The eight-pointed cross, used here on the official flag of the Order’s works.

• The Order of Malta’s symbol is a white eight-pointed cross
• It was called “the cross of St. John” until the Order moved to Malta
• Each point on the cross represents a Beatitude, a virtue, and a Langue of the Order
• The eight-pointed cross is also used in various coats of arms

Origins

The white eight-pointed cross used as the symbol of the Order of Malta has been with the Order since its foundation. 

Early form of the eight-pointed cross (cross fourchée), seal of the provost of St John’s church, Stockholm, dated 1526.

Of Byzantine origins dating back to sometime around the sixth century, the eight-pointed cross was adopted by Amalfi, an ancient maritime republic located in southern Italy, after 1080.

The Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem was tied to Amalfi as well, in fact it was established by Amalfitan merchants. 

It was therefore natural for the Order, which ran the hospital, to likewise adopt the eight-pointed cross. Soon, it became known as “the cross of St. John” and its connection to the Order outshone its connection to Amalfi.

When the Order eventually moved to Malta in 1530, the eight-pointed cross came to be referred to as “the cross of Malta” instead.

Meaning

Each of the eight points of the cross symbolize one of the eight Beatitudes according to the Gospel of Matthew, as well as one of the eight foundational virtues of the Order: loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, honor and glory, contempt for death, solidarity towards the poor and the sick, and respect for the Church.

For centuries, the Order’s Langue system grouped members according to national-linguistic identities.

The eight points of the cross also represent the eight original Langues of the Order. For centuries, the Order’s Langue system grouped members according to national-linguistic identities. The eight Langues were Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castile and Portugal, Italy, Germany, and England.

Various depictions of the eight-pointed cross on habits and uniforms of the Order of Malta.

Legacy

Over the centuries, the eight-pointed cross of Malta was adopted by many other orders of chivalry. It is also used in the coats of arms of military regiments, orders of civil merit, and many European municipalities. 

Since 2008, it has been used on the reverse sides of the one-euro and two-euro coins issued by the Republic of Malta.

And of course, the eight-pointed cross remains the symbol of the Order of Malta’s charism and can be seen on the habits of the Professed Members, as well on the ceremonial robes and capes of the Order’s Knights and Dames.

Eight-pointed cross on ceremonial conventual dress of the Order’s Dames.