A saltire, also called Saint Andrew's Cross or the crux decussata, [ 1 ] is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross. The word comes from the Middle French sautoir, Medieval Latin saltatoria (" stirrup "). [ 2 ]

According to tradition, St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which has come to symbolize his sacrifice. This unique cross shape, known as the saltire, represents his devotion and the manner of his death. St.