The Huguenot cross contains significant symbolism: • The
cross as an eminent symbol of the
Christian faith, represents not only the death of
Christ but also
victory over death and piety. This is represented also in the
Maltese cross. • The
boutonné, the eight points symbolizing the eight
Beatitudes (
Matthew 5:3–12) • Between the arms of the cross is the stylized
fleur-de-lys (on the
French Coat of Arms), each having 3 petals; the total of twelve petals of the
fleur-de-lys signify the
Twelve Apostles. Between each
fleur-de-lys and the arms of the
Maltese cross with which it is joined, an open space in the form of a heart, the symbol of loyalty, suggests the seal of the French Reformer,
John Calvin. • The pendant dove symbolizes the
Holy Spirit (
Romans 8:16). In times of persecution a pearl, symbolizing a teardrop, replaced the dove. The elements of the Huguenot cross mirrored those of the cross of the 1578
Order of the Holy Spirit, the senior chivalric order of France by precedence. ==References==