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The activities of the Knights Templar have not been fully studied today. This is a mysterious page in history. The society was founded after the first Crusade, and it existed for about 200 years. The secret order had its own symbols and signs. The most famous among them is the Templar cross. Now it is used as a talisman.
History of origin
Other names for the sign are the Order of the Knights Templar, the Palm Cross. There are several versions of its origin.
- The attribute came from the Celts - such symbolism was inherent in this people.
- Appeared in pagan times - the cross was used as an alternative sign between pagan and Christian symbols. In this way, people should have more easily converted to a new faith and stopped worshiping many gods. This is one of the versions. Another says that the sign was borrowed as a symbol of boundless faith in the Lord.
There is one legend about the origin of the classic cross. It says that the knights, setting out on their first campaign, received a blessing from the Pope. After praying together, he tore his red robe. Each warrior got a piece. They sewed them onto white clothes. Over time, the patch began to be made in the form of an equilateral Cross. The colors remain the same. Red meant blood, because the knights were ready to shed it for the liberation of their lands from the infidels. Warriors also wore such a symbol on their armor and military attributes.
In our times, the Templar cross is not always associated with Christianity. It is also used by atheists. Magicians and sorcerers use the pentagram symbol in their practice.
Jesuit Order
For what purpose did it appear: The monastic order of the Jesuits arose during the period of the so-called Counter-Reformation - reforms within the Catholic Church caused by the fight against the Reformation. In fact, he was the “response” of supporters of Catholicism to the active spread of Protestant teachings.
When created: In 1534, Ignatius de Loyola and several of his like-minded people decided to create the “Society of Jesus”, the task of which was declared to be active missionary activity. The order's charter was approved by the Pope in 1540.
Emblem of the Jesuit Order. Photo: flickr.com/ Lawrence OP
What is known for: The Order was famous for its strict military discipline: unquestioning obedience of the younger ones to the elders. The authority of the head was absolute - an elected general for life, subordinate directly to the Pope. The Jesuits sought to convert to the Catholic faith the masses who had previously gone to the Reformation or otherwise abandoned Catholicism. Missionary activity was also carried out among Jews, Muslims and pagans.
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In just the first decade and a half of activity, the Jesuits acquired missions in the territory from Japan to Brazil. Educational activities helped them promote their ideas - members of the order also acted as teachers who taught various scientific disciplines. At the same time, they defended the principle of the supremacy of the power of the Pope in all spheres, up to the deposition of monarchs who dared to contradict the pontiff. This radicalism became one of the reasons for the subsequent persecution of the Jesuits.
By the middle of the 18th century, the Jesuit Order had achieved great political influence in various European countries, as well as possessing great financial capabilities. Constant attempts by the Jesuits to influence the political course of European monarchs led to the fact that almost all European countries called for the cessation of the order.
End of story: On July 21, 1773, Pope Clement XIV , seeking to normalize relations with European monarchs, issued a papal letter abolishing the Jesuit order. Property was subject to confiscation in favor of secular authorities. True, in the territory of some countries, including Prussia and Russia (until 1820), the missions of the order continued to exist.
In 1814, Pope Pius VII restored the Society of Jesus with all its rights and privileges. Currently, the Jesuits continue their activities in 112 states.
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Types of symbol
Studying the history of the order, you can come across various images of the sign. In books, works of art, and pictures you can see not only the red color of the cross, but also black and white tones. There are various variations of the symbol - forked rays with the addition of other elements. The execution can be simple or complex, the sign can be thin or wide, with or without serifs.
The Templar Cross has 3 main types.
- Lorraine - differs in that it consists of two horizontal bars. They are the same length or the upper one is smaller than the lower one. According to legend, it was created from the fragments of the cross on which the Savior was crucified.
- Celtic - the symbol looks like four rays around which a circle is described. The sides are equal, expanding from the middle into bells.
- The Cross of the Eight Beatitudes - four arrows connected in the center. This form is rare. The sacred meaning lies in the virtues of a knight - patience, humility, mercy, etc.
Today the order has the form of an equilateral cross enclosed in a circle. Often there is a sign with a pentagram inside - intersecting triangles forming a five-pointed star.
Franciscan Order
For what purpose did it appear: The emergence of the so-called mendicant orders, which includes the Franciscan Order, occurred at the turn of the 12th–13th centuries. The reason for their appearance was the need for priests who were not involved in secular affairs, who despised secular goods and were able to demonstrate the purity of faith to their flock by personal example. In addition, the church needed dogmatists capable of waging an irreconcilable struggle against various heresies.
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When created: In 1209 Giovanni , the son of a wealthy merchant from Assisi, Peter Bernardone , who became a traveling preacher, united followers around himself and created the charter of a new order based on obedience, chastity and complete mendicancy. Giovanni's plan, nicknamed Francis for his penchant for using French, was approved by Pope Innocent III.
What is known for: Complete renunciation of earthly goods and strictness in faith contributed to the rapid growth of the authority of the Franciscans. Already by 1264, 8 thousand monasteries and 200 thousand monks were subordinated to the Franciscan general. By the 18th century, the Franciscan Order united 1,700 monasteries and 25 thousand monks. From the 13th to the 16th centuries, representatives of the order were the confessors of most European monarchs, which helped them influence the policies of entire states.
There was also a “secular” branch of the Franciscans - the order of the Terzari, intended for secular persons who would like, without leaving the world and their usual activities, to lead a purer lifestyle and in some way find a monastery in their own home.
Franciscan symbol. Photo: flickr.com/ Alwyn Ladell
In 1256, the papacy granted Franciscans the right to teach in universities. They created their own system of theological education, giving rise to a whole galaxy of thinkers of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. During the New Age, Franciscans were actively engaged in missionary and research activities, working in Spanish possessions in the New World and in the countries of the East. Along with their opponents in dogmatic matters, the Dominicans, the Franciscans were endowed with the functions of the Inquisition, which they carried out in central Italy, Dalmatia and Bohemia, as well as in a number of provinces of France.
End of story: Currently, the order with its branches has about 30 thousand monks and several hundred thousand lay tertiaries: in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the USA, Turkey, Brazil, Paraguay and other countries. The Franciscans control a number of universities, colleges, and have their own publishing houses.
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Magic properties
For many centuries, the Indo-European sign symbolized life, heaven and eternity. Now many interpret the sign as the interaction of opposite principles - male and female. This is a union of good and evil, light and darkness. The modern image of the symbol has the following meaning:
- equilateral cross - unity of elements;
- the circle in which it is enclosed means the Sun.
A person who possesses such an amulet acquires spiritual strength, prudence, and a sense of justice. He will have the opportunity to abstain from immoral temptations.
Many believe that the main meaning of the Templar Cross is protection from evil. The symbol has the ability to attract negativity and transform it into positive energy, so it is often used as an amulet against the evil eye and damage, slander and gossip. It is able to protect its owner from ill-wishers. The sign gives him positive energy. The transmission is ensured by the shape of the cross. A person’s vital energy and efficiency increase; the symbol is recommended for use in adulthood.
The Templar sign also has the following properties:
- attracts luck, luck;
- improves a person’s material condition;
- guides you to the true path.
The Templar cross with a pentagram helps to achieve your goals. This is a strong amulet against obstacles in life. It protects its owner from difficulties.
Wearing rules
In ancient times, the sign was used as symbolism. The Order of Knights was known for its fight for Christian values. They destroyed those who did not want to accept their faith. Warriors brutally dealt with people of other religions during the Crusades.
On clothes
In the Middle Ages, the Templar symbol was embroidered on clothing and applied to household items. Knights' stripes often changed locations. Initially they were sewn on the left shoulder. When the order became more powerful, the image appeared on the back, gloves, weapons, horse blankets, etc. The sign was sewn on after the initiation ritual, during which the knight swore an oath to be poor and forever renounce carnal pleasures.
Today the Templar cross is used mainly as an amulet. The image is applied to various objects - medallions, signets, pendants.
In the house
You can often find him near the threshold of a house. Such placement provides protection from ill-wishers, protects housing from fire and theft. To enhance the impact of the amulet, it is worth adding other elements to it:
- insignia of the order - a seal with a special sign;
- Celtic symbols - applied to the back of the talisman.
As a tattoo
Often a tattoo in the form of a cross is tattooed on the body. Perform it as an independent drawing. The owner of the image receives spiritual and physical strength in this way. The symbol helps strengthen faith. Judging by numerous reviews, such a tattoo helps a person feel more confident, makes him successful, promotes career growth and gives good health.
When performing a tattoo, the symbol immediately begins its effect. The best place to apply is the chest and forearm. This tattoo is often done on the upper back. It is prohibited to perform the image on your feet. Such an act is considered disrespect for the symbol.
Like an amulet on the body
For the Templar cross amulet, you should choose a place hidden from prying eyes. Immediately after purchase, it is put on and worn mainly on the chest. It is advisable not to remove the amulet for 2 weeks. To restore the connection between the energetics of the owner and the magical object, they make it come into contact with the body. If these conditions are met, the amulet will be activated and its magical properties will come into effect. Then the amulet is allowed to be removed, but not for long. Otherwise the connection will be interrupted.
Both men and women can wear the cross of the Knights Templar. It's better to buy it for yourself. It is not recommended to use the amulet for children. The reason is the powerful energy of the talisman, which a small organism is not able to cope with.
Order of the Knights Templar
For what purpose did it appear: After the end of the First Crusade, a group of knights led by the French knight Hugh de Payns established a military monastic order, the purpose of which was declared to be the protection of pilgrims during their pilgrimage to holy places in the Middle East.
When created: The Order, founded in 1119 and originally called the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, was officially recognized by the church in 1128.
What is known for: The ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Baldwin II, allocated a place for the knights in the southeastern wing of the Jerusalem Temple, in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, for headquarters. Since then, the order began to be called the Order of the Temple, and the knights - the Templars (Templars).
Thanks to the order’s successful recruitment in Europe, the Templars, who initially did not have large financial resources, became the owners of a lot of money and lands donated by recruits. In March 1139, the Pope even issued a bull in which the Templars were allowed to freely cross any borders, not pay taxes, and obey only the Pope and no one else. Such easy conditions contributed to the rapid development of the “crusader business.”
Photo: flickr.com/chris white
Until 1291, the Templars participated in battles in the Middle East, while simultaneously successfully engaging in business activities. But after defeat by the Muslims and expulsion from Palestine, they concentrated on trade and usury.
At the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries, the Templars reached the pinnacle of power. The Order possessed enormous wealth; its debtors included the powers that be, including kings.
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Five places associated with the Order of the Hospitallers The excessive financial power of the Templars irritated many. As a result, the French king Philip IV the Fair , accusing the order of unrest, entered into secret negotiations with Pope Clement V , intending to destroy the financial empire. Clement V, after some hesitation, met the king's demands. In 1307, on the orders of Philip the Fair, arrests of members of the order began in France. According to the customs of that time, the Templars were accused of heresy, renunciation of Jesus Christ and other serious crimes.
Those arrested were subjected to severe torture and were forced to admit guilt. On April 12, 1310, fifty-four Templars were sentenced to be burned at the stake and executed on the outskirts of Paris. End of the story: Despite the fact that nowhere except France it was not possible to get the Templars to admit guilt, in 1312 Clement V abolished the order with his bull as having dishonored itself. The order's property was confiscated and transferred to the Hospitaller Order. King Philip IV the Fair also received his share. The last Grand Master of the order, Jacques de Molay, was burned at the stake on March 18, 1314.
