All You Ever Wanted to Know About That Ring in "Casablanca"
Updated: 2 days ago
Via apparel and accessories, honor your fandom of the iconic film and the real-life symbolism within this famed jewelry design.
Classic-film fans know this early scene in 1942's Casablanca all too well: Soon after Victor Laszlo and Ilsa Lund — played by Paul Henreid and Ingrid Bergman — arrive for an evening at Rick's Cafe Américain, they're approached by a gentleman who, like many in the Moroccan coastal city, seems to be selling something valuable so he can raise funds for an exit visa that will allow him to emigrate to America.
Or is he? Berger, played by the great character actor John Qualen — also seen in films that include His Girl Friday, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Devil and Daniel Webster — looks as though he is trying to sell the couple a ring, but his true motive is to establish a connection. He quickly gets Victor's attention by flashing a symbol hidden inside the ring, as the top lifts via a hinge to reveal a Cross of Lorraine embedded beneath. That symbol instantly piques Victor's interest, and a quiet conversation ensues about an upcoming meeting of French-Resistance members. The arrival at the table of Capt. Renault, played by Claude Rains, instantly breaks up the meeting, but both Victor and Berger have exchanged enough information to carry their plans forward.
It's notable that Casablanca was released in November 1942, the height of World War II, when France and England were battling Germany's air attacks and occupation, and the United States had become an active ally less than a year prior. All of which is to say, a greater awareness of the Cross of Lorraine's meaning may have been decidedly clear among moviegoers then, vs. its more obscure place today in history books and Wikipedia pages. Designed as a double cross, featuring one vertical line intersected by two horizontal lines that have been graded so the top line is slightly shorter than a parallel line positioned directly underneath, the Cross of Lorraine most prominently dates to the 15th century, when Joan of Arc carried a banner featuring the design. The Dukes of Anjou in northwestern France likewise adopted the Cross of Lorraine, while its origins also can be traced back as far as the 12th century, always with a nod toward independence. Throughout these three centuries and beyond, royalty, religion, and battles over territorial power all became intertwined with the Cross of Lorraine, which became a widely regarded rallying cry and symbol of victory for both Hungary and France.
Flash-forward to 1940, when the territory of Alsace-Lorraine in northeastern France was annexed to Germany; throughout World War II this region would become central to occupation conflicts. It was during the initial phases of this territorial back-and-forth that Free French Forces decided the Cross of Lorraine would become the symbol of France's Resistance movement; most significantly, it was a direct response to the Nazi swastika and exemplified the essence of liberation from Hitler's oppression. The Cross of Lorraine soon would find its way onto French warships and aircraft as a resistance motif, while General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French movement during World War II, likewise embraced the cross's symbolism in battle. A memorial to de Gaulle's legacy still stands in his home village of Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, a commune located in France's Champagne region, and indeed includes an oversized Cross of Lorraine symbol. Today the motif endures as a rallying cry for freedom and liberation.
With all of this inspiration and history in mind, we went in search of rings and other items that highlight Cross of Lorraine symbolism and are readily available today. It turns out plenty of items can be purchased via both Amazon and Etsy; we've included a few below, but you're also encouraged to seek out Cross of Lorraine items that speak to either your love of Casablanca, your design tastes, or your desire to embrace the symbolism at the heart of a design that extends back almost a thousand years.
Finally, next time you watch Casablanca, think about Berger's Cross of Lorraine, not only seen within the flash of a ring in an early scene of the film, but especially when Henreid's Victor says to Humphrey Bogart's Rick at the film's end, "Welcome back to the fight. This time, I know our side will win."
Cross of Lorraine Apparel and Accessories
Featuring a variety of sizes and finishes for both men and women, this signet-style ring available on Amazon highlights a Cross of Lorraine that's nearly identical to the cross motif seen in Casablanca. It's also a terrific price for a piece of costume jewelry, just $13.99.
The Cross of Lorraine is someone subtle on this unisex hoodie, which blends 80-percent cotton with 20-percent polyester and is machine-washable. It's also available in a variety of colors — though the embroidered cross is only available in red — and is well-priced at $30.99 on Amazon.
This piece is priced at only $6.99 and is perfect for anyone who loves to adorn a denim jacket or other fashion items with symbols that represent their style. Crafted of twill, the piece measures 3 inches x 2.50 inches. Available on Amazon.
Created by jewelry designer Ezi Zino, this unisex pendant is crafted of brass and 925 sterling silver in a medallion style that's also been oxidized to allow the Cross of Lorraine to stand out against a background that evokes thoughts of a military dog tag. Note: The chain is not included. Available on Amazon for $89.
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