Lauburu

The Basque cross, known as Lauburu, was selected as the logo and name for Lauburu Languages for its importance to its founder, Isabel Ruiz, who hails from the Basque Country in Northern Spain.

This ancient Celtic symbol has been utilized in the Basque region since 200 BC and appears in various other ancient cultures. In Basque, Lauburu translates to "four heads," and as noted by Basque intellectual Imanol Mujica, it symbolizes the natural elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

At the center of the Lauburu, the Eguskilore, a mountain thistle flower, represents the sun and signifies protection and a connection to nature within Basque folklore.

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To the sides of the Lauburu with the lettering there are two acorns and an oak leaf stating the traditional tree in the Basque Country and its worship by the Basque people as it was the Gernika oak tree, symbol of the Basque liberties. 

The logo's colors were intentionally chosen to represent the green landscape of the Bay of Biscay, the blue of the sea, the brown of the oak tree (the traditional tree of the Basque Country), and the yellow of the sun.

Additionally, the Eguskilore's twelve leaves symbolizing the months of the year, with three corresponding to each of the four seasons, harmonizing with nature.

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Isabel Ruiz designed the present logo in July 2025 to substitute the former and more traditional Lauburu logo since 2012 to personalise further more the links of Basque symbols with the wider world and languages. 

The Lauburu and Languages links. The four elements of nature represented in the Lauburu symbol are linked to the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

The Eguskilore and languages links. The flower of the sun embodies the passion and motivation and willpower needed to learn a language and develop these four skills.

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The oak leaf and acorns. Besides being a traditional tree in the Basque landscape and culture, it also symbolizes the wisdom and knowledge that learning a language can provide you. Learning a language improves your cognitive and mental function, besides promoting your social life and confidence. ​

Interestingly, Yorkshire shares many cultural traits with the Basque Country, including ancient stone carvings on Ilkley Moor that may have similar meanings to the Lauburu symbol. At Lauburu Languages, we believe that cultures have more in common than differences, as reflected in the similarities between Basque traditional dancing and Morris dancing. While I take pride in my Basque heritage, the Spanish language and culture I teach encompass not just Spain but the entire Spanish-speaking world.