The History of the "Maltese Cross"

One can easily find a hundred web sites that will tell you that the symbol of the fire service comes from the "Knights of Malta" and their battles with Ottoman pirates or the Saracens. The story says that these knights had a cross on their tunics and that the Saracens used fire as a weapon. There were many knights who risked their lives to save their comrades or structures from the fires. But there is much more to the story than that.

There is evidence that the current emblem bears little resemblance to this cross. However that does not mean that it wasn't originally based upon the "Maltese Cross". Perhaps it has just evolved and adopted parts of other icons as well. Is the "cross of St. Florian" one design that may have influenced the current shape?

For over 25 years I have heard the story of the "Maltese Cross" and the icon or symbol associated with the fire service. The story, as it is usually told, involves the Medieval “Knights of Malta” and a battle that involved the use of fire as a weapon. The story usually goes on to say that these knights wore a cross upon their tunics, as was the custom of most crusader nights. There are many web sites, belonging to fire departments and fire buffs that are more than happy to repeat this story. Some go into great detail while others just hit the high points. It appears that, at least, one version has been copied, verbatim, to countless web pages. A short while ago someone emailed me with a question about it. It seems that this person actually knew something about heraldry and the story did not add up. I did some research and the "answer" surprised me. But, as one looks into it deeper, more questions than answers arise.

These “Knights of Malta”.

OK, there were "Knights of Malta." In fact they still exist, although, this was not their actual name. A more proper name might have been, “Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller.” This was a Benedictine order of monks that was founded around 1100 AD. They maintained a hospital in Jerusalem for pilgrims after the first crusade. But soon after that their mission became that of defense and they later became a military order under it's own charter, charged with the care of and defense of the holy land and pilgrims. After the loss of the holy land, (Jerusalem fell in 1187) this military order resided in several places. These locations include Rhodes and Malta. It is because of the many places they occupied, that to this day they are known as, “The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta” (abbreviated SMOM). A small sovereign piece of land in Rome is said to house the remaining knights of this order. These knights were a major military force for hundreds of years.

What about the fire?

The use of fire as a weapon became popular during the crusades. Skill in glass blowing and other technologies made it possible to hurl flammable liquids or, what we today call, “Molotov Cocktails” down upon enemies attacking your battlements. The Knights of St. John were undoubtedly involved in such battles. Some of the more famous battles probably involved the Saracens. The Saracens used fire in many ways. Besides throwing fire bombs, they would sail vessels containing flammables into crusader’s ships. Many knights were reported to be courageous and heroic in their attempts to rescue their fellow knights in such battles.

More about Malta.

On August 15, 1309 the knights captured the island of Rhodes. A more famous order of military knights was the “Knights Templar”. This order was dissolved in 1312 and most of its property was given to the Hospitallers. Now known as “The Knights of Rhodes” they were forced to become a more militarized force, fighting especially with the Barbary pirates. They withstood two invasions in the 15th century, one by the Sultan of Egypt in 1444 and another by Mehmed II in 1480, who after the fall of Constantinople made the Knights a priority target.

In 1522 an entirely new threat arrived from turkey, when 400 ships under the command of “Suleman (Suleiman) The Magnificent” brought 200,000 men to Rhodes. To repel this force the knights had only the walls of the city and about 7000 men. The resulting siege lasted six months, at the end of which the survivors were allowed to leave Rhodes and retreated to the Kingdom of Sicily. In exchange, the knights promised to leave Suleman's minions in peace. But after a time, they were once again fighting each other.

The knights eventually “moved” to the island of Malta. (Captured, liberated, invaded, rescued, given, you pick the word you like.) They were allowed to relocate to the island of Malta under a 1530 order of Pope Clement VIII. But they had to pay rent to a feudal landlord, the king of Sicily. This rent consisted on one “Maltese Falcon” a year. This historic fact was the basis of the plot of Hammett’s famous book and subsequent movie, The Maltese Falcon.

They built large fortifications on malta including St. Elmo's Fort. Finally they acquired the name, “The Knights of Malta”. From Malta they launched attacks on the Barbary Pirates and became enemies of the Ottoman Empire once again. In 1564 Suleiman again set his sights on the knights. He sent his armada of over 170 ships to Malta with over 40,000 well trained troops and many thousand more slaves and mercenaries. Malta endured many sieges starting in 1565 but remained victorious. An amazing account of the siege of Malta can be found HERE.

It was only in 1798 that Malta fell at the hands of Napoleon. But it was through trickery rather than military might. Napoleon asked for safe harbor and then, once allowed inside the defenses, turned on his hosts. The order also had a rule that prohibited fighting with other Christians. They had also, previously, lost much of their property and resources because it was in France and had been confiscated.(4) Members of the order were given shelter in various countries. It has survived in several forms since then.

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, better known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or SMOM, is a Catholic order which claims national sovereignty and has been granted permanent observer status at the United Nations. (It's claims of sovereignty are not without dispute.) SMOM is considered to be the most direct successor to the medieval Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta, and today operates as a largely charitable and ceremonial organization. There are several other organizations who attempt to capitalize on the name and call themselves "Knights of Malta".

What about the Cross?

That is where problems arise. By all accounts, the knights of Malta did wear a medieval cross. It looked something like this.

The Reverend Dr. Michael Foster 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).(3) They state that this means something like a "swallow tailed cross" A student of heraldry, who has contacted me, disputes this definition because the term "nowy" refers to the bump as is found on the fire service cross. (More about that later.)

A Present Flag of The SMOM.

This cross was probably adopted while the order was at Malta. The cross of Rhodes was slightly different.

Note: While operating the hospital in Jerusalem the order may have worn a white habit with a red cross.(2) They are also often pictured with a red tunic with a square white cross. The author has yet to find a reference to the "Red Cross" of today tracing their symbol back to this group but one has to wonder.
See: History of International Red Cross and Red Crescent

One can find resources that give meaning to each of the four branches of any crusader cross. A somewhat thorough website from San Diego suggests that each point, of the Maltese Cross, was said to stand for eight aspirations or obligations. (1)
"Live in truth"
"Have faith"
"Repent of sins"
"Give proof of humility"
"Love justice"
"Be merciful"
"Be sincere and whole-hearted"
"Endure persecution"
From: http://www.publicsafety.net/maltese.htm

These aspirations or obligations are reflected in the Beatitudes and in fact many resources simply state that the points are meant to represent just that.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit."
"Blessed are those who mourn."
"Blessed are the meek."
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness."
"Blessed are the merciful."
"Blessed are the pure at heart."
"Blessed are the peacemakers."
"Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness."
-Matthew 5: 3-12

Other texts say that the eight points stood for the eight chivalric virtues:
Observation, Tact, Resource, Dexterity, Sympathy, Perseverance, Discrimination, and Explicitness.

The Cross Patee can be seen in several patriotic, benevolent or military organizations. One of the more interesting uses is in the design of the emblem of the National Society of The Sons of the American Revolution.
See: http://www.sar.org/

There are, or were, dozens of crosses used by the crusaders or in other heraldry.

A few of the more well known forms include:

You will recognize some of them by their use by various militaries over the years.
Some examples include: German Iron Cross, British Military Cross, Victoria Cross, U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Cross and Army Distinguished Service Cross. It is also used for all branches of the U.S. military for marksmanship badges.

Current U.S. Army Expert Marksmanship Badge

WWII USMC Sharpshooter Badge

 

Below is the basic design of the current fire service cross in the U.S.

The actual name for this kind of cross is a "cross-formy nowy" (or formee’ nowee). This means a cross with a bump on each leaf. The Knights of Malta NEVER used this type of cross. As you can see it bears very little resemblance to any cross used by any crusader knights.

We should probably point out that the fire service is NOT the only organization to use this emblem. The I. O. F. The Independent Order of Foresters, also uses this cross.

What happened?

Good question. There is evidence to suggest that, at one time, the fire service was represented by a version of the cross that was used by the Knights of Malta. Remember the Cross Patee-Nowy? If we look at the emblems still in use by some of the worlds oldest fire departments we can see this cross. One of the most obvious uses of a version of the patee-nowy can be seen in some British fire brigades.


Note: In Great Britain and other countries you can find constables represented by similar crosses as well.

Also in Great Britain, Canada and other such countries, the Maltese cross has evolved into different versions of an eight-pointed star.

Or
Courtesy RC Etheridge

This is known as the “Star of Jerusalem” design, which suggests some relationship to the knights. Commonly the eight points are assigned virtues, much the same way the knights did to the points of the cross. The British fire service's badge design is said to represent:
Tact, Gallantry, Dexterity, Observation, Perseverance, Loyalty, Explicitness, Sympathy.
These are very reminiscence of the aspirations of the knights or the chivalric virtues. (If not exactly the same.)

One does not have to look very far to find other stylized modifications of this symbol.
Below is the version found on fire stations in Maui, Hawaii.
Anyone know the history of this one?
This does not look much like any I have ever seen.

For more information on the Hawaiian fire service, click on photo.

But little of this helps us with the origin of the most common U.S. Fire service design today.

I have now come across one other version of a cross that resembles the fire service design. This is the cross of Saint Florian design. St Florian is often credited as being the patron saint of firefighters. (He is also the patron saint of Poland, Linz, Austria, and chimney sweeps.) His cross/emblem design may have nothing to do with the "Knights of Malta" but looks very familiar. It is often reported to be shaped roughly like this.

Given Florian’s historic connection with firefighting, it would make sense if his cross was the original inspiration for the design of the current symbol. (Although there isn't much evidence to suggest that this is true.) Florian (250-304 AD) was a soldier and high ranking officer in the ancient Roman army. He is credited with helping to organize and lead early fire brigades that defended the city of Rome from fire. Pictures often show him dressed in the distinctive green tunic of the Roman firefighter, with himself or someone else pouring water on a fire. (Later he was martyred for being a Christian.)
See: "Northwoods Seelsorger" / Don Engebretson

Now the question becomes, "Where did the design of the St. Florian Cross come from?" Did the fact that firefighters adopted St. Florian, influence the design of his cross? (A "chicken or the egg" kind of question.) Did the St. Florian cross come about as a result of St. Florian being associated with firefighters, or was it the other way around?

I hope that it is understood that I am not claming that this is origin of the emblem of the fire service. I am only trying to express how much confusion surrounds the icon.

Some sites will claim that the fire service emblem is based directly upon the St. Florian cross. Some confuse one cross for another.

Here is a site that claims that this, is a "St Florian Cross Maltese."
http://www.st-florian-medal.com (I am not buying this at all.)

Wiki - (Should be considered somewhat unreliable.) "The cross of St. Florian is widely used by fire services to form their emblem."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian

An online Encyclopedia showing a "typical St. Florian cross."
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Saint-Florian

Here is a fire department that proclaims, unequivocally, that the fire service emblem is based upon the design of the St. Florian cross. "The badge of a fireman is the St. Florian Cross (oftentimes mistakenly called the Maltese Cross). This St. Florian Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old." It goes on to say, "The St. Florian Cross is oftentimes confused for the Maltese cross."
http://www.bbvfd.com/florian.php

Note: This story told in the above website is a little confusing because they mix the story of the Knights of St. John and the St. Florian cross. No real references are given other than a link to a Wiki site about the Maltese cross, etc.

So where did it come from?

There is evidence to suggest that that one of the first official uses of a "Pattee" cross was in New York in 1865. This may have been based upon the emblem of a Civil War Zouave company. (I had a Zoave link that supported this, but it recently quit working.) As mentioned elsewhere on this site, the Civil War had much influence on the traditions of the fire service. Should we guess what happened? Did some artist happen upon a sample of the cross-formy nowy and decide that it would look good? Or did he create this design himself? Did a union president or a fire chief, upon seeing this, just happen to make a decision that would change fire service traditions forever? Did someone see the St. Florian design and decide to use it one day, but failed to mention it so we could change the legend of the firefighters emblem? We can probably all agree that the firefighters emblem is an attractive design. It is unique and does an excellent job of representing that, whatever it is attached to, is fire service related.

I am therefore forced to leave you with questions.

I am sure to get letters about this.
Here are some well researched and thought provoking sites:
"The Legend of the Maltese Cross"

A very nice account about the siege of Malta.
"Malta of the Knights"

Zouave sites:
http://www.geocities.com/zouavedatabase/cwuni.html
http://acwzouaves.blogspot.com/

Please Contact Me

Resources:

(1) http://www.publicsafety.net/maltese.htm
(2) http://www2.prestel.co.uk/church/oosj/cross.htm
(3) http://www.townofstephenvillecrossing.com/maltesecross.htm
(4)http://www.maltavoyager.com/history_orderfall.html
http://www.smom.org/worldwide.php
http://www.orderofmalta.org/storia.asp?idlingua=5
http://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/servicebadgesorigin
http://www.fireservicehistory.co.uk/badge.htm
http://www.townofstephenvillecrossing.com/maltesecross.htm
http://www2.prestel.co.uk/church/oosj/cross.htm
http://www.minnesotafireservice.com/funstuff_history_of_firefighting.html
http://www.datasync.com/nexus/fire/cross.htm
http://www.local1259iaff.org/maltesecross.html
http://www.ci.boston.ma.us/bfd/history/maltese_cross.htm
http://www.smom-za.org/smom/Maltese%20Cross/symbolism.htm
http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/maltese.html
http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/index.html
http://www.tattoodaily.com/mag/maltese_cross.html
http://www.ordotempli.org/history_of_the_knights_templar.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar
http://www.mystae.com/restricted/streams/masons/templars.html