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Maltese Cross pendant
Item # R16014
Large image to the left is 2x, Small image is actual size
on a monitor set to 800 x 600 |
| S. silver $46.00 |
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Maltese Cross pendant
Item # R16014
Large image to the left is 2x, Small image is actual size
on a monitor set to 800 x 600 |
14k Y gold $98.00
14k w gold $ 98.00 |
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Maltese Cross
During the crusades a cross became a symbol of the Knights of Saint
John of Jerusalem, a charitable, nonmilitary organization that existed
during the 11th and 12th centuries. A white or silver cross on a
dark background was adopted by these Knights of Hospitallers, as
they were also known, because of their charity toward the sick and
poor in setting up hospices and hospitals. Later they gave the knights
of the crusades military assistance in an effort to win back the
Holy Land.
They became
firefighters out of necessity. Their enemies had resorted to throwing
glass bombs containing naphtha and sailing their vessels of war
containing naphtha, rosin, sulfur, and flaming oil into the vessels
of the knights. Knights were called to do heroic deeds by rescuing
fellow knights and extinguishing fires. Their cross represented
the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosities
to friend and foe, protection of the weak, and dexterity in service,
making it a natural symbol for firefighters. The Knights of St.
John eventually moved to the Island of Malta, and their symbol came
to be called the Maltese Cross.
Today the Maltese
Cross has become a fireman's badge of honor, signifying that he
or she works in courage, quietly saving lives, while risking their
own, every day.
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