Top 10 Facts about the Flag of Malta

Consulate of Malta – By Sebleouf – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73816351

Malta is a tiny island nation that is less visited than its nearby counterparts, but we love that! The well kept secret of this country will soon get out of the bag, as this country is beautiful and has a temperate climate all year round. We love the friendly people, amazing coastline, mouth watering food, and beautiful nature that makes us question why we have never come here before.

 

Of course, when it comes to visiting a new country, it is not only helpful, but respectful, to look into some history first. Just like you may have looked into your family history as you visited Ireland or Scotland for the first time, doing some research on the Maltese people and the country as a whole can help give you an understanding of this incredible island. 

Let’s check out the top facts about the Malta Flag and its representation for the country today! 

Who created the red and white?


 

Roger I de Sicilia – By Prosper Lafaye – Alamy, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78992624

So, where did the infamous red and white in the Maltese flag come about? Who decided these would be the country’s colors? Well, it was typically thought that Roger I of Sicily chose the colors when he invaded the land in the beginning of the 11th century. However, Mdina, Malta’s capital, had these colors in their culture way before this date.

 

It is most likely the source of the red and white colors come from the Knights of Malta, who created the maritime flag, Maltese Cross, and the infamous red and white markings. 

What is the George Cross? 

George Cross Malta – By David Monniaux – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26808905

The George Cross is a cross on the upper righthand corner of the Maltese Flag. The George Cross was a powerful symbol during WWII to represent the country’s bravery and fortitude during the battles. 

Did the cross change colors?

Malta George Cross Monument – By Mark Ahsmann – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25482051

The George Cross changed colors in 1964 after Malta’s independence, where it changed from having a blue outline to a red fringe. 

What do the red and white symbolize?

George Cross Signified – By Benjamin Borg – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109947417

The red and white colors symbolize the bravery, sacrifices, and nationalist attitude the Maltese people have and the love for their country. 

Who were the Knights of Malta?

Founder of the ORder of Saint John – By Vertot abbé de, 1655-1735;Cavagna Sangiuliani di Gualdana, Antonio, conte, 1843-1913, former owner. IU-R – https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/14766121622/Source book page: https://archive.org/stream/histoiredescheva01vert/histoiredescheva01vert#page/n70/mode/1up, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43996507

The Knights of Malta, also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John or Jerusalem, was a religious order that helped keep order with other nations. 

How has the flag changed over the years?

Good conduct medal – By Naval History & Heritage Command from Washington, DC, USA – 07-224-A Good Conduct Medal USN, Type I Obverse, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21432996

The flag was drastically changed for the Crown Colony of Malta in the 19th century to the 20th century, changing the red background to a blue/navy background. 

Did the Crown Colony of Maltese flag differ from the flag of Malta?

Battle of Lepanto – By Unidentified painter – National Maritime Museum (BHC0261), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3512696

The Crown Colony flags of Malta had a navy background with a British flag in the upper left hand corner, whereas the Maltese flag for an official country got rid of the British flag, navy background, and colony insignia. 

What is the Coat of Arms?

Sovereign Military Order of Malta – By Utente:Jollyroger – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2209475

The Coat of Arms features a shield, mural crown, and eight turrets. 

What is the Presidential Flag of Malta?

Turkey Bodrum – By Georges Jansoone JoJan – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2920181

The Presidential Flag of Malta was first introduced in 1988 as the official flag of residences and offices that have housed the President.

What is the flag of the Archbishop of Malta?

The flag of the Archbishop of Malta is Malta’s oldest flag, dating back to 754 AD. 

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