The Three XXX of Amsterdam

The Stories Behind XXX

If you keep your eyes open in Amsterdam you will probably discover it: everywhere in the city you can find three vertical positioned X’s. On street pillars, walls, buildings or on the street. Sometimes they are more, sometimes less hidden, so that you could almost start a treasure hunt to find the xxx.

But what is the meaning behind this symbol? Why is there so much discussion about its meaning?

Let’s first step into history to look at one of the theories about the origin of the symbol of Amsterdam.

In the medieval period, fishing was the main source of income. The three xxx of Amsterdam already appeared at that time, especially on the flags of ships. St. Andrew’s crosses were probably chosen as a symbol for the christian city, as St. Andrew was not only one of Jesus’ apostles, but also a fisherman before that. This type of cross bears his name because he suffered martyrdom on such a cross.

This meaning is still quite simple; there is no great interpretation in it yet. However, if we stay in the past, we see that Amsterdam, like other large European cities, has been marked by catastrophes. Firstly, there were the floods, which have always been a huge danger to Amsterdam because the city lies a few meters below sea level. Secondly, there were the large fires, which spread very quickly in Amsterdam due to the architecture of the houses. They have always been built wall to wall and partly with wood. Therefore, nothing could stop the fire. Then there was the pest, a.k.a the Black Death, which claimed the lives of many people in the medieval ages, especially in the cities. Many believe that these three catastrophes are the meaning behind the crosses. Not only behind the crosses, but also behind the colors of the coat of arms of Amsterdam: black, for the plague, red, for fire and white, for water.

Although this is the most common interpretation of the coat of arms, there is much debate about it and some tend to believe other theories. For many claim that one of the crosses could not represent the pest at all, as it took place decades before the symbol appeared.

Therefore, it is also said that one of the landlords of Amsterdam at that time simply chose these crosses as his coat of arms. The colors in the background are said to symbolize the Amstel.

After the Second World War, another meaning was added to the coat of arms in 1946: The motto “bold, determined, merciful” would henceforth exist for the city, with the permission of the Queen of the Netherlands.

Today, many people, especially young people, interpret the three xxx of Amsterdam in a completely different way. This is probably due to the image of the Dutch capital and it’s famous red light district. Let’s face it: by now it’s clear what we’re talking about. Many people associate the symbol with the city’s sex scene. However, these people probably don’t know the incredibly interesting and mysterious history of this magical city – but that should be changed very quickly!

What do you think is the right meaning behind the three crosses of Amsterdam? Have you ever discovered them in the city when you were there?

If not: keep your eyes open! Who can find the most crosses?

Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!