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Home > History Of The Maltese Cross
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maltesehistoryshort
History Of The Maltese Cross
The Maltese cross is known around the world as a symbol of
the fire service. It is often seen painted on fire trucks, on the clothing
of firefighters, depicted on firefighters badges, and is quite often the chosen
design of firefighter tattoos. So where did the Maltese cross come from,
and how did it get to be known as a symbol of the fire service?
The Maltese cross is named after the island of Malta, which came to be the
home of the Knights of St. John. The Knights of St. John existed during the
11th and 12 centuries. The armor worn by the Knights covered their entire
bodies as well as their faces. Because of this it was often difficult for
the knights to recognize one another during battle. They realized they would
need some type of symbol that could be used to quickly and easily identify
them selves. They chose the Cross of Calvary, which would later be known as
the Maltese cross. During the Crusades, the enemies of the nights commonly
used fire as a weapon. It was quite common for a Knight to have to risk his
own life to save another Knight or extinguish a fire.
The Knights of St. John were also known for their care of the sick and injured.
Combined with their abilities to fight fires, and the pride and honor they
took in their work, the Maltese cross seems a fitting symbol of the modern
fire service. Firefighting is a proud profession, and only a symbol of pride
would exemplify the work of a firefighter.
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