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A cross of four arrowhead-shaped arms meeting at a point, with eight outer points.
Also known as: Cross of Saint John, Amalfi cross
Four V-shaped arms narrowing to the centre, their outer ends notched to give eight points in all. The emblem of the Knights Hospitaller and of Malta, and adopted by fire services in many countries.
A cross of four arms shaped like arrowheads meeting at a point in the centre, each outer edge notched to produce eight points in total.
The emblem of the Order of Saint John — the Knights Hospitaller — and through their rule of Malta an emblem of the island itself.
Malta · 16th century onward
Widely adopted by fire and rescue services, particularly in the United States, where the badge form derives from the Hospitaller emblem.
Contexts: Public information
The eight points are frequently said to stand for the eight langues of the Order or for eight beatitudes. The interpretations are traditional and later than the emblem.
A traditional interpretation, recorded as such rather than as documented intent.
Four arrowhead-shaped arms meeting at a central point, each arm's outer edge notched inward to form two points, eight in all.
Both have arms that widen outward, but the Maltese cross has notched ends giving eight points where the pattée has four straight ends.