THE
P RTAL
February 2016
Page 9
Signs and Symbols:
Donato Tallo examines the Jerusalem Cross
and the Maltese Cross
S
igns and symbols permeate nearly every aspect of our modern day lives and while, superficially,
signs and symbols mean one thing there are often deeper rooted meanings to them that may not always be
initially apparent. For Christians, it goes without saying that the most important symbol in our lives should
be that of the cross, the cross on which our saviour hung, as it serves to remind us that the one who was made
flesh and dwelt among us died for our sins. There are two very famous crosses that will undoubtedly be
universally recognised and both of them are rich in symbolism and significance.
The Jerusalem Cross
The Jerusalem Cross, which is also
known as the Crusaders Cross, consists of
one large cross with four smaller crosses
surrounding it in each outer quadrant. There are
slight variants in the design of the cross but generally
speaking it is accepted that the five crosses symbolise
the five wounds of Christ on the cross (his hands, feet
and the side pierced by the lance) and also Christ and
the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude.
There is some disagreement over the symbolic
meaning of the eight points but they may represent
the beatitudes - Blessed are the poor in spirit for
theirs is the kingdom of Heaven; Blessed are those
who mourn for they will be comforted; Blessed are
the meek for they will inherit the earth; Blessed are
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they
will be filled; Blessed are the merciful for they will be
shown mercy; Blessed are the pure in heart for they
The Jerusalem Cross is also said to be a representation will see God; Blessed are the peacemakers for they
of Christ’s command to spread the Gospel around the will be called children of God; Blessed are those who
world. A mission that was started in Jerusalem dates are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the
back to the 11th and 12th centuries when the Crusaders kingdom of heaven.
captured Jerusalem and established Christianity in the
The symbol of the Maltese cross is said to originate
area. Throughout Jerusalem’s rich history, the cross
has generally remained the symbol of the city and is a from Amalfi in Italy and it was adopted by the Knights
Hospitallers of St John in 1126 and introduced to
strong symbol of the Christian Faith.
Malta in 1530. The cross is generally white on a black
The Maltese Cross
background and has been described as a symbol of
the Christian warrior. With regard to the Knights of
The Maltese cross is very well known
St John, historians also identify that the points of the
and it is a symbol that is associated with
many organisations such as the Knights of Malta and cross symbolise the aims and aspirations of the Knights
the St John Ambulance Association. The cross has (to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof
been adopted symbolically by different authorities and of humility, love justice, be merciful, be sincere and
organisations throughout the centuries but generally whole-hearted, and to endure persecution).
speaking the design has remained the same; eight
These two crosses are rich in symbolism and meaning
points on four arms. It is generally agreed that ѡ