The Secret History Behind Malta's Flag
Malta is one of the few countries with a medal on its flag.
In the corner of the white stripe is the George Cross, awarded to Malta by King George VI in 1942 in recognition of the courage of the Maltese people during the Siege of Malta in the Second World War. The flag was adopted on September 21, 1964, the day Malta became independent.
A well-known legend says the red and white were given to the Maltese by Count Roger I of Sicily in 1090, who tore a piece off his own red-and-white banner as a thank-you for their help against the Arabs. Scholars say the story is a 19th-century myth. The more likely source is the red and white of the Knights of Malta.
The date printed on every Malta design in our catalog, September 21, 1964, is Independence Day.
Two colors, a cross for courage, and a story that is better as a legend.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.