Beautiful hand-made Huguenot cross of wood. Huguenots are the term for the Calvinist Protestants in France in the 16th 17th centuries, derived from the Swiss name of Eidgenossen (the sworn). Because of the persecution under Louis XIV after the lifting of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, many fled their homeland. The Huguenot cross consists of a Maltese Cross, of which the arms may be connected by a circular motif. According to many, the circle represents the crown of thorns of Jesus. Between the arms four hearts were added, symbol of love reminding believers of the commandment ‘Love one another’ (John XIII, 34). The hearts may also represent love, faith and an open heart towards God. Often the circle consists of four lilies, representing cleanliness and sincerity. The tips of the cross contain eight pearls. These symbolise the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:3-10. The twelve points of the cross together symbolise The Twelve Articles of Faith. At the bottom is a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit descending from the heaven down to earth. This lot has been carefully cleaned and will be packaged with great care and shipped by insured and registered mail (with Track and Trace code). Pickup in Ridderkerk (Zuid Holland), the Netherlands, is also possible.