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The Symbolism of the Eight Pointed Cross
For the Brothers, the different parts of the cross had meanings:
| • Colour: white - purity |
| • 4 arms of the Cross the 4 cardinal virtues |
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Prudence - carefulness |
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Justice doing the right thing by people |
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Temperance moderate behaviour |
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Fortitude courage |
• 8 points of the Cross taken from the qualities described as ‘Blessed by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount’ (the Beatitudes).
The Eight Pointed Cross and the British Order of St. John
British Order of St. John, founded in the 1830s, was inspired by the Hospitallers and used the same symbols. In 1888 the Cross was embellished by the addition of lions and unicorns, supporters of the Royal coat-of-arms, by special grant by Queen Victoria, who made the Order of St. John an Order of Chivalry. After WWI the points were given secular meanings, associated with the qualities of a good First Aider:
| • Observant |
“that he may note the causes and signs of injury”
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| • Tactful |
“that he may without thoughtless questions learn the symptoms and history of the case, and secure the confidence of the patients and bystanders” |
| • Resourceful |
“that he may use to the best advantage whatever is at hand to prevent further damage, and to assist Nature’s efforts to repair the mischief already done” |
| • Dextrous |
“that he may handle a patient without causing unnecessary pain, and use appliances efficiently and neatly” |
| • Explicit |
“that he may give clear instructions to the patient or the bystanders how best to assist him” |
| • Discriminating |
“that he may decide which of several injuries presses most for treatment by himself, what can best be left for the patient or bystanders to do, and what should be left for the medical men” |
| • Persevering |
“that he may continue his efforts, though not at first successful” |
| • Sympathetic |
“that he may give real comfort and encouragement to the suffering” |
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