Ave!

Ring, Crusader-era, Pilgrims, c. 10th-13th Cent.

Copper alloy, Ring size 10

Con/ sound and wearable; some inclusions that will soon disappear the longer this ring is worn :-)

Description/ Double Maltese cross flanked by palm branches

Seller's Note/ In the Bible, the "Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem with the waving of palm branches" of Jesus Christ is found in John 12: 12-15; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; and Luke 19:28-44.

The significance of palm branches was well understood at that time as they were both symbols of peace and victory. Today, Palm Sunday is celebrated one week before Easter, on the first day of Holy Week. The first celebration of Palm Sunday in the Christian church is uncertain. A palm processional was recorded as early as the 4th century in Jerusalem, but the ceremony was not introduced into Western Christianity until the 9th century.

Such rings were mass produced in the Holy Land and sold as souvenirs at religious shrines and other sites to pilgrims and crusader knights as well. As our ring was found in the Balkans, the lucky knight or pilgrim returned safely home, and perhaps presented it to the girl he left behind. Very rare in this condition as most delicate copper alloy rings, such as ours, rarely survive.