Maltese Cross, which is also called St. George, as well as the cross of Saint John of Jerusalem, has an ancient history.It is an eight-character originating from the emblem of the Italian city of Amalfi.Knights of the city in the 12th century founded the Order of the Hospitallers, whose symbol has long been the cross.
Knights believed that it symbolizes the eight knightly virtues (patience, sincerity, humility, without sin, justice, truth, faith, charity).
Now this symbol is used sanitary British brigade of the Order of St. John.
In Russia, eight-pointed cross appeared during the reign of Paul I, who included him briefly in the Russian coat of arms.At present, this symbol was in the arms of Pavlovsk and Gatchina.
There are other points of view about its origin.Some researchers believe that he appeared thousands of years before the rise of the Order of the Hospital, and represents the unity of the four ashtarskih gods.There is also the view that the sign brings together two of the swastika - solar and lunar, that means unity of light and darkness.
still do not know what people have created the Maltese cross, the value of which is still treated very differently.For example, many researchers, enthusiastic and esoteric mysticism, consider this a sign of magic.They allege that he defines the essence of earthly human existence, and it provides an answer to the question of the central mystery of the universe.
In their view, the Maltese cross shows, firstly, the true essence of the material world, which is the unity of the four elements (earth, air, water, fire).Secondly, it reveals the hidden meaning of life is immaterial, which is in the relationship of space, time, energy and information.
In addition, if you imagine a person in the center of the cross, the upper part will symbolize the divine will, the lower is the wisdom, and the left and right - the love that man gives to the world.Thus, the purpose of each is to listen to the will of God and follow it.Cross in this case, it is a symbol of harmony with the world.
also believed to have magical powers Maltese Cross gives the power of the person who possesses them.Moreover, it was believed that such force possessed Paul I, since it was he who made the cross part of the coat of arms of Russia, albeit for a short time.
By the way, during his lifetime he was a Grand Master of the Order of the Hospital, which was reflected in his official title, and sought in every way to support the glory of the Order.Guardsmen went under the banner of a Maltese cross, and one of the fortifications of the Admiralty was established Maltese pavilion.In addition, in 1798 June 23 began to celebrate a day dedicated to St. John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of the Order.Many historians believe that the passion of the emperor to the symbolism of the Order, as well as his attempts to introduce it into Russian life, were in the nature of stage and were partly absurd.Paul's successor, Alexander I, who ascended the throne, soon abandoned this title, and this close relationship with the Order of Russian history was over, not having enough to get stronger.
In eighteen hundred and seventeenth year, it was announced that Russian nationals are prohibited to wear clothes Maltese cross in connection with that branch of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem ceased to exist.
Currently, the memory of those times, and the emperor, who was Grand Master, is still alive.The events of more than two centuries ago resemble cities such as Gatchina, Pavlovsk.And Mikhailovsky Castle, as well as the Vorontsov Palace, stored in his chambers the spirit of chivalry.
