Saint-Andrew’s-cross

What is Saint-Andrew’s-cross?

The term “Saint-Andrew’s-cross” refers to two distinct subjects:

• Botany: It is a plant (Hypericum hypericoides) in the family Hypericaceae, native to North and Central America. It is characterized by its many branches, two-angled stems, and four-petaled, golden-yellow flowers.¹
• Heraldry and Symbolism: It describes a cross formed by two intersecting oblique bars, often called a saltire. This symbol is famously associated with the Cross of St. Andrew, which serves as the national emblem of Scotland and is a key component of the Union Jack. Tradition holds that the apostle Saint Andrew was crucified on a cross of this shape.²³⁴

Why is the saltire associated with Saint Andrew?

The association between the saltire and Saint Andrew stems from late medieval traditions regarding his martyrdom. While early accounts of his death by crucifixion date to the 4th century, it was not until later medieval periods that the cross was specifically described as X-shaped, leading to his iconographic representation with this symbol.¹

In Scotland, the saltire gained national significance through both legend and political decree. According to apocryphal lore, the 8th-century King Angus saw a white saltire in the blue sky before a battle against the Saxons, which he interpreted as a sign from the saint. Historically, the symbol appeared on government seals by 1286, and in 1385, the Scottish Parliament mandated that soldiers wear a white Cross of St. Andrew as a badge. The blue background of the modern flag of Scotland was likely chosen to provide a stark contrast to the red-and-white flag of England.⁵

How is the Saint Andrew’s cross incorporated into the Union Jack?

The Cross of St. Andrew—a white saltire on a blue field—is a foundational element of the Union Jack. Its incorporation evolved as the United Kingdom expanded its political union.¹⁴

In 1606, the saltire was first combined with the red cross of St. George to represent the union of Scotland and England. Because heraldic law prohibits placing red directly on blue, the red cross was bordered with white to maintain proper contrast.⁴

Following the 1801 legislative union with Ireland, the Cross of St. Patrick was added. To integrate this red diagonal cross while preserving the existing symbols, the white Cross of St. Andrew was divided diagonally. This adjustment allowed the red of the Cross of St. Patrick to appear below the white saltire on the hoist side and above it on the fly side. A narrow white border, or fimbriation, was also added to ensure the red cross did not touch the blue background, adhering to traditional heraldic standards.⁴

What are some other plants named after religious symbols?

Many plants are named for or carry deep significance related to religious symbols and figures. Here are a few notable examples:

• Passion flower (Passiflora): The name of this genus is derived from the Passion of Jesus. In Christian tradition, the flower’s anatomy is interpreted as a representation of the instruments of the Crucifixion: the corona symbolizes the crown of thorns, the styles represent the nails, the stamens signify the five wounds, and the sepals and petals represent 10 of the Apostles.⁶⁷
• Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Also known as Tulsi, this plant is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is revered as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. The plant is often grown in Hindu homes and temples, and its stems are used to create sacred rosaries.⁸⁹
• Madonna lily (Lilium candidum): Historically associated with the Virgin Mary, this flower is frequently depicted in Christian art, such as in paintings of the Annunciation, to symbolize purity.¹⁰
• Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa): This tree is deeply significant in Buddhism as the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment.⁹