Maltese Cross Meaning In The Fire Service
Florian cross is oftentimes confused for the maltese cross.
Maltese cross meaning in the fire service. According to many websites we need to go back to 1113 ad. The maltese cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. John fought the saracens for possessi on of the holy land they encountered a new weapon unknown to european warriors. Maltese cross the maltese cross is an eight point symbol which originated during the crusades.
The badge of a fire fighter is the maltese cross. When fire was used against the knights of st. Often confused with the maltese cross the florian cross is what a majority of fire departments use. Its story is hundreds of years old it goes on to say the st.
The cross represents the fire service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires. Learn more about the history of the firefighter s maltese cross the maltese cross is used throughout the fire service in the united states as a symbol of honor courage and dedication. What does the maltese cross represent. The badge of a fireman is the st.
Florian cross oftentimes mistakenly called the maltese cross. There are eight points on the maltese cross each point symbolizing one the beatitudes given by jesus christ. John in a battle on the island of malta they banded together to fight the flames and rescue the injured. Fast forward to today the time honored maltese cross is being worn by the men and women of the fire service as a badge of honor on their uniforms all across the country.
When a courageous band of crusaders known as knights of st. It carries the same eight point structure as the maltese cross but has rounded edges. Many people ask us what the connection is between the fire service and that maltese cross. The maltese cross is the very familiar red center circle with four shapes emanating from the center.
But where did it come from and how did it transform into the symbol of the firefighter. They were later said to be awarded a badge of honor similar to the maltese cross. Firefighting is a proud profession and only a symbol of pride would exemplify the work of a firefighter. The insignia of the fire service is the cross pattee nowy otherwise known as the maltese cross.