The national coat of arms of Malta is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a shield divided into four quarters, each representing a different aspect of Malta’s history and culture. The colors used in the coat of arms are red, gold, white, and blue, which are also the colors of the Maltese flag.
The first quarter of the shield features a representation of the George Cross, which was awarded to Malta by King George VI of the United Kingdom in recognition of the island’s bravery during World War II. The George Cross is a silver cross with a gold edge, and it is surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. This quarter of the shield represents Malta’s military history and its role in defending Europe during times of war.
The second quarter of the shield features a representation of a heraldic representation of the Phoenician ship, which is a symbol of Malta’s maritime history. The ship is shown sailing on a blue sea, with a golden sun rising behind it. This quarter of the shield represents Malta’s seafaring traditions and its importance as a trading hub throughout history.
The third quarter of the shield features a representation of a golden lion holding a sword and a palm branch. This is the symbol of the Kingdom of Aragon, which ruled Malta from 1282 to 1530. The lion represents strength and courage, while the sword and palm branch represent victory and peace. This quarter of the shield represents Malta’s medieval history and its ties to the Kingdom of Aragon.
The fourth quarter of the shield features a representation of three hills, which are the traditional symbol of Malta. The hills are shown in red on a white background, which represents the colors of the flag of the Knights of Malta. This quarter of the shield represents Malta’s ancient history and its unique landscape.
Above the shield is a mural crown, which is a symbol of Malta’s status as a republic. The crown is made up of five towers, each representing a different town in Malta. The towers are connected by a wall, which represents the unity of the Maltese people.
The national coat of arms of Malta has a rich history that reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage. The shield itself is based on the coat of arms of the Order of Saint John, which ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. The Order of Saint John was a Catholic military order that was founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century. It played an important role in the Crusades and in the defense of Europe against the Ottoman Empire.
When the Order of Saint John took control of Malta in 1530, it adopted a coat of arms that featured a white cross on a red background. This symbolized the order’s commitment to the Christian faith and its role in defending Europe against the Ottoman Empire. The coat of arms was later modified to include the three hills of Malta and the lion of Aragon.
After Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, a new coat of arms was designed to reflect the country’s new status as a republic. The new coat of arms was based on the coat of arms of the Order of Saint John, but it included new elements that represented Malta’s history and culture.
The national coat of arms of Malta is an important symbol of the country’s identity and sovereignty. It reflects the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that the Maltese people have made to defend their country and their way of life.