Saint Andrew’s cross (saltire)

Form

An X-shaped cross.

When it is documented

The tradition that Andrew was martyred on an X-shaped cross dates only from the Middle Ages.

Context

Andrew’s emblem, and a national symbol of Scotland, on the flags of Scotland and the United Kingdom. The form is older than the legend that attaches it to Andrew.

Links in the Atlas

No matching tradition. This form is not the sign of one church, saint or order in the Atlas, and none is assigned to it.

Sources and how they were checked

• The X-shaped cross tradition dates only from the Middle Ages; saltire on the flags of Scotland and the UK.

  The National Gallery, London — glossary, “Saint Andrew” · checked 2026-10-21

Not yet known or sourced

• Andrew is not yet a saint entry in the Atlas.