The symbolism of the sign of the cross in the XIII century crusader sermons

The tradition of taking the cross to become a crusader goes back to the First Crusade. Actually there are several significant studies that are dedicated to the tradition of taking the cross and the ideas associated with it. In this paper we are trying to study the ideas associated with the cross of the crusaders in the sermons written to preach the cross to the Holy Land in the XIII century. The main material is represented by the works of James of Vitry, Humbert of Romans, Eudes of Châteauroux and Gilbert of Tournai.