Order of Christ Cross

The Cross of the Order of Christ (Portuguese: Cruz da Ordem de Cristo), also known as the Cross of Christ (Cruz de Cristo) or the Portuguese Cross (Cruz Portuguesa), is a cross symbol of Portugal, originating in the Portuguese Order of Christ, founded in 1319.

As the Order of Christ, led by Prince Henry, the Navigator, was a leading developer of the Portuguese Discoveries, the Cross of Christ was used on the sails of the Portuguese caravels, carracks and other ships involved in the exploration of the seas.

After, Manuel, duke of Beja and governor of the Order of Christ, having become King of Portugal, the Cross of Christ came to be regarded and used as a national emblem of Portugal.

It was also the symbol of the Movimento Nacional-Sindicalista, a Portuguese political movement of the early 1930s.

Today, the Cross of Christ is present in many flags and emblems of Portugal and Brazil.