Maltese Cross Meaning Symbol

The cross itself however carried significant meaning for hundreds of years before it traveled to this tiny island.

Maltese cross meaning symbol. Germany france the philippines sweden and poland all use the cross on their highest medals of honor. The original maltese cross firefighter s symbol along with its variations are thus displayed on the coats of firemen in several countries. The maltese cross remains the symbol of the sovereign military order of malta which is still in existence and active as an international organisation for medical and humanitarian aid today. After world war ii the medal was discontinued but neo nazis and other white supremacists subsequently adopted it as a hate symbol and it has been a commonly used hate symbol ever since.

During the 1930s the nazi regime in germany superimposed a swastika on the traditional medal turning it into a nazi symbol. Sympathetic that he may give real comfort and encouragement to the suffering the maltese cross remains the symbol of the sovereign military order of malta of the order of saint john and its allied orders of the venerable order of saint john and of their various service organisations. The symbolic meaning of the maltese cross the knights of malta used the maltese cross to derive their knight s creed. Given that its origin lies in the heroic firefighting acts of the knights the cross is viewed as a symbol of courage bravery strength and determination.

Maltese cross the symbolic meaning the eight points of the maltese cross meaning are also representative of attributes corresponding with the knights creed. The maltese cross is a cross symbol consisting of four v or arrowhead shaped concave quadrilaterals converging at a central vertex at right angles two tips pointing outward symmetrically. As virtuous men the knights held the values of self esteem holy devotion courage reputation love fearlessness loyalty and humanitarianism above all else. The maltese cross is also used in the medical field as logos for companies fraternities and sports clubs around the world.

It is a heraldic cross variant which developed from earlier forms of eight pointed crosses in the 16th century. The maltese cross had its origins during the crusades symbolizing the knights of that period. This means that they would refer to the eight points of the maltese cross to recite each of the lines in their doctrine. The iron cross is a famous german military medal dating back to the 19th century.

It was adopted by the early knights of malta as a design for their shields because it was perfect for riding horses into battle without being too bulky and cumbersome. As part of its present day teachings the cross represents eight beatitudes or blessings.