cruciger

The cruciger is a ceremonial object consisting of a globe (orb) surmounted by a Christian cross. The term comes from the Latin cruciger, meaning “bearing the cross.” In heraldry and regalia it is often referred to as the globus cruciger. The orb typically represents the world or earthly realm, while the cross signifies Christian sovereignty and divine authority.

In appearance, a cruciger is usually a hollow or solid metal globe, frequently gold, topped by a cross and sometimes set with jewels. It may be carried, displayed on regalia, or depicted in heraldic art as a symbol of command and religious legitimacy. The combination of globe and cross conveys the idea that earthly power is under Christian oversight.

Historically, the cruciger has appeared in the regalia of various Christian monarchies and church hierarchies. It is associated with coronation ceremonies and other state or liturgical processes, where the bearer shows that sovereignty is exercised under Christian authority. Notable examples include imperial regalia of medieval Europe and the Sovereign’s Orb in the British Crown Jewels, used in ceremonial contexts to signify rightful rule under Christ.

In heraldry, the cruciger may be depicted as a charge—an orb topped with a cross—used to denote ecclesiastical authority or the Christian legitimacy of a ruler. While its use as a practical ceremonial item has diminished in modern times, the cruciger remains a recognizable symbol in art and ceremonial symbolism, reflecting the historical ties between church and state.