Symbols of Malta

This article is a vexillological summary of all flags and symbols in current use by the island nation of Malta. More information on the history of the various flags and emblems, as well as on their equivalents which are no longer in use, is found on the specific articles, linked to in the subtitle headings.

National Flag and Coat of Arms

The National Flag of Malta is defined in the Constitution and consists of two equal vertical stripes, white in the hoist and red in the fly, with a representation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary of Northern Ireland in 1999.

The current emblem of Malta is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act (1988) as a shield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag; above the shield a mural crown in gold with a sally port and eight turrets (five only being visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of Olive, the sinister of Palm, symbols of peace and courage to victory traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words Repubblika ta' Malta in capital letters in black.

• National Flag 1964-

• Coat of Arms 1988-

Other flags or symbols

In current use

• The Presidential Flag of Malta was introduced by a proclamation dated 12 December 1988. This flag is flown on the President's official residences and offices and on all occasions at which he is present. It has the same proportions as the National Flag and consists of a blue field with the Emblem of Malta at its centre; and a Maltese Cross in gold in each corner.

• The flag of the Archbishop of Malta consists of two equal vertical stripes, yellow in the hoist and white in the fly. It is believed to date back from 754 AD, making it Malta's oldest flag.

• The pennant of the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of a red field with the symbol of the Armed Forces in gold at its centre.

• The pennant of the Commissioner of Police consists of a blue field with the symbol of the Police Force at its centre.

• The Merchant Flag of Malta, the civil ensign, was introduced by the Merchant Shipping Act of 1964 and consists of a red field bordered in white, with a white Maltese Cross at its centre. This flag is flown by Maltese civilian vessels as their ensign. Maltese military vessels fly the National Flag.

• The Naval Jack of Malta intended to be flown by Maltese military vessels consists of a square flag, consisting of a Maltese Cross.

• The George Cross proper fimbriated in red.

• The George Cross proper fimbriated in red in the centre of a white disc, within a red disc. Whenever then national flag is painted on the side of an aeroplane, the hoist should be towards the front of the plane with the fly flowing aft.

Historical Flags

Knights' Flag (1530-1798)

The original flag of the Knights Hospitaller consisted of a white Maltese Cross on a black background, however this was never used in Malta. The only flag used in Malta in the time of the Knights consisted of a white symmetrical cross on a red field with the cross having a width of 1/5 the height of the flag - similar to the flag of England, colors reversed with a proportion of 5:3. This flag is still used by the Knights' modern successor, the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM).

• Flag of Malta 1530-1798

Colonial Flags (c.1813-1964)

Several flags were used by the British Colonial administration of Malta prior to independence in 1964. Between 1800 and 1813, the Union flag was probably the only flag used in Malta. When Malta became a Crown Colony in 1813, a new flag was adopted. The design was based on the flag of the Order of Saint John, but with different proportions and defaced by the Union flag. Later flags consisted of the British blue ensign defaced by the coat of arms of Malta.

• Colonial flag c.1813-1875

• Colonial flag 1875-1898

• Colonial flag 1898-c.1923

• Colonial flag c.1923-1943

• Colonial flag 1943-1964

Standard of the Queen of Malta (1967-1974)

The Standard of the Queen of Malta was introduced in 1967. It consisted of a Maltese flag defaced by the personal flag of Queen Elizabeth II.

• Royal standard of Malta 1967-1974

Other symbols

• National animal - Pharaoh Hound (il-Kelb tal-Fenek)

• National bird - Blue Rock Thrush (il-Merill) (since 1971)

• National plant - Maltese Centaury (Widnet il-Baħar) (since 1971)

• National tree - Sictus tree (l-Għargħar)

• National motto - Virtute et Constantia (Latin for Power and Consistency) (since 1964)

• Patron saint - Saint Paul

• Patron saint - Saint Publius

• Patron saint - Saint Agatha

• National personification - Melita

• National colours - Red and white (since 1091)

• Maltese Cross (is-Salib ta' Malta) (since 1530)

• George Cross (since 1942)

References

• "Flags, symbols and their use". Department of Information. Retrieved March 24, 2006. 
• Government Notice No. 517. The Malta Government Gazette (No. 15,310). July 25, 1990.