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The Italian republic of Amalfi was the principal European city trading with Palestine in the 11th century. Its merchants had secured the establishment of the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of the Latins in Jerusalem to provide hospitality to Christian pilgrims.
Amalfi's symbol, a white eight-pointed cross, and the name "St John" together represent the full history and heritage of St John - 900 years of volunteer commitment to serve humanity through Hospitaller and other charitable works. The Cross also directly links the New Zealand organisation to St John worldwide.
What the Cross means
The four arms of the modern white cross that represents the Order of St John symbolise the cardinal virtues:
- Prudence;
- Justice;
- Temperance; and
- Fortitude.
The eight points, which stem from the four arms represent the qualities that a good first aider requires, namely:
- Resourcefulness;
- Explicitness;
- Dexterity;
- Discrimination;
- Sympathy;
- Perseverance;
- Observation; and
- Tact.
The lions and unicorns are the supporters of the Royal Coat of Arms granted by the British Crown, and indicate that St John is a Royal Order.
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