White Cross Medieval Shield

No known order claims the White Cross Shield as its own, but its origin probably emerged from one or many of the fighting orders during these holy wars that came from the ranks of priests and doctors who attended as medics for the knights of the Crusades as they went into battle. This was a holy war and the White Cross would have been the symbol of the Peace of the true Messiah.

The origin of the White Cross probably emerged from a long forgotten or unnamed Order that dedicated itself first to the care of the sick and injured and which possibly evolved into a fighting order as so many did such as the well-known Templar, Hospitaller and Teutonic orders. A White Cross symbolizes purity and holiness and so is a most positive symbol of Peace, which seems to be an oxymoron when placed on a shield, until you realize that its owner was fighting FOR Peace in Christendom, whether it be in the healing arts or the art of war. It would have been a powerful symbol to the wounded soldier as it came towards him, as it would have been a sign of good fortune, blessings and care to come.