Meaning of the Maltese Cross
The eight points of the Maltese cross have many interpretations, connected to the Knights and to Christianity. However, today, the symbol has transcended these origins to represent universal concepts.
1. The eight Langues (or regions) from where the Knights Hospitaller hailed, including: Provence, Aragon, Auvergne, Castille, Portugal, Italy, Germany and England.
2. The eight points are also considered to represent the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights. These are:
3. For many Christians, the Maltese cross represents the eight beatitudes, recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.
4. A modern meaning given to the Maltese cross has nothing to do with the knights. Instead, the eight points symbolize eight characteristics of a good first aider. These are:
5. The Maltese cross symbolizes courage, honor, and bravery, due to its associations with the Knights. It represents ‘fighting the good fight’. Therefore the symbol is used around the world on medals of honor, in places such as Germany, Sweden, Poland and the Philippines. The Maltese cross is also a popular symbol for family crests and coat of arms.
6. The Maltese cross is sometimes used as the symbol of fire departments. As such, it represents bravery and courage in the face of adversity, with the aim of protecting and fighting for others. According to legend, the Saracens fought the Knights with glass bombs of naphtha, which lit and burnt the Knights alive. The Knights bravely battled to douse the fires and save their comrades. This led to the link between the Knights and the Maltese cross with the fighting of fire.
The eight points of the Maltese cross have many interpretations, connected to the Knights and to Christianity. However, today, the symbol has transcended these origins to represent universal concepts.
1. The eight Langues (or regions) from where the Knights Hospitaller hailed, including: Provence, Aragon, Auvergne, Castille, Portugal, Italy, Germany and England.
2. The eight points are also considered to represent the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights. These are:
- To live in truth
- To have faith
- To repent of one’s sins
- To be humble
- To be just
- To be merciful
- To be sincere
- To endure persecution
3. For many Christians, the Maltese cross represents the eight beatitudes, recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.
4. A modern meaning given to the Maltese cross has nothing to do with the knights. Instead, the eight points symbolize eight characteristics of a good first aider. These are:
- Observant – note the causes and signs of the injury
- Tactful – investigate the history of the case while winning the confidence of the patient and any others nearby
- Resourceful – use available resources to manage the situation as best as possible
- Dextrous – assist the patient without causing needless pain
- Explicit – give clear instructions to the patient and bystanders to help the patient
- Discriminating – assess the injuries and handle those that require immediate attention
- Persevering – keep persevering with the assistance, even if it appears unsuccessful
- Sympathetic – offer comfort to the patient and reduce suffering
5. The Maltese cross symbolizes courage, honor, and bravery, due to its associations with the Knights. It represents ‘fighting the good fight’. Therefore the symbol is used around the world on medals of honor, in places such as Germany, Sweden, Poland and the Philippines. The Maltese cross is also a popular symbol for family crests and coat of arms.
6. The Maltese cross is sometimes used as the symbol of fire departments. As such, it represents bravery and courage in the face of adversity, with the aim of protecting and fighting for others. According to legend, the Saracens fought the Knights with glass bombs of naphtha, which lit and burnt the Knights alive. The Knights bravely battled to douse the fires and save their comrades. This led to the link between the Knights and the Maltese cross with the fighting of fire.