|
The Maltese cross, in Italy also known as the Amalfi cross, is the cross symbol associated with the Knights Hospitaller (the Knights of Malta) and by extension with the island of Malta. The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped elements, each joining the others at its vertex, leaving the other two tips spread outward symmetrically. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. It is also the modern symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century. In the mid 16th century, when the Knights were at Malta, the familiar design now known as the "Maltese Cross" became associated with the island. The first evidence for Maltese Cross on Malta appears on the 2 Tarì and 4 Tarì Copper coins of the Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette (Grand Master 1557–1568). The 2 and 4 Tarì Copper coins are dated 1567. This provides a date for the introduction of the Maltese Cross.〔(History of the Maltese Cross as used by the order of St. John of Jerusalem ) Accessed: 6/16/2012〕 The Maltese cross was depicted on the two mils coin in the old Maltese currency and is now shown on the back of the one and two Euro coins, introduced in January 2008.〔(National Euro Changeover Committee - Euro Maltese Coins )〕 ==Symbolism== In the 15th century, the eight points of the four arms of the later called Maltese Cross represented the eight lands of origin, or Langues of the Knights Hospitaller: Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castille and Portugal, Italy, Germany, and England (with Scotland and Ireland).〔("The Maltese Cross and its significance" ) ''GuidetoMalta.net'', History. Accessed 17 July 2013.〕 The eight points also symbolize the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights:〔 * to live in truth * to have faith * to repent one's sins * to give proof of humility * to love justice * to be merciful * to be sincere and wholehearted * to endure persecution Both the Order of Saint John (in German, the ''Johanniterorden'') and the Venerable Order of St John teach that the eight points of the cross represent the eight Beatitudes. The Venerable Order's main service organisation, St John Ambulance, has applied secular meanings to the points as representing the traits of a good first aider:〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=The St. John Cross )〕 * Observant (“that he may note the causes and signs of injury”) * Tactful (“that he may without thoughtless questions learn the symptoms and history of the case, and secure the confidence of the patients and bystanders”) * Resourceful (“That he may use to the best advantage whatever is at hand to prevent further damage, and to assist Nature’s efforts to repair the mischief already done”) * Dextrous (“that he may handle a patient without causing unnecessary pain, and use appliances efficiently and neatly”) * Explicit (“that he may give clear instructions to the patient or the bystanders how best to assist him”) * Discriminating (“that he may decide which of several injuries presses most for treatment by himself, what can best be left for the patient or bystanders to do, and what should be left for the medical men”) * Persevering (“that he may continue his efforts, though not at first successful.”) * Sympathetic (“that he may give real comfort and encouragement to the suffering”) The Maltese cross remains the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, of the Order of Saint John and its allied orders, of the Venerable Order of Saint John, and of their various service organisations. In recent centuries, numerous other orders have adopted the Maltese cross as part of their insignia (the Order of Saint Lazarus, for example, uses a green Maltese cross). In Australia, the Maltese Cross is part of the state emblem of Queensland. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Maltese cross」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|