Each of the eight points of the Order’s white cross symbolise one of the eight Beatitudes according to the Gospel of Matthew, as well as one of the eight foundational virtues of the Order: loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, honour and glory, contempt for death, solidarity towards the poor and the sick, and respect for the Church.
From Ancient Origins
The white, eight-pointed cross, used by the Sovereign Order of Malta since its foundation in Jerusalem over 900 years ago, has an ancient history. It is of Byzantine origin and probably dates back to the sixth century A.D. Some scholars believe it was the Normans who brought it to Amalfi, in southern Italy. Some coins confirm that the ancient maritime republic had been using the eight-pointed cross since 1080. It was therefore natural for the monks who ran the Amalfitan hospital in Jerusalem for pilgrims arriving in the Holy Land to adopt this symbol. This hospital and the small group of monks, led by Fra’ Gerard, gave life to the Order of St. John.
Following this, from around 1090 onwards, the eight-pointed cross was often referred to as the ‘Cross of St. John’. After the Kingdom of Jerusalem ended, the Order of St John moved first to Rhodes (in 1310), and then to Malta (in 1530), where the symbol became referred to as the ‘Cross of Malta’ or the ‘Maltese cross’.
Over the centuries the cross was adopted by many orders of chivalry and inserted in the coats of arms of military regiments and orders of civil merit. Many European municipalities use the eight-pointed cross in their coat of arms, often to stress historical links with the Order of St John. Today, the white Maltese cross is legitimately used by the Sovereign Order of Malta and the other Orders recognised within the Alliance of the Orders of St John.
However, this same cross is present in numerous buildings and churches, in particular on the Maltese archipelago. It is also featured on the Euro coins issued by the Republic of Malta, as well as stamps, and an array of artistic works.
To the Cross of the Order of Malta today
Not only is the white eight-pointed cross still the symbol of the Order of Malta’s healthcare and social assistance activities, but it is also clearly visible on the ceremonial conventual dress of the Order’s Knights and Dames worldwide.
Today, the white cross is featured on many items of the Order, including the flag of the Order’s work, the flag of His Highness the Grand Master, the Sovereign Order of Malta’s armorial bearing, the red shield emblem of the Order’s works, among numerous others.
To the Order, the eight points symbolise several things, including the eight Beatitudes according to Saint Matthew, and the eight virtues a Member of the Order must possess, and the eight “Lingue” (national/language groupings)* of the Order.
The eight Beatitudes according to Saint Matthew:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
- Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. (Verse 4)
- Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
- Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
- Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
- Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
- Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
- Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)
The eight virtues that a Member of the Order must possess:
- Loyalty
- Piety
- Honesty
- Courage
- Honour and glory.
- Contempt for death.
- Solidarity towards the poor and the sick.
- Respect for the Church.
The eight “Lingue” (national/language groupings)* of the Order’s members, namely:
- Auvergne
- Provence
- France
- Aragon
- Castile and Portugal.
- Italy
- Germany
- England (including Scotland and Ireland).
*For centuries, the Order’s Langue system grouped members according to national-linguistic identities. In 1834, national associations took the place of the old Langue system. To read more about the ‘Langues’ see: https://www.orderofmalta.int/history/the-ancient-languages-of-the-order
