Maltese Cross Meaning: Cross of Saint John

Also called the Cross of St. John, the Maltese Cross is a religious emblem once worn by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John. It is therefore a Christian cross among many others. It is often compared to the Iron Cross, which is conversely a German cross. Over the years, the meaning of the Cross of St. John has changed somewhat.

This is why we have written this article to help you know the origin and meaning of the Maltese Cross . You will therefore find:

• The meaning of the Maltese Cross

• The History of the Maltese Cross

• The difference between the Maltese Cross and the Iron Cross

• The Maltese Cross at the Christian Cross Boutique

Let's start the article now!

1) Maltese Cross Meaning

A. Maltese Cross Origin

Cross of St. John also known as: Maltese Cross , Cross Pattée, Amalfi Cross , Maltese Cross and Iron Cross . In heraldry it is called a Cross Pattée or Formy Cross. There are several variations of this design. When the arms meet at a central point, they produce a cross composed of four triangles. The triangle represents an arrow in heraldry, or the Holy Trinity in a Christian context.

An emblem of truth, humility, protection, honour and courage, the Maltese Cross is similar to a star. It is a cross with V-shaped ends . It was originally associated with the Knights Hospitaller of St John who were participating in the Crusades during the medieval period in 1126. The Knights went to Malta and carried this cross with them. They placed images of the cross all over the island of Malta on buildings, coins, forts and jewellery. It is a true emblem of the "Christian warrior".

The Maltese Cross emblem consists of an eight-nailed cross that has been around for quite a long time. It should not be confused with the Iron Cross, although they do resemble each other in some ways. It was originally worn by the Maltese Knights who used it as their special military badge. To them, it was a badge of many things. The Maltese Cross is a Catholic emblem adopted and worn by the Knights. Many similar crosses can be found on flags, coats of arms and other logos. However, it will always be most closely associated with these Mediterranean islands and their history.

B. Maltese Cross: Meaning of the eight points

The eight points of the Maltese Cross are also representative of the attributes corresponding to the Knights' Creed . As virtuous men, the Knights held above all the values ​​of self-esteem, sacred devotion, courage, reputation, love, fearlessness, loyalty, and humanitarianism. They entered battles outnumbered and outskilled. But they remained true to these characteristics no matter what.

The creed was truly a matter of life and death. " Eight " also signifies the number of European states that formed the single group of knights. These were Auvergne, England, Aragon, Castile, Provence, Italy, Germany and France.

C. Symbolic Maltese Cross

The eight nails of the cross represent both the homelands of the Knights Hospitaller and the eight obligations of the Knights. These obligations are: to be honest, to have faith, to repent of sins, to be humble, to strive for justice, to show mercy, to be unreserved, and to endure persecution. It was an emblem of courage and bravery . The badge demonstrated the strength of faith and commitment. ✠

D. Maltese Cross Operation

Today, the Maltese Cross can still be found everywhere in Malta . It is worn by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. To them, the eight points represent eight beatitudes that depict the ultimate purpose of human actions in the Christian faith. It is also found on Malta's tourism industry, sports teams and Air Malta.

The Maltese Cross is also found throughout the world . It is used by various militias to signify bravery. Germany, France, the Philippines, Sweden, and Poland all use the cross on their highest medals of honor. It is also inscribed on many coats of arms. The Maltese Cross is used in the medical field , as a logo for companies, and as a fraternity. The cross is still considered an emblem of honor and courage throughout the world.

E. Maltese Cross: Use of the symbol

The Maltese Cross, the iconic symbol of firefighters , has been passed down for over 1,000 years by the knights of the Crusades. Most fire engines, as well as many shirts, uniforms and badges worn by firefighters, bear the shape of the eight-nailed Maltese Cross with its familiar red circle and four sides.

The history of firefighting, and the honour with which the knights fought, is the basis of the code and emblem displayed by modern fire departments .

F. Maltese Cross Firefighter: the importance of the Cross for Firefighters

In the 11th century, a brave band of Jerusalem monks calling themselves the Brothers of St. John , or Hospitallers , became firefighters out of necessity. The men formed a charitable, non-military organization that helped the sick and poor by establishing hospices and hospitals. But when the wars began for control of the Holy Land, they aided the Knights of the Crusades with their goodwill. Inevitably drawn into battle, they became the Knights of St. John .

Later, when the order settled on the island of Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta, they continued to use their emblem , which became the Maltese Cross . Similar to what firefighters wear today . The cross is an emblem of protection and a badge of honor . It signifies that the firefighter is willing to give his life, as the Crusaders did many generations ago.

The Knights of St. John were also known for their care of the sick and wounded. Combined with their firefighting abilities, and the pride and honor they took in their work, the Maltese Cross seems an appropriate symbol of the modern fire service . Firefighting is a proud profession, and only a symbol of pride could exemplify the work of a firefighter.

2) Maltese Cross History

Although the Maltese Cross is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta, as well as Malta as a country, the emblem originates from Amalfi , which was an Italian republic in the 11th century. To understand the Maltese Cross, one must also understand the Maltese Knights.

A. History of Malta

In 870 AD, the Arabs conquered the islands before the Normans took their place. Over the next few centuries, ownership of the islands would pass from the disinterested Kingdom of Sicily to the Argaonese and, finally, to the Spanish. At this point, the history of Malta becomes a little more intriguing than simple conquest by competing powers. Charles V of Spain who was also the King of Sicily, gave the lands under his rule to a group of knights.

B. Knight of Malta: Order of the Knights of Saint John

Although this group was known as the "Order of the Knights of St. John" and has been given other names, they are not knights of the armor, helmet, sword and shield type. Rather, they were a Catholic military order created in 1048 to care for sick and wounded pilgrims to the Holy Land .

These knights, rightly considered the Knights of Malta , were quite religious in their military order. Which explains the use of the Christian cross in the first place. Each of the eight points of the cross symbolised one of the Christian beatitudes given to humanity by Jesus Christ. After centuries of displacement and attempts to establish themselves in Cyprus and Greece, the exhausted Order arrived in Sicily. Malta then offered little in the way of resources or interest outside of agriculture, so Charles V bequeathed two of the islands to the Knights in 1530.

The Knights of St. John quickly became known for risking their lives to save their comrades and put out fires. Often by smothering the flames with the long cloaks they wore. However, there was one major problem. In the heat of battle, completely encased in protective body and face armor, the warriors could not distinguish friend from foe. To solve this problem, they created an identifying emblem, a stylized Calvary cross, to wear over their armor. This cloak identified their allegiance and showed that they were fighting for a holy cause.

C. The Island of Malta: Cultural Change

Although they never intended to use the islands as a permanent base, the Knights (a group rather than a state or nation), ruled Malta for the next 268 years.

This period is widely considered to have transformed Malta into a martial and cultural centre of 18th-century Europe . Many of the country's most impressive and visited buildings were built during this golden age. Including the well-preserved fortifications that dot the coast and form the city walls. But perhaps their greatest achievement was the creation of Valletta . The current capital, a city built and which serves as an additional bulwark against Ottoman invasions.

D. Maltese Cross: Eight-Pointed Cross

One of the most obvious and enduring legacies of the Knights of Malta is undoubtedly the Maltese Cross being engraved on almost every souvenir from the country. A symmetrical eight-nailed cross made up of four arrowhead nails , usually white on a red background. It is this unique emblem that will designate something as "Maltese", from the airline to the football teams, to the logos of companies.

There are several interpretations of what the eight points mean , but the most common in our research is that each represents one of the eight languages ​​or nations of the Knights who formed the Order : Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castile and Portugal, Italy, Bavaria, and England. Or their eight common obligations: to live in truth , to have faith, to repent of sins, to give proof of humility, to love justice, to be merciful, to be sincere and without reserve, to endure persecution.

E. Maltese Cross Meaning for Knights

In 1136, the knights who wore the Maltese Cross became a fully militarized order. The knights were driven out of Syria, fleeing years of persecution by Islamic forces, and acquired Malta as a sovereign land from Charles V of Spain in 1530. It was at this time that the Maltese Cross took its current form. The eight nails of the cross are thought to represent the eight vows that the knights were required to uphold :

1. Living in truth
2. Have faith
3. Repent of sins
4. Showing humility
5. Love justice
6. Be merciful
7. Be sincere and have a whole heart
8. Enduring persecution

Although many countries and organizations around the world use crosses with a shape similar to the Maltese cross , the fact remains that the Maltese cross has a specific purpose! It should not be confused with other decorations or medals that have their own purpose.

F. Maltese Cross Emblems & Flags

MOST POPULAR ORGANIZATIONS THAT USE THE MALTESE CROSS

• The Maltese cross appears in the logo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
• St. John Ambulance. It is no surprise that the St. John Ambulance logo incorporates the cross used by the Knights Hospitaller.
• One interpretation of the pointed cross is that of four fish tails. The fish emblem was adopted by the early Christian Church and the design was long used as the Hospitaller cross and the Crusader's cross.

MILITARY MALTESE CROSS

This is where many military crosses inspired by the original Maltese Cross originated:

• Military Cross of Valor
• St. Florian's Cross
• War Cross
• Victoria Cross
• Eye Crossing
• Cross of Honor
• Knight's Cross
• Iron Cross
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Army Distinguished Service Cross

MALTESE CROSS ON FLAGS

The Maltese cross is featured on several municipal flags , including the Ukrainian flags of the Poltava Oblast, Rivne Oblast and Vinnytsia Oblast provinces. Other flags bearing the Maltese cross include:

• Flag of Amalfi
• Queensland flag
• Flag of Rivne
• Tianeti Flag, Georgia
• National flag of Malta

The Maltese cross has many similarities with the George Cross, also known as the Greek Cross. The civil ensign of Malta is a white Maltese cross on a red background. But the current national flag of Malta (right) bears a George Cross rather than a Maltese cross.

3) Difference between the "Maltese Cross" and the "Iron Cross"

The Iron Cross is quite often confused with the Maltese Cross . The shape of each cross evolved from the cross pattée. The Iron Cross retains the current shape of the cross pattée. The Maltese Cross however has deep V-shaped notches in each arm of the cross forming the eight-pointed cross of the Knights of Malta. The significant difference between the two remains in their meaning and place in history.

A. the Maltese Cross

The definition of a Maltese cross is a strict one: a cross made of four straight, pointed arrowheads, meeting in a nail. The ends of the arms are made of jagged "v"s. It is undoubtedly a Christian emblem . However, before examining the use of the cross described as "Maltese", it is worth reviewing the meaning of the cross.

THE MALTESE CROSS AN EMBLEM CHRISTIAN

The cross is a symbol adopted to remind Christians of the saving death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection (empty cross). It is also a fairly neutral emblem , often in the form of equal-sized arms, used in art because of the symmetry of the design. Even when used by Christians, Christian artists have been inspired to produce many variations on this theme. Christian countries have used the cross as the primary emblem of decorations awarded to those who have served the nation.

B. The Iron Cross

The Iron Cross was introduced in 1813 by Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm and designed by Karl Friedrich as a campaign medal awarded for acts of heroism, bravery and leadership. The original Iron Cross consisted of a blackened iron core in the shape of a cross pattée, surrounded by a two-part silver frame soldered together. The centre of the cross features a sprig of three oak leaves. While the upper arm bears the cipher FW (Frederic Willhelm) surmounted by the Prussian crown.

The Iron Cross , reintroduced during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71 and the First World War of 1914–1918, differed only slightly from the original. The face of the medal was altered by placing a W in the centre of the cross . The reverse of the medal was identical to that of the original Iron Cross.

IRON CROSS: A SYMBOL OF THE ARMY

For as long as man has had the capacity to understand religion, religious beliefs have played a significant role in wars and conflicts: from the Crusades, through the American Revolution, World War II, Vietnam, and present-day Iraq, including every battle in between.

Because of the impact of religious beliefs on military altercations, it seems only natural that religious symbolism would be used in military decorations of all types. With every battle fought for God and country, it makes sense that some of the world's most honorable military decorations and awards would contain emblems religious. The Iron Cross , although used in several variations, is the most widely used religious symbol in military decoration .

Of all the military crosses , the most popular is the German Iron Cross. Thanks to the negative impact that Adolf Hitler left on civilization, the Iron Cross has become somewhat tainted. Before Hitler, it had always been a glorious medal that represented bravery and heroism. It seems to be making a comeback as a symbol of bravery and individualism in recent decades. Adolf Hitler reintroduced the Iron Cross for the last time on September 1, 1939. Once again, the decoration of the cross was changed. The numeral W was replaced by the swastika, and the lower arm by the date 1939. The reverse only bears the introduction date of 1813 on the lower arm.

IRON CROSS MILITARY CLASSIFICATIONS

There are three classifications of the Iron Cross : the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the Iron Cross First Class, and the Iron Cross Second Class. The crosses of each class are identical, the designation between them is the manner in which they are worn. The Grand Cross was slightly larger than the First and Second Class crosses and was worn around the neck from a ribbon. The Iron Cross First Class was either a pinned medal or a screw medal worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform. The Iron Cross Second Class was worn suspended from a ribbon on the left side of the recipient's uniform.

The 1939 version of the Iron Cross was awarded in seven grades:

1. Iron Cross, Second Class
2. Iron Cross 1st Class
3. Knights of the Iron Cross
4. Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
5. Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
6. Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds
7. Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

It is unfortunate that the Iron Cross is not held in as high esteem as these other medals...

C. Iron Cross Biker

Many today believe that the Iron Cross no longer has such a negative association with it. It was brought into the mainstream, ironically, by bikers and more specifically by helicopter manufacturers and horse riders. Today, most of them believe that the Iron Cross is the insignia of their membership in the helicopter world and that it is also a symbol of courage and freedom .

It should be worn with pride. Brave, risky and daring behavior has led to variations: the St. John's Cross has become popular with fans of hot rods, rockabilly and the rock'n'roll scene in general. Various names, one of the most popular being Biker's Cross. We have another cross for you to discover, the Celtic Cross.

4) The “Maltese Cross” at the Christian Cross Boutique

Now you know the origin and meaning of the Maltese Cross . You also know that it is very different from the Iron Cross. The eight nails of the Maltese cross each have their own meaning: self-esteem, sacred devotion, courage, reputation, love, fearlessness, loyalty and humanitarianism. If all these qualities inspire you, you can adopt and symbolize them by wearing Maltese Cross jewelry.

If you loved this kind of article on the meaning of Christian crosses, feel free to take a look at our library, to see all our articles. On this subject, we have an excellent article on the meaning of the Celtic cross .

Find jewelry in the image of the Maltese cross in various formats including: rings, bracelets or pendants. Our collection of Maltese cross jewelry is made up of several materials ranging from steel, silver or leather. You will find jewelry that has been precision-crafted to best represent the Maltese cross. Don't wait any longer and visit our online store!