Nine, forty, crescent/cross

[Russell Valentino]

The upturned crescent can be found in early Russian architecture as well,
e.g., St. Demitrius in Vladimir (late 12th century) and in the
Transfiguration Church in Pereslavl-Zalessky (mid-12th century), which
makes the suggestion that it should designate triumph over "Islamic Turkey"
a bit of a stretch. Over Islam perhaps. Even when there is no crescent per
se, there is a short, uncurved transept at the base of most Russian cupola
crosses, suggesting, in fact, a base.



>4. The upturned crescent is common in Western heraldry to indicate
>someone who
>went on the crusades and certainly indicates victory over Islam there. A
>resonant theme! I think the same is true in Russia. Are not the
>crescents
>beneath crosses a late introduction in Russia (18th century?) and mostly
>found
>on the tops of Russian churches and not in icons or miniatures; and I am
>not
>aware that Grail legends had any particular currency in Russia.
>
>When I get to my library tomorrow I'll try to check out a few points.
>
>Will Ryan

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