerusalem from the west.

History of the Templars

The Order was founded in 1120, with the approval of the King of Jerusalem Baldwin II of the militia of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon. The founders were Hugues de Payns and Goffredo de Saint-Omer. It is thought that the two knights were already part of the Milites Sancti Sepulcri, a Latin name by which the members of the Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre were indicated, lay people dedicated to the defence of religious to the care of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The Templars obtained papal approval in 1139 with the papal bull Omne datum Optimum. The Order had a clear rule and hierarchy, was characterised by customs and lifestyles, and was involved in some well-known events and battles during the centuries of the Crusades. Their history and dedication to the defence of Christianity are reflected in the Templar symbols that represent them.

Templar seal

The most recurrent image in the Templar seal depicts two soldiers on horseback, armed with spears and shields. From the symbolic point of view, the two characters represent the universal dualism: the dual coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land, the dual identity of the order – the Templars were monks and warriors – and in general the dual nature, corporeal and spiritual, of man. Some interpretations see a knight fighting and one looking over his companion’s shoulder to protect him. The two knights are often traced back to the same founders of the Order, Hugues de Payns and Godfrey of Saint-Omer.

Buy Now:

Round 925 silver Templar seal pendant

Round 925 silver religious pendant, engraved with the figure of two men on horseback and the Latin words “Sigillum Militum Xpisti”…

Templar cross

The Templar symbol that is most easily linked to the Order is the red cross. While it is easy to see images of the seal on a Templar ring, the cross characterises the Knights’ clothing and shields. It is also used in the Baucent, the Templars banner. Although it has never been clear what was the “official” shape of the Templar cross – it is depicted as a Greek cross, anchored or gemmed – the red colour is the main feature. It is likely derived from the Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the cross of Jerusalem, carried even today by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre who, unlike the Templars, still exist.

Buy Now:

Round pendant Knights Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem cross in 925 silver red enamel

Round Jerusalem cross pendant in red enamel…