Why is the Cross of Lorraine the Symbol of a Region?

Michaël Vessière , a young glass craftsman, has made this symbol a central piece of his bracelet collection, a showcase of glass art . The Lorraine cross , recognizable by its two horizontal crosspieces, is an emblem deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Lorraine region.

This motif, also known as the patriarchal cross or Anjou cross , embodies universal values ​​of courage , unity and freedom .

But why has it become the symbol of this region? Let’s explore together its origin and its evolution over the centuries.

Sacred Origins and Crusades

To understand the origin of the Cross of Lorraine , we must go back to the 4th century , to the time when Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, discovered fragments of the "true" cross. cross" on which Christ was crucified.

These sacred relics, distributed among the Eastern patriarchates, are often represented by a double-crossbar , symbolizing their divine mission .

During the Crusades, this cross of Christian origin , carried by knights returning from the Holy Land , became an emblem of prestige and piety.

It then began to adorn coins , coats of arms and insignia of chivalry. But it was only from the 14th century that it took a special place in Lorraine, thanks to the dynasty of the Dukes of Anjou.

René II and the Battle of Nancy: the birth of a symbol

In January 1477, the Battle of Nancy marked a decisive turning point for the Cross of Lorraine. René II, Duke of Lorraine, was preparing to confront Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, who had been besieging Nancy for several months. To distinguish his allied troops from the enemy forces, René II chose the Cross of Anjou as a rallying sign. This double-crossbar cross, sewn onto the soldiers' uniforms, then became a symbol of victory .

On January 5, 1477, René II triumphed over Charles the Bold. This victory put an end to the Burgundian occupation and marked the rebirth of Lorraine as an independent territory. In gratitude, the Cross of Anjou was adopted as the official emblem of the region, thus sealing its role in the construction of Lorraine's identity.

The Cross of Lorraine and the Resistance: a patriotic emblem

The Cross of Lorraine experienced a new boom in the 20th century, during the Second World War.

In 1940, General de Gaulle, head of the Free French Forces , chose this emblem to embody the Resistance against the Nazi occupation. This choice is not insignificant: the Cross of Lorraine, with its double horizontal arm, is directly opposed to the swastika used by the Nazi regime.

From then on, the Cross of Lorraine became a symbol of freedom , resistance and hope . It appeared on the flags, uniforms and medals of the Free French fighters.

The Colombey-les-Deux-Églises memorial , where a monumental 40-metre cross dominates the landscape, still bears witness today to the importance of this emblem in national history .

An inspiration for art and culture

In addition to its historical role, the Cross of Lorraine is an emblematic motif of regional art and culture. Major figures of Art Nouveau, such as Émile Gallé and the Daum brothers, often incorporated this symbol into their creations. In their glassware, furniture and decorative objects, the Cross of Lorraine becomes a testimony of attachment to the region and its values.

Émile Gallé, for example, used the Cross of Lorraine in his signatures, thus affirming his support for the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France after the annexation of 1870. The works of the Daum brothers, for their part, also bear this emblem, paying homage to their host land after their exile in Nancy.

A symbol still alive in Lorraine

Today, the Cross of Lorraine remains omnipresent in the region.

It adorns monuments, coats of arms, craft products and even jewelry. Lorraine artisans, such as glassmakers and jewelers, perpetuate this tradition by reinventing the emblem. Modern creations, such as bracelets and necklaces made of glass or gold, celebrate this symbol while making it accessible to all.

But the Cross of Lorraine is not just an ornament. It is a reminder of past struggles, a testimony to victories won and a source of pride for the inhabitants of the region. To wear or admire the cross is to embrace a rich history and celebrate timeless values.