Cross of Saint James

Its most common version is a red cross resembling a sword, with the hilt and the arm in the shape of a fleur-de-lis.

The cross gets its name from James the Greater and the account of his appearance at the Battle of Clavijo in the Spanish victory over the Moors.

[1][3] Since the early part of the 20th century, the cross has been used as a decorative element on the almond pastry Tarta de Santiago.

[6] A red Cross of Saint James, with flourished arms and scalloped top, over a field of white was the emblem of the 12th-century Spanish Order of Santiago and Portuguese Military Order of Saint James of the Sword.

[9] The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword in Portugal also use the symbol as part of its insignia.