Flag and coat of arms of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

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Flag and coat of arms of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), also known as the Order of Malta, is a Roman Catholic lay religious order traditionally of a military, chivalric, and noble nature. The Order has its own distinctive flag and coat of arms.

Flag

The flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta consists of a red field with a white cross. This design is known as the Maltese Cross, which is a symbol of the Order. The flag is used in various official capacities and is a significant emblem of the Order's identity.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta features a red shield with a white cross, similar to the flag. The shield is often surmounted by a crown, symbolizing the Order's sovereignty. The coat of arms is used in official documents, seals, and other formal representations of the Order.

Historical Background

The origins of the flag and coat of arms date back to the Crusades, when the Order was established to provide care for sick, poor, and injured pilgrims. The white cross on a red field became a symbol of the Order's mission and its commitment to Christian values.

Usage

The flag and coat of arms are used in various official capacities, including on buildings owned by the Order, during official ceremonies, and in diplomatic contexts. The symbols are also used by the Order's members and affiliates around the world.

Related Symbols

The Maltese Cross is a widely recognized symbol associated with the Order and is used in various forms of insignia, decorations, and badges. The cross is characterized by its four arms of equal length, which broaden from the center and are indented at the ends.

Related Pages

• Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• Maltese Cross
• Crusades
• Roman Catholic Church
• Chivalric order