Maltese Cross Tattoo Meaning

The maltese cross has around eight points on it.

Maltese cross tattoo meaning. During the 1930s the nazi regime in germany superimposed a swastika on the traditional medal turning it into a nazi symbol. It is a heraldic cross variant which developed from earlier forms of eight pointed crosses in the 16th century. John of jerusalem or the knights of malta. The maltese cross formally adopted by the knights hospitallers of st.

According to michael foster the maltese cross was assumed as the. The organization was founded during the crusades in order to care for pilgrims in the holy land and then became one of the militant orders along with the templars. 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. See more ideas about tattoos maltese cross tattoos maltese cross.

The iron cross is a famous german military medal dating back to the 19th century. Most people usually confuse the maltese cross and the iron cross. Jun 2 2019 explore eric allen s board maltese cross tattoos on pinterest. Maltese cross tattoo meaning the maltese cross tattoo meaning could deal with courage and bravery as it was worn by mighty knights from malta who used this cross as their military insignia a badge to represent strength in their faith and their commitment.

Its eight points denote the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights namely to live in truth have faith repent one s sins give proof of humility love justice be merciful be sincere and whole hearted and to endure persecution. Maltese or iron cross with fire symbolizes the smugness and bravery linked with the fire services. This cross came to be identified with malta and the knights of hospitaliers also known as the knights of st. John in 1126 stylistically owes its origins to the crosses used in the crusades when it was identified as the symbol of the christian warrior.

Maltese crosses were portrayed by memorialize germany s armed forces in order to achieve the victory against france. Maltese cross usually has a square portray. After world war ii the medal was discontinued but neo nazis and other white supremacists subsequently adopted it as a hate symbol and it has been a commonly used hate symbol ever since. The firefighters have a ritual of portraying such meaningful tattoos.