Iron Cross Shape - Design

Maximilian · Post by **Maximilian** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 8:42 pm

Hello
I would like to know about,the meaning of the 'shape' of the cross.
Is it 'only' belongs to nationalsocialism or is some kind of medieval stuff.
Not the award,of course,just the shape of the cross.
Thanks
Max

Paul Hanson · Post by **Paul Hanson** » Mon Oct 21, 2002 5:13 am

The shape of the Iron Cross is probably at least 800 years old. It is known as the cross patee or cross pattee, and now is called the Maltese Cross. It originally was the emblem of the Knights Templar during the crusades. In Europe it was adopted by the Teutonic Knights in their crusades against the Eastern European tribes. The German military continued to use it as tradition badge, recalling the Knights, throughout their history.

It's use as medal shape goes back to 1914 if not earlier. As for use as a military symbol even the British Army has regiments with the Maltese Cross in their regimental badge.

PH

Kurasier · Post by **Kurasier** » Mon Oct 21, 2002 8:11 am

HI,
The shape of the iron cross goes back to the Deutsche Ritterorden (German Knight Order) In 1813 the Preusians "stole" the symbol from the monks.
Cheers
Christoph

Maximilian · Post by **Maximilian** » Mon Oct 21, 2002 6:54 pm

Thats a great info,I was thinking the symbol was very old,as a medieval symbol or something,like you said.
Thanks
Max

Maximilian · Post by **Maximilian** » Tue Oct 22, 2002 4:42 pm

I know some people is very stupid and driscriminate a lot.
Iam planning to have the shape of the cross on my site,isnt about politics or militar stuff,just an image.
What I want to ask,if somebody see it think automatically Iam a nazionalsocialist or no.Maybe I can be strange what Iam asking but common people dont know any thing about history,but the judge very well.
I would like to know what you think about it.
Thanks
Max