Maltese Cross Significance
11th 13th centuries it was the symbol of a prominent military and religious order.
Maltese cross significance. The maltese cross has its roots in crusader crosses and was originally the symbol of the republic of amalfi italy in the 11th century. It is a heraldic cross variant which developed from earlier forms of eight pointed crosses in the 16th century. Maltese crosses are usually black and white or red and white. The definition of a maltese cross is one which conforms to a strict definition a cross of made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads meeting at their points with the ends of the arms consisting of indented v s is without doubt a christian symbol.
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. Since many second generations linked this symbol to the enemy adolf hitler the younger generation found the perfect tool to show their rebellion. John now the. During the crusades c.
The original coptic cross has its origin in the coptic ankh. The maltese cross meaning has many significances including the one of courage and bravery among their knights to set in stone their commitment. The maltese cross it is universally agreed that the four arms of the cross stand for the four cardinal virtues namely. Maltese cross meaning bikers the maltese cross harley parts began to appear as a motorcycle sign in the mid 1960s.
Most people usually confuse the maltese cross and the iron cross. As part of its present day teachings the cross represents eight beatitudes or blessings. Maltese cross the symbolic meaning the eight points of the maltese cross meaning are also representative of attributes corresponding with the knights creed. Although chiefly associated with the knights hospitaller order of st.
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. New coptic cross this new coptic cross is the cross currently used by the coptic catholic church and the coptic orthodox church of alexandria. As depicted in rudolf koch s the book of signs 1933. For the eight points and the meanings given is not so straight forward.
The knights of the order of st. The cross itself however carried significant meaning for hundreds of years before it traveled to this tiny island. Also called a crux ansata meaning cross with a handle. Prudence temperance justice and fortitude.
As virtuous men the knights held the values of self esteem holy devotion courage reputation love fearlessness loyalty and humanitarianism above all else. Various authorities give differing.