The Maltese Cross: How It Became The Symbol For Firerfighters

firedogjewelry — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:58:59 +0000

Interesting Note:

Many of the words we use today when talking about emergency services are derivatives of names used by historical groups and figures during the Christan Crusades.

Origins Of The Maltese Cross

The Maltese cross is the symbol of a Christian organization known as the Knights Hospitaller. The group was orginally founded as an Almafi hospital in Jerusalem for the purpose of tending to poor, sick, or injured pilgrims of the holy land. Sometime in the late 1000′s, the Knights Hospitaller because a military order, charged with the defense of the Holy Land.

However, the Maltese Cross didn’t originate as the symbol of the Knights, but rather the symbol of the Amalfi, a small Itiallian republic of the 11th century.

The Shape Of The Maltese Cross

This is an example of the Maltese Cross accentuating the 8 pointed shape

The Maltese Cross is an 8 pointed figure, with 4 triangular shapped “V”s comming together in the center. Each triangle is notched at it’s base, forming two distinct points.

Each point on the Maltese Cross has a specific meaning, symbolizing different aspects of the virtue of courage:

1. Loyalty
2. Piety
3. Frankness
4. Bravery
5. Glory and honour
6. Contempt of death
7. Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
8. Respect for the church

Entities Using The Maltese Cross As Their Symbol

According to Wikipedia:

The Maltese cross remains the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and other Orders of St John, and St. John Ambulance.
In Australia the Maltese Cross is part of the state emblem of Queensland.
In the United Kingdom, the Maltese Cross is the symbol used by Rifle Regiments, and has been incorporated into the badges of virtually all rifle units, including the amalgam, The Royal Green Jackets.
The first postmark employed for the cancellation of the then new postage stamps in the 1840s was the shape of a Maltese cross and named accordingly.
The Maltese cross also forms the basis for the design of the Order of the Bath.
The Maltese cross is also the symbol of Neath Rugby Football Club in Neath, Wales.
In Sweden a Maltese Cross forms the basic form for all Royal Orders, such as Order of Seraphim and the Order of the Sword.
In Australia the Maltese Cross forms the logo for South Australian Ambulance Service logos.
It is considered one of the National symbols of Malta and used to be depicted on the two mils coin of the island prior to the removal of that denomination from circulation. It is now shown on the back of the one and two Euro coins which Malta introduced in January 2008.

Firefighters and the Maltese Cross

Example of our custom maltese cross designer software

When a courageous band of crusaders known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but a horrible device of war, it wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracen’s weapon was fire.

As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.

Thus, these men became our first firefighter and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each here a badge of honor – a cross similar to the one firefighter’s wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter’s badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage – a ladder rung away from death.

Firedog Custom Maltese Cross Pendants

Our custom designed pendants pay tribute to the rich history of bravery and valor rooted deeply in our fireman. They are the perfect gift for showing appreciation for the work these courageous men and women do to keep us safe, and the firefigher in your life will be proud to wear it.