Order of Christ Cross facts for kids
The Cross of the Order of Christ is a famous symbol from Portugal. It is also called the Cross of Christ or the Portuguese Cross. This cross comes from a group called the Order of Christ, which started in 1319.
Later, during the time of Prince Henry the Navigator, this cross became very important. It was linked to the Portuguese discoveries, when brave sailors explored new lands. It also became a symbol of the Portuguese Empire. The cross looks a bit like a cross pattée or a cross potent.
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History of the Cross

The Order of Christ, led by Prince Henry the Navigator, played a big part in the Portuguese Discoveries. Because of this, the Cross of Christ was painted on the sails of Portuguese ships. These ships included caravels and carracks, which sailed across the oceans.
This emblem became a lasting symbol of Portugal's explorations. It is one of the main symbols of the discoveries and the Portuguese Empire.
Later, Manuel, who was a duke and leader of the Order of Christ, became the King of Portugal. He started using the Cross of Christ as a national symbol for Portugal. Since then, it has been a common symbol in Portugal and, later, in Brazil.
When Pedro declared Brazil's independence, he became the Emperor of Brazil. The Cross of Christ was also used on the flag and coat of arms of the old Empire of Brazil.
Since 1789, you can see the Cross of Christ on the Sash of the Three Orders.
Where You Can See It Today
Today, the Cross of Christ appears on many flags and emblems in Portugal and Brazil. For example, it is on the flags of the city of São Paulo in Brazil. It is also on the flag of the Autonomous Region of Madeira in Portugal.
You can find it on the coats of arms of many cities in both countries. It is also on the badges of the Portuguese and Brazil national football teams. The cross is even on the planes of the Portuguese Air Force.
Gallery
Historical Examples
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Royal flag of King John V of Portugal -
Flag of a Governor-General of the Portuguese Empire -
Flag of a Governor of the Portuguese Empire -
Flag of a Province Governor of the Portuguese Empire -
Flag of an Intendent of the Portuguese Empire -
Flag of an Officer of the Portuguese Empire -
War flag of Portugal during the Portuguese Restoration War -
Coat of arms of the Viriatos Portuguese Foreign Legion
Contemporary Examples
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Flag of São Paulo, Brazil -
Flag of the Chief-of-Staff of the Portuguese Navy -
Coat of arms of the Public Security Police of Madeira, Portugal -
Coat of arms of Porto Alegre, Brazil -
Coat of arms of Florianópolis, Brazil -
Coat of arms of Joinville, Brazil
See also
In Spanish: Cruz de la Orden de Cristo para niños
- Portuguese heraldry
- Coat of arms of Portugal
- Armorial of Portuguese colonies
- Portuguese vexillology
- List of Portuguese flags
- Brazilian heraldry