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| The Lorraine-cross is a double-barred
cross. Originally both of the arms had the same length. Later the upper
arm has been reduced to a shorter length. This may be taken as the wooded
sign placed by Pilatus over the head of Jesus on the cross, showing the
letters "INRI". This cross is called the true cross (crux vera).
A double-barred cross of this kind was said to be used in the year 800 by Christian sects in the Orient. Godefroy de Boullion, duke of Lorraine, flew this cross in his standard when he took part in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 during the first crusade. Later this kind of cross was attributed to him and his successors. In recent times the Lorraine cross was used by General de Gaulle as a symbol of freedom in the French resistance during the 2. World War. On October 23rd 1902, at a conference in Berlin, Germany, the Lorraine cross was chosen as the symbol of the global fight against tuberculosis.. When Dr. Gilbert Seciron, submitted his proposal, he said "The red double-barred cross being a symbol of peace and brotherly understanding will bring our message to faraway places. Use it every day as a sign of your combat against tuberculosis and your mission will be successful defeating this uninvited guest that decimates our rows, and thus drying the tears of the suffering mankind." Today the Lorraine cross is the symbol of the global fight against tuberculosis and lung diseases. |