Symbols

The official symbol of the Waldensian Church is a candle positioned over an open Bible. The historical motto written above the symbol is “Lux Lucet in Tenebris” (A Light Shining in the Darkness).

Also very popular among Italian and South American Waldensians, is the Huguenot cross: the symbol of the French (Huguenot) reformation who endured severe persecution. The most tragic event occurred during the night between the 23rd and 24th of August 1572, known in history as the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.

The Huguenot cross is a Maltese cross whose arms are connected; a dove is hung at the base which expresses faith in the Holy Spirit. According to some traditions, at one point in time, there was a tear shaped crystal in place of the dove, to remember the suffering inflicted upon the Huguenots.