The Jerusalem Cross

The Jerusalem cross, also known as Crusaders' cross, is a Christian symbol consisting of a large cross surrounded by four smaller crosses. It is also known as the "Crusaders' Cross", because it was placed on the banner given to the Crusaders by Pope Urban II for the First Crusade, and became a symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

are said to symbolize either the four books of the Gospel or the four directions in which the Word of Christ spread from Jerusalem. Alternatively, all five crosses can symbolize the five wounds of Christ during his Passion.

The four smaller crosses

many soldiers tattooed themselves with a cross on the wrists or hands to show that they wanted to be buried as Christians if they fell in battle.

During the Crusades,

have also used the cross as a tattoo for centuries in order to commemorate their journeys. Today, pilgrims choose the tattoo design that speaks to them spiritually as a symbol of Christ's love and an emblem of his Church.

Pilgrims to the Holy City

speaking about the Jerusalem Cross tattoos that pilgrims to Jerusalem have gotten, over the centuries, to commemorate their pilgrimages. Suddenly I was filled with the inspiration to do just that. It was crazy, because I have NEVER before wanted one. I turned around in my seat and locked eyes with Kevin and Susanna who were sitting behind me. They had the same inspiration that I did. We decided that we would look into it when we got to Jerusalem.

One day on the bus, we were all listening to Usama

We asked Usama for advice. Usama assured us that he would take us to an establishment that was reputable and used the highest sanitary standards. On our way to the Christian Quarter in Old Jerusalem, we met Usama’s son, George, who was walking home from school. What a cutie!

Usama and his son, George

Business Card

Business Card

because she knew exactly what she wanted. Besides, she already had one and knew what it would feel like. She thought it would help me if I could watch hers.

I was quite nervous, and was afraid that I would get one partially done, and then chicken-out because I couldn’t take the pain.

Susanna went first,

Susanna’s interpretation of the Jerusalem Cross. She used the lily on top because Susanna means ‘lily” in Hebrew.

My tattoo. I was very pleasantly surprised that the process did not hurt. Maybe I was just excited enough that the extra serotonin in my brain raised my pain threshold. I don’t know….

My Jerusalem Cross

I did it! Can you see the relief on my face?

Usama Dalou and Pat

Now it was Kevin’s turn.

Kevin’s tat

When we got back to the hotel, we were showing people what we had done. Jim Kollar liked them so much, that he went to Usama and had his tattoo done the next day.

Jim Kollar’s tat