Cross (crown)
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A '''''cross''''' is the decoration located at the highest level of a [[crown (headgear)|crown]] on top of the ''[[monde (crown)|monde]]''. Its usage traditionally symbolised the [[Christian]] nature of the monarchy of that country, though not all crowns even in monarchies associated with Christianity used a cross as its top decoration, with some [[France|French]] crowns using other national symbols.
While many early crowns were in uncovered [[circlet]] form (and some [[Europe]]an crowns continue to be in circlet form (see [[Danish Crown Regalia]]) from late [[mediæval]] times it became traditional to enclose the crown in a headcovering or [[cap (crown)|cap]], in part due to the drafty nature of mediæval [[cathedral]]s, [[castle]]s, [[palace]]s and halls where crowns were worn. To hide the cap, a series of decorative features were added; the [[half-arch (crown)|half-arch]]es, meeting at the [[monde (crown)|monde]], with the Christian nature of the crown symbolised by the use of 4 [[Cross pattée (crown)|crosses pattee]] and the crown on top of the monde.
A decorative cross is particularly associated with the [[British Crown Jewels]] and with [[Papal Tiara]]s.
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*See also [[Globus cruciger]]
[[Category:Cross symbols]]
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