The Maltese Cross A symbol of courage in Malta and all across the globe
Renowned worldwide, the Maltese Cross is the symbol of the Knights of Malta or the Knights Hospitaller, as they are also known.
The Knights Hospitaller are hugely associated with the tiny island of Malta. The knights were essentially an order of Christian warriors and their legacy on the Maltese Islands can be seen and felt almost in every corner of the islands.
The Maltese Cross is one of the national symbols of Malta and representations and variations of it can be seen all across the islands. It is also shown on the back of the one and two Euro coins. (Malta joined the Euro Zone in 2008).
The Knights of Malta were originally a group of monks attached to a hospice to aid pilgrims. With time, these monks began to offer armed escort to travellers since the Syrian territory was highly dangerous during that period.
With the success of the First Crusade, these monks were transformed into a fully fledged military order.
What does the cross of Malta look like?
The Malta cross has eight points and takes the form of four "V" shaped arms, joining together at the tips.
Each arm has two points.
The design is said to be based on similar crosses which were used during the First Crusade.
This type of cross was also the symbol of Amalfi which was an Italian republic of the 11th century.
For this reason, the cross is sometimes also referred to as the Amalfi Cross.
So what is the meaning of the Maltese Cross?
The points of the cross symbolize the eight points of courage. These points are:
Loyalty
Piety
Bravery
Generosity
Contempt of death
Glory and honour
Helpfulness towards the sick and poor
Respect for the church
The Order of St. John's main service organisation, St John Ambulance has nowadays applied other meanings to the points and for them the points showcase the top traits that a good first aider should have. A good first aider should be:
Observant
Tactful
Dextrous
Explicit
Resourceful
Discriminating
Persevering
Sympathetic
The Malta Cross Today
Today, the Maltese Cross is one of the national symbols of Malta, the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Order of St. John and St. John Ambulance.
In more recent years, the Malta cross has been adopted by various other organizations and entitities all across the globe.
Many variations of the cross exist and one can find various websites offering
related clipart and photos.
The cross features on the flag and coat of arms of Queensland in Australia. The cross of Malta is also represented on many ambulance services in Australia.
In Spain, the cross is the symbol of the military Medical Corps. In the U.K., the cross is the symbol used by Rifle Regiments. It's also the symbol of Neath Rugby Football Club in Wales.
Motorcyle clubs all across the U.S.A. often include the Malta Cross in their insignia. Many of them include a variation of it, which is known as the Cross pattee. Also in the U.S.A., the cross is hugely popular with fire departments and is incorporated in their insignia.
However, the Fire Department Maltese Cross used by the U.S. fire departments is essentially a
Florian Cross.
St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. The Florian Cross is often mistakingly referred to as the Maltese Cross. If you're looking for related firefighters jewelry, apparel and accessories, click
here.
The cross is also widely popular as a tattoo design and the fascination with
Malta Cross Tattoos
spans practically all across the globe!
Stunning Jewelry!
Over the years, the allure of the cross of Malta has made it a much sought after jewelry item.
Check out our selection of the best
Maltese Cross Jewelry
you'll find online.
Looking for beautiful Malta Cross necklaces that you can buy online? We've selected the best there are on the net!
Go to our
Pendants
page, browse around, compare prices and get your perfect necklace!
Maybe you've been looking for the ideal bracelet for you or your partner ... Check out our fantastic
collection of bracelets here.
Don't forget to browse our
Earrings
section, for a selection of the most beautiful earrings you can buy online.
If you like cool rings, then go to our
Rings
page for a collection of the top favorites!
Maltese Cross Accessories
Do you want to accessorize your motorcycle or bicycle with some of the coolest mirrors around?
Check out our selection of
short and long stem mirrors
today!
Shopping for decals? Have a look at our
decals
page for a vast assortment of stunning decals suitable for men and women. While you're there be sure to browse the Firefighter decals' section!
How about getting a cool Maltese Cross Belt Buckle? Check out our fab selection at the
Belt Buckles Section,
for the top favorites!
Curious how much a typical hotel in Malta would cost you? Click here to find out.
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