KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

The candidate is admitted in the character and garb of a pilgrim and is first required symbolically to undertake a period of pilgrimage. After taking an Obligation in the name of the Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity, he assumes the garb of a Soldier of the Cross, and symbolically proceeds on a period of warfare. He is instructed how penance and meditation play a vital part in preparation for Knighthood, after which he is received, armed and proclaimed a Knight of the Temple.

The somewhat elaborate Regalia is based on the dress worn by the Crusaders. The Knights Templar ('K.T.') wear a white tunic faced with a Red Cross, together with a white mantle and a red cap, each also bearing a cross, and also wear a sash, belt and sword, though not a two-handed one as was in general use among the Crusaders.

KNIGHT OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM, PALESTINE, RHODES AND MALTA

The subsequent history of the Knights Hospitaller, and their arrival in the Island of Malta, is recounted in this further Degree of Christian Masonic Knighthood.

In the Order of Malta ('K.M.') a red tunic, black mantle and a black cap is worn, each bearing an Amalfi Cross, also together with a belt and a sword. A Knight of Malta can use K.T. Regalia generally. In addition, in each of the Orders, various appropriate jewels are worn.