The Firefighters' Cross: By Any Name, a Symbol of Heroism
One of the most popular embroidered patches is the symbol for firefighters that is commonly referred to as a "Maltese Cross." There is evidence that this name is inaccurate, and that the proper term for this common representation of the fire service is the Cross of St. Florian.
The true Maltese Cross is an eight-pointed cross composed of four V-shaped arms that join at their tips. It is commonly identified as the symbol of an order of monks originally known as the Knights Hospitaller.
Regardless of the name, the eight points of the cross are said to represent the Beatitudes of the Bible. In modern times, some fire departments that use the cross in their embroidered patches have translated the eight points to symbolize eight ideals of firefighting: gallantry, perseverance, loyalty, dexterity, explicitness, observation, tact and sympathy. These are represented by the points of the embroidered patch.
According to legend, the Knights Hospitaller -- more properly known as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller -- were a Benedictine order that maintained a hospital in Jerusalem in the 1100s. They evolved into a military order charged with defending the city.
During a battle to win back the city of Jerusalem from invaders, the legend goes, the knights faced brutal attacks from Saracens throwing firebombs and firing flaming arrows. The Knights fought the flames of their attackers, risking their own lives to save other knights. For their bravery, the Knights were reportedly given the island of Malta. The cross on their flag became known as the Maltese cross.
However, the true Maltese Cross features narrow V-shaped arms. The cross commonly used on embroidered patches to represent firefighters today still has eight points, but features a wide section with a ridge in the middle between the points of the V. This is known as a St. Florian's Cross.
St. Florian is believed to have been an officer in the Roman army who served as a firefighter for the city. He is believed to have been martyred in the year 304 A.D. for refusing to renounce his Christian beliefs. St. Florian is considered the patron saint of firefighters.
Embroidered patches of the Cross of St. Florian, or the Maltese Cross, are a worldwide representation of the courage and valor firefighters show as they risk their lives every day to protect others. Patches-Direct is the premier source for custom embroidered firefighters' patches. Call us today toll free at 1-866-361-0421, or email us at patches@patches-direct.com and let us show you the quality embroidered patches we can provide to your fire department today.