The Swiss cross is a symbol that comes from the Holy Roman Empire. It was a symbol used by Swiss soldiers in battle in the 14th century to distinguish themselves from enemy soldiers; it was sewn onto armor before battle. Later, the cross began to appear on Swiss weapons and banners. The white cross also represents a connection to Christianity, the most popular religion in Switzerland. While there is a debate as to what the red in the Swiss flag symbolizes, theories are that it represents the blood of Christ or that it was taken from the old flag of the canton of Bern.