The Jerusalem Cross Tattoo, a design featuring a large central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses, has a rich history rooted in Christianity and the Crusades. While historically a Christian symbol, it has recently gained notoriety due to its association with right-wing extremist groups, sparking controversy when linked to public figures like Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran. This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of the Jerusalem Cross tattoo, exploring its historical origins, religious significance, modern interpretations, and the controversy surrounding its adoption by extremist factions.
The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusader’s Cross, dates back to the Crusades of the 11th century. These were a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The symbol became prominently associated with these campaigns, representing the ambition to recapture Jerusalem, a city sacred to Christianity.
Experts in religious history explain that the design of the Jerusalem Cross is deeply symbolic. The large central cross represents Christ, while the four smaller crosses can be interpreted in various ways, including representing the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) or the four corners of the earth, signifying Christ’s message spreading globally from Jerusalem. Historically, it served as a powerful emblem for Crusaders, signifying their faith and their mission.
Alt text: Graphic depiction of a Jerusalem Cross, a heraldic and Christian cross variant featuring a large cross potent surrounded by four smaller Jerusalem crosses.
Adding to the historical context, the phrase “Deus Vult,” Latin for “God wills it,” emerged as a battle cry during the Crusades. According to Matthew Taylor, a scholar specializing in Christian extremism, this phrase became the motto of the Crusades after Pope Urban II’s call for the First Crusade in 1095. “Deus Vult” encapsulated the belief that reclaiming Jerusalem and the Holy Land was not only a righteous cause but also a divine mandate. This historical context is crucial for understanding the potent symbolism embedded within both the Jerusalem Cross and the phrase “Deus Vult.”
In contemporary times, the Jerusalem Cross is not widely recognized as a mainstream Christian symbol, according to Matthew Gabriele, a professor of medieval studies at Virginia Tech. While some religious orders, such as the Catholic Order of the Holy Sepulchre, still utilize the Jerusalem Cross, its broader usage within Christianity has diminished.
However, the symbol has experienced a resurgence in popularity within a different sphere: right-wing extremist groups. Experts note that both the Jerusalem Cross and “Deus Vult” have been adopted by these groups. Flags bearing the Crusader Cross and “Deus Vult” were notably displayed at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, and the phrase was also present during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Furthermore, a gunman involved in a mass shooting in Allen, Texas in 2023 was found to have “Deus Vult” tattoos alongside swastika imagery.
This appropriation by extremist groups has led to significant controversy, particularly when the Jerusalem Cross is displayed as a tattoo. The case of Pete Hegseth highlights this modern dilemma. Hegseth, who served in the National Guard, claimed that his orders to serve during President Biden’s inauguration were revoked due to his Jerusalem Cross chest tattoo. He described it as simply “a Christian symbol.”
However, concerns were raised by another National Guard member, Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who flagged Hegseth’s “Deus Vult” arm tattoo as a potential “insider threat.” Gaither pointed out the phrase’s association with “supremacist groups” and argued that the tattoo could violate Army regulations against extremist symbols. While the National Guard declined to comment directly on Hegseth’s case, it was reported that some National Guard members were removed from duty for the inauguration due to extremist views.
Despite the controversy, it’s important to acknowledge the historical and religious roots of the Jerusalem Cross. As Tom Hill, president of the Center for Peace Diplomacy, explains, when used in combination, the Jerusalem Cross and “Deus Vult” can be interpreted as “an invocation of the claim that crusader violence and its atrocities (including the massacre of civilians) was legitimate.” This interpretation is precisely why these symbols have been adopted by extremist groups seeking to evoke a sense of militant Christian conquest.
For individuals considering a Jerusalem Cross tattoo, understanding this complex symbolism is paramount. While the symbol carries historical Christian significance, its modern association with extremism cannot be ignored. The context and intent behind choosing such a tattoo are crucial. For some, it may genuinely represent their Christian faith and connection to historical Jerusalem. For others, particularly within extremist circles, it may serve as a deliberate statement of ideology, aligning themselves with groups that promote hate and violence.
Ultimately, the meaning of a Jerusalem Cross tattoo is subjective and depends heavily on the individual wearing it. However, the public perception of this symbol has undeniably shifted, especially in regions where extremist groups have gained visibility. Anyone considering this tattoo should be aware of its potential for misinterpretation and the need to clearly articulate their personal meaning behind choosing this historically charged symbol. Further research into religious and historical tattoo meanings can provide valuable context when making such a significant decision about body art.
