Maltese Cross Meaning Firefighter

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.

Maltese cross meaning firefighter. John during the crusades to help identify their order on the field of battle. 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. Today firefighters across the country wear the time honored. During the crusades many knights became fire fighters out of necessity.

The maltese cross firefighters. It was adopted by the knights hospitallers of st. It is a heraldic cross variant which developed from earlier forms of eight pointed crosses in the 16th century. While it s not really there for aesthetic appeal this emblem has a very rich history and it symbolized an elite group of people that have dedicated their lives to serve their everyone in need.

The maltese cross has 8 points. John in 1126 who ruled the maltese islands from 1530 to 1798 and became known as the knights of malta. Michael foster in his history of the maltese cross defines a maltese cross as one made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads meeting at their points with the ends of the arms consisting of indented v s 2 in some sources this is actually known as a cross patee nowy pattee nowee. The maltese cross is a symbol of protection.

The maltese cross is an eight pointed cross that was adopted by the knights of malta also known as the knights of st. The cross was later called the maltese cross and represented the principles of charity loyalty chivalry gallantry generosity to friend and foe protection of the weak and dexterity in service. It means that the fire fighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their. It means that the firefighter that wears it is willing to protect and lay down his own life for the safety of his brother just as the crusaders did centuries ago.

These knights were known for their courageous acts often endangering their own lives to help and care for others that were injured on the battlefield. Maltese crosses are usually black and white or red and white. The legend of the maltese cross grew as it became associated with the admirable qualities of loyalty bravery and defender of the weak. In particular the knights became known for.

This is the story that this symbol of chivalry has to tell and bring to. If you take a look at almost any fire apparatus today you re likely to see the maltese cross. The maltese cross has its roots in crusader crosses and was originally the symbol of the republic of amalfi italy in the 11th century.