Camargue Cross (Cross of the Cowherds)

The Camargue Cross is the emblem of the church of Saints Maries-des-la-mer* in Camargue, in the South of France. This unusual cross is composed of three emblems, an anchor, a cross, and a heart, traditional emblems of the three cardinal virtues of hope, faith, and charity, respectively.
The unusual shape of the upper cross is representative of the trident-shaped tool used by the Gardians, the ubiquitous bull-herders (cowboys) who make up a large part of Camargue’s cultural legacy. The anchor does double duty, symbolizing the fishermen of the region. 

*Literally, “Marys of the Sea.” The local tradition is a holdover from twelfth century legends of the voyages of the three Marys of the New Testament- Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary, sister of Lazarus, and Mary Magdalen.