# Order of chivalry > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Order_of_chivalry > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Order_of_chivalry.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_chivalry > Source revision: 1356997969 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Order, confraternity or society of knights This article is about secular orders of knighthood. For the medieval religious orders, see [Military order (religious society)](/source/Military_order_(religious_society)). [Alfonso XIII of Spain](/source/Alfonso_XIII) (left) with his cousin-in-law, the future [King George V](/source/George_V) (right), during his State Visit to the United Kingdom in 1905. Alfonso is wearing the uniform of a general of the [British Army](/source/British_Army), the [Royal Victorian Chain](/source/Royal_Victorian_Chain), the sash and star of the [Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter), the [cross of the Order of Charles III](/source/Order_of_Charles_III), the neck badge of the [Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece), and the badge of the four [Spanish military orders](/source/Spanish_military_orders). George, then Prince of Wales, is wearing the neck badge of the Golden Fleece, the sash and grand cross grade of the Order of Charles III, the Royal Victorian Chain, and the stars of the Garter and the [Order of St Michael and St George](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George). An **order of chivalry**, **order of knighthood**, **chivalric order**, or **equestrian order** is a [society](/source/Society), [fellowship](/source/Fellowship) and [college](/source/College_(corporation)) of [knights](/source/Knight),[1] typically founded during or inspired by the original Christian [military orders](/source/Military_order_(religious_society)) of the [Crusades](/source/Crusades) (c. 1099–1291) and paired with [medieval](/source/Middle_Ages) concepts of ideals of [chivalry](/source/Chivalry). Since the 15th century, orders of chivalry, often as [dynastic orders](/source/Dynastic_order), began to be established in a more courtly fashion[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] than could be created *[ad hoc](/source/Ad_hoc)*. These orders would often retain the notion of being a [confraternity](/source/Confraternity), society or other [association](/source/Club_(organization)) of members, but some of them were ultimately purely honorific and consisted of a [medal](/source/Medal) decoration. In fact, these decorations themselves often came to be known informally as *[orders](/source/Order_(distinction))*. These institutions in turn gave rise to the modern-day [orders of merit](/source/Order_of_merit) of sovereign states.[2] ## Overview An order of knights is a community of knights composed by order rules with the main purpose of an ideal or charitable task. The original ideal lay in monachus et miles (monk and knight), who in the order – *ordo* (Latin for 'order' / 'status') – is dedicated to a Christian purpose. The first orders of knights were religious orders that were founded to protect and guide pilgrims to the Holy Land. The knightly orders were characterized by an order-like community life in poverty, obedience and chastity, which was linked with charitable tasks, [armed pilgrimage](/source/Armed_pilgrimage) protection and military action against external and occasionally internal enemies of Christianity. Examples are the [Knights Templar](/source/Knights_Templar), [Knights of the Holy Sepulchre](/source/Knights_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre) officially called The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, founded in 1090, the [Order of St. John](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_(Bailiwick_of_Brandenburg)) and the [Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta). These communities only became orders in the sense of canon law through papal recognition of their own binding rules of order and through the dissolution of ecclesiastical diocesan organizations.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In addition to the religious orders of knights, courtly orders of knights emerged in many European royal houses from the middle of the 14th century. This enabled the monarchs and princes to create a reliable household power independent of the church and to combine their court life with knightly virtues. During this time, the Burgundian court culture was leading and so the [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece), founded there in 1430, was for many a model in the sense of a princely order based on the ideals of Christian chivalry.[3] In the course of time, many orders of knights have been dissolved due to a lack of people or the field of activity has changed. So in many areas the charitable aspect and nursing came to the fore. There were also dissolutions for political reasons, such as the Knights Templar in 1312 or many orders of knights as opposition by Nazi Germany. While the Knights Templar was not re-established, some orders were reactivated after the end of World War II and the fall of the Iron Curtain. As the bestowal of knighthoods or damehoods are considered prestigious, the [German](/source/German_language) loanword *ordenshunger* ("hunger for orders") became used to describe those who desired membership in multiple orders of chivalry.[4] There are repeated attempts to revive or restore old orders of knights. Often, old knight orders are used today to honor personalities. For example, the British Queen Elizabeth II regularly appointed new members to the [Order of the British Empire](/source/Order_of_the_British_Empire) in the 21st century.[5] In Central Europe, for example, the [Order of St. George](/source/Order_of_St._George_(Habsburg-Lorraine)), whose roots also go back to the so-called "last knight" [Emperor Maximilian I](/source/Maximilian_I%2C_Holy_Roman_Emperor), was reactivated by the House of Habsburg after its dissolution by Nazi Germany. Meanwhile, to this day, deserved personalities in republican France are highlighted by being awarded the Knight of the [Legion of Honour](/source/Legion_of_Honour).[6] In contrast, the knights of the ecclesiastical orders of knights such as the [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta) and the [Order of Saint John](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_(Bailiwick_of_Brandenburg)) mainly devote themselves to social tasks, medicine, nursing and care.[7] ## Terminology This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (February 2020) ### Holy See The [Secretariat of the State](/source/Secretariat_of_State_(Holy_See)) of the [Holy See](/source/Holy_See) – medieval pioneer of the original military orders – distinguishes orders in the following manner:[8] - State orders or orders of merit: [order](/source/Order_(honour)) of a [sovereign state](/source/Sovereign_state), rewarding military or civil merits of citizens, legally based on the sovereignty of their states - [Pontifical equestrian orders](/source/Orders%2C_decorations%2C_and_medals_of_the_Holy_See) - *collazioni diretti*: conferred by the [Pope](/source/Pope) - *subcollazioni*: under the protection of the Holy See ([Teutonic Order](/source/Teutonic_Order) and [Order of the Holy Sepulchre](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre_(Catholic))) - [Sovereign orders](/source/Sovereign_order): the only extant one in this category is the [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta), an international sovereign entity - [Dynastic orders](/source/Dynastic_order) of a sovereign royal dynasty, either an active "dynastic state order" (e.g. [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter)), otherwise a "non-national dynastic order", as the head of a formerly reigning royal house operating under *ius collationis* (right to confer), typically approved by [Papal bulls](/source/Papal_bull) in the case of older origins (e.g. [Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus](/source/Order_of_Saints_Maurice_and_Lazarus)) ### Sansovino In *Dell'origine dei Cavalieri* (1566), the [Italian](/source/Italian_people) [scholar](/source/Scholar) [Francesco Sansovino](/source/Francesco_Sansovino) (1521–1586) distinguished knights and their respective societies in three main categories:[9] - "Knights of [Collar](/source/Collar_(order))", i.e. dynastic orders of knighthood - "Knights of the [Cross](/source/Christian_cross)", i.e. religious [military orders](/source/Military_order_(religious_society)) - "Knights of [Spur](/source/Spur)", i.e. [knighted](/source/Accolade) by the [sovereign](/source/Monarch), later also by feudal lords and knights elderly (e.g. [Knight Bachelor](/source/Knight_Bachelor)) Over time, the above division became no longer sufficient, and heraldic science distinguished orders into: hereditary, military, religious and fees. ### Boulton In a more generous distribution proposed in *The Knights in the Crown: The Monarchical Orders of Knighthood in Late Medieval Europe* (1987), the Canadian heraldist [D'Arcy Boulton](/source/D'Arcy_Boulton_(heraldist)) classifies chivalric orders as follows:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - Monarchical orders (i.e. [dynastic orders of knighthood](/source/Dynastic_orders_of_knighthood)) - Confraternal orders (as seen in [military orders](/source/Military_order_(society))) - [Fraternal orders](/source/Fraternal_order) - [Votive orders](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Votive_orders&action=edit&redlink=1) - [Cliental pseudo-orders](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cliental_pseudo-orders&action=edit&redlink=1) - [Honorific orders](/source/Honorific_orders) Based on Boulton, this article distinguishes:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - Chivalric orders by time of foundation: - Medieval chivalric orders: foundation of the order during the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages) or the [Renaissance](/source/Renaissance) - Modern chivalric orders: foundation after 1789 - Chivalric orders by religion: - Catholic chivalric orders: membership exclusively for members of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church) - Orthodox chivalric orders: blessed by the heads of [Orthodox churches](/source/Eastern_Orthodox_Church) - Protestant chivalric orders: blessed by the heads of [Protestant churches](/source/Protestant_churches) - Chivalric orders by purpose: - Monarchical chivalric orders: foundation by a [monarch](/source/Monarch) who is a [fount of honour](/source/Fount_of_honour); either ruling or not - Confraternal chivalric orders: foundation by a [nobleman](/source/Nobleman), either high nobility or low nobility - Fraternal chivalric orders: founded for a specific purpose only - Votive chivalric orders: founded for a limited period of time only by members who take a vow - Honorific chivalric orders: consist only of honorific insignia bestowed on knights on festive occasions, consisting of nothing but the badge - [Self-styled orders](/source/Self-styled_orders): self-proclaimed imitation-orders without statutes or restricted memberships ### Military orders by time Another occurrent chronological categorisation is into:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - [Military-monastic orders](/source/Military_order_(society)) (c. 1100–1291), beginning with the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem - [Monarchical orders](/source/Monarchical_order) (c. 1330 – c. 1470), beginning with the [Order of Saint George (Kingdom of Hungary)](/source/Order_of_Saint_George_(Kingdom_of_Hungary)). Most military-monastic orders (except the Teutonic Order and the Order of Saint John) became parts of this category during the 15th and 16th century (e.g. the [Order of Santiago](/source/Order_of_Santiago)) - [Honorific orders](/source/Honorific_orders) (c. 1580–present), beginning with the [Order of Saint Stephen](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen) (despite its military obligations) and the [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Spirit). With the [Order of Saint Louis](/source/Order_of_Saint_Louis), the time of proper orders of merit begun. The monarchical orders became *de facto* honours during the shift from [feudalism](/source/Feudalism) to [absolutism](/source/Absolutism_(European_history)).[10] ## Medieval orders See also: [Military order (religious society)](/source/Military_order_(religious_society)) ### Monarchical orders Investiture of the new members of the [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Spirit), (1825). #### Late medieval monarchical orders (14th and 15th centuries) Late medieval monarchical orders (14th and 15th centuries) are orders of chivalry with the presidency attached to a monarch. - [Order of Montesa](/source/Order_of_Montesa) founded by [James II of Aragon](/source/James_II_of_Aragon) ([Spain](/source/Spain)) in 1317 - [Order of Saint George](/source/Order_of_Saint_George_(Kingdom_of_Hungary)), founded by [Charles I of Hungary](/source/Charles_I_of_Hungary) in 1325 - [Order of the Band](/source/Knights_of_the_Band), founded by [Alfonso XI of Castile](/source/Alfonso_XI_of_Castile) in c. 1330 - [Order of the Sword (Cyprus)](/source/Order_of_the_Sword_(Cyprus)), founded by [Peter I of Cyprus](/source/Peter_I_of_Cyprus) in 1347 (allegedly) - [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter), founded by [Edward III of England](/source/Edward_III_of_England) in 1348[11] - [Order of the Star](/source/Order_of_the_Star_(France)), founded by [John II of France](/source/John_II_of_France) in 1351 - [Order of the Knot](/source/Order_of_the_Knot), founded by [Louis I of Naples](/source/Louis_I_of_Naples) in 1352 - [Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation](/source/Supreme_Order_of_the_Most_Holy_Annunciation), founded by [Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy](/source/Amadeus_VI%2C_Count_of_Savoy) in 1362 - [Order of the Ermine](/source/Order_of_the_Ermine_(France)), founded by [John V, Duke of Brittany](/source/John_V%2C_Duke_of_Brittany) in 1381: First order to accept women. - [Order of the Ship](/source/Order_of_the_Ship), founded by [Charles III of Naples](/source/Charles_III_of_Naples) on 1 December 1381 - [Order of the Dragon](/source/Order_of_the_Dragon), founded by [Sigismund, as king of Hungary](/source/Sigismund%2C_Holy_Roman_Emperor) in 1408 - [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece), founded by [Philip III, Duke of Burgundy](/source/Philip_III%2C_Duke_of_Burgundy) in 1430 - [Order of the Tower and Sword](/source/Order_of_the_Tower_and_Sword), founded by [Afonso V of Portugal](/source/Afonso_V_of_Portugal) in 1459 - [Order of Saint Michael](/source/Order_of_Saint_Michael), founded by [Louis XI of France](/source/Louis_XI_of_France) in 1469[12] #### Post-medieval foundations of chivalric orders - [Order of Saint Stephen](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen) (1561) - [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Spirit) (1578) - [Blood of Jesus Christ (military order)](/source/Blood_of_Jesus_Christ_(military_order)) (1608) - [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle) (1687)[13] - [Order of the Elephant](/source/Order_of_the_Elephant) (1693) - [Order of Saint Louis](/source/Order_of_Saint_Louis) (1694) - [Order of the Seraphim](/source/Order_of_the_Seraphim) (1748) - [Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen_of_Hungary) (1764) - [Order of St. Patrick](/source/Order_of_St._Patrick) (1783)[14] - [Order of Saint Joseph](/source/Order_of_Saint_Joseph) (1807) - [Order of Guadalupe](/source/Mexican_Imperial_Orders#Imperial_Order_of_Guadalupe) (1821) - [Order of the Mexican Eagle](/source/Mexican_Imperial_Orders#Imperial_Order_of_the_Mexican_Eagle) (1865) - [Order of Saint Charles](/source/Mexican_Imperial_Orders#Imperial_Order_of_Saint_Charles) (1866) #### Monarchical orders whose monarch no longer reigns but continues to bestow the order - [Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus](/source/Order_of_Saints_Maurice_and_Lazarus) (Italian [House of Savoy](/source/House_of_Savoy)) - [Order of Merit of Savoy](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_of_Italy) (Italian House of Savoy) - [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece) (Austrian branch) - [Order of St. George (Habsburg-Lorraine)](/source/Order_of_St._George_(Habsburg-Lorraine)) - [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Spirit) - [Order of Prince Danilo I](/source/Order_of_Prince_Danilo_I) of Montenegro - [Order of Saint Peter of Cetinje](/source/Order_of_Saint_Peter_of_Cetinje) - [Order of Skanderbeg](/source/Order_of_Skanderbeg) - [Royal Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Immaculate Conception](/source/Royal_Order_of_Saint_George_for_the_Defense_of_the_Immaculate_Conception) (Bavaria) - [Order of the Crown (Romania)](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_(Romania)) - [Order of Carol I](/source/Order_of_Carol_I) (Romania) - [Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa](/source/Order_of_the_Immaculate_Conception_of_Vila_Vi%C3%A7osa) (Portugal) - [Order of Saint Michael of the Wing](/source/Order_of_Saint_Michael_of_the_Wing) (Portugal) - [Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George](/source/Sacred_Military_Constantinian_Order_of_Saint_George) (Two Sicilies) - [Royal Order of Francis I](/source/Royal_Order_of_Francis_I) (Two Sicilies) - [Order of the Eagle of Georgia](/source/Order_of_the_Eagle_of_Georgia) (Georgia) - [Order of Queen Tamara](/source/Order_of_Queen_Tamara_(1918)) (Georgia) - [Order of the Crown of Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Order_of_the_Crown_of_Georgia&action=edit&redlink=1) (Georgia) - [Royal Order of the Crown of Hawai'i](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Order_of_the_Crown_of_Hawai%27i&action=edit&redlink=1) (Hawai'i) - [Royal and Hashemite Order of the Pearl](/source/Royal_and_Hashemite_Order_of_the_Pearl) (North Sulu Bornéo) - [Imperial Order of Solomon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_Solomon&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia)[15] - [Imperial Order of Solomon's Seal](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_Solomon%27s_Seal&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of the Queen of Sheba](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of the Holy Trinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_the_Holy_Trinity&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of Menelik II](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_Menelik_II&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of Emperor Haile Selassie I](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_Emperor_Haile_Selassie_I&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of the Ethiopian Lion](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_the_Ethiopian_Lion&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of the Star of Ethiopia](/source/Imperial_Order_of_the_Star_of_Ethiopia) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of Saint Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_Saint_Anthony&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Ethiopia) - [Imperial Order of the Lion of Mandé](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Imperial_Order_of_the_Lion_of_Mand%C3%A9&action=edit&redlink=1) (Imperial House of Mandé)[16] ### Confraternal orders Confraternal orders are orders of chivalry with the presidency attached to a nobleman: #### Princely orders Princely orders were founded by noblemen of higher rank. Most of these were founded in imitation of the Order of the Golden Fleece, after 1430. - [Order of Saint Catherine](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Order_of_Saint_Catherine_(Viennois)&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by [Humbert II, Dauphin du Viennois](/source/Humbert_II_of_Viennois) around 1335 - [Order of Saint Anthony](/source/Order_of_Saint_Anthony_(Bavaria)), founded by [Albrecht I of Bavaria](/source/Albert_I%2C_Duke_of_Bavaria) in 1384 - [Order of the Rüdenband](/source/Order_of_the_R%C3%BCdenband), founded in Silesia, Upper Lusatia and Bohemia before 1389 - [Society of the Eagle](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Society_of_the_Eagle&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by [Albrecht II von Habsburg](/source/Albert_II_of_Germany) in 1433 - [Society of Our Lady](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Society_of_Our_Lady&action=edit&redlink=1) (Order of the Swan), founded by [Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg](/source/Frederick_II%2C_Elector_of_Brandenburg) in 1440 - [Order of Saint Hubert](/source/Military_Order_of_St._Hubert), founded by [Gerhard V of Jülich and Berg](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gerhard_V_of_J%C3%BClich_and_Berg&action=edit&redlink=1) in 1444 - [Order of the Crescent](/source/Ordre_du_Croissant), founded by [René d'Anjou](/source/Ren%C3%A9_d'Anjou) in 1448 - [Society of Saint Jerome](/source/Society_of_Saint_Jerome), founded by [Friedrich II of Wettin](/source/Frederick_II%2C_Elector_of_Saxony) in 1450 - [Order of Saint Joachim](/source/Order_of_Saint_Joachim), founded by fourteen nobles in 1755 #### Baronial orders Baronial orders were founded by noblemen of lower rank. - [Order of Hubert](/source/Order_of_Hubert) ([Barrois](/source/Barrois), 1422) - [Noble Order of Saint George of Rougemont](/source/Noble_Order_of_Saint_George_of_Rougemont), also called Confraternity of Saint-Georges of Burgundy ([Franche-Comté](/source/Franche-Comt%C3%A9), 1440) ### Fraternal orders Fraternal orders are orders of chivalry that were formed off a vow & for a certain enterprise.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - [Compagnie of the Black Swan](/source/Compagnie_of_the_Black_Swan), founded by 3 princes and 11 knights in [Savoy](/source/Savoy) (1350) - [Corps et Ordre du Tiercelet](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Corps_et_Ordre_du_Tiercelet&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by the vicomte de [Thouars](/source/Thouars) and 17 barons in [Poitou](/source/Poitou) (1377–1385) - [Ordre de la Pomme d'Or](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ordre_de_la_Pomme_d%27Or&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by 14 knights in [Auvergne](/source/Auvergne_(province)) (1394) - [Alliance et Compagnie du Levrier](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alliance_et_Compagnie_du_Levrier&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by 44 knights in the Barrois (1416–1422), subsequently converted into the Confraternal order of Saint Hubert (see above) ### Votive orders Votive orders are orders of chivalry, temporarily formed on the basis of a [vow](/source/Oath). These were courtly chivalric games rather than actual pledges as in the case of the fraternal orders. Three are known from their statutes:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - [Emprise de l'Escu vert à la Dame Blanche](/source/Emprise_de_l'Escu_vert_%C3%A0_la_Dame_Blanche) (Enterprise of the green shield with the white lady), founded by [Jean Le Maingre](/source/Jean_Le_Maingre) dit Boucicaut and 12 knights in 1399 for the duration of 5 years - [Emprise du Fer de Prisonnier](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emprise_du_Fer_de_Prisonnier&action=edit&redlink=1) (Enterprise of the Prisoner's Iron), founded by [Jean de Bourbon](/source/John_I%2C_Duke_of_Bourbon) and 16 knights in 1415 for the duration of 2 years - [Emprise de la gueule de dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emprise_de_la_gueule_de_dragon&action=edit&redlink=1) (Enterprise of the Dragon's Mouth), founded by [Jean comte de Foix](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jean_comte_de_Foix&action=edit&redlink=1) in 1446 for 1 year. ### Cliental pseudo-orders Cliental pseudo-orders are not orders of chivalry and were princes' retinues fashionably termed orders. They are without statutes or restricted memberships:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - [Ordre de la Cosse de Genêt](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ordre_de_la_Cosse_de_Gen%C3%AAt&action=edit&redlink=1) (Order of the Broom-Pod), founded by [Charles VI of France](/source/Charles_VI_of_France) c. 1388 - [Order of the camail or Porcupine](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Order_of_the_camail_or_Porcupine&action=edit&redlink=1), created by [Louis d'Orléans](/source/Louis_I%2C_Duke_of_Orl%C3%A9ans) in 1394 - [Order of the Dove](/source/Order_of_the_Dove), Castile, 1390 - [Order of the Scale of Castile](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Order_of_the_Scale_of_Castile&action=edit&redlink=1), c. 1430 ### Honorific orders Honorific orders were honorific insignia consisting of nothing but the badge:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - [Order of the Stoat and the Ear](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Order_of_the_Stoat_and_the_Ear&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by [Francis I, Duke of Brittany](/source/Francis_I%2C_Duke_of_Brittany) in 1448 - [Order of the Golden Spur](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Spur), a papal order (since the 14th century, flourishes in the 16th century) Together with the monarchical chivalric orders (see above) these honorific orders are the prime ancestors of the modern-day [orders of knighthood](/source/Order_of_knighthood) (see below) which are orders of merit in character. The distinction between these orders and decorations is somewhat vague, except that these honorific orders still implied membership in a group. Decorations have no such limitations and are awarded purely to recognize the merit or accomplishments of the recipient. Both orders and decorations often come in multiple classes.[17] #### Influence The orders have influenced organizations which are completely separate and distinct from them. Since at least the 18th century, [Freemasonry](/source/Freemasonry) has incorporated symbols and rituals of several medieval [military orders](/source/Military_order_(religious_society)) in a number of [Masonic bodies](/source/Masonic_bodies), most notably, in the "[Red Cross of Constantine](/source/Red_Cross_of_Constantine)" (derived from the [Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George](/source/Sacred_Military_Constantinian_Order_of_Saint_George)), the "[Order of Malta](/source/Order_of_Malta_(Freemasonry))" (derived from the [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta)), and the "[Order of the Temple](/source/Knights_Templar_(Freemasonry)#The_Degree_of_Knight_of_the_Temple_(Order_of_the_Temple))" (derived from the historical [Knights Templar](/source/Knights_Templar)), the latter two featuring prominently in the [York Rite](/source/York_Rite).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Modern orders See also: [Order of merit](/source/Order_of_merit) Most orders created since the late 17th century were no longer societies and fellowships of [knights](/source/Knight)[1] who followed a common mission but were established by monarchs or governments with the specific purpose of bestowing honours on deserving individuals. In most European monarchies, these new orders retained some outward forms from the medieval orders of chivalry (such as rituals and structure) but were in essence orders of merit, mainly distinguished from their republican counterparts by the fact that members were entitled to a title of [nobility](/source/Nobility).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] While some orders required noble birth (such as the [Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen_of_Hungary), established in 1764), others would confer a title upon appointment (such as the [Military Order of Max Joseph](/source/Military_Order_of_Max_Joseph), established in 1806) while in yet other orders only the top classes were considered knights (such as in the [Order of St Michael and St George](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George), established in 1818). Orders of merit which still confer privileges of [knighthood](/source/Knighthood) are sometimes referred to as orders of knighthood. As a consequence of being not an order of chivalry but orders of merit or [decorations](/source/Civil_awards_and_decorations), some republican honours have thus avoided the traditional structure found in medieval orders of chivalry and created new ones instead, e.g. the [Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany](/source/Order_of_Merit_of_the_Federal_Republic_of_Germany), the [Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria](/source/Decoration_for_Services_to_the_Republic_of_Austria), or the [Legion of Merit](/source/Legion_of_Merit) of the [United States](/source/United_States_of_America). The Order of Colm Cille (OCC) was established in the 17th century to honour individuals belonging to the Cineál Chonaill tribe of modern Co. Donegal in Ireland. Recipients were mostly found within the O'Donnell clan. The order is still alive([https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5022850450902954441/990468571090552343](https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5022850450902954441/990468571090552343)). St. Colm Cille is the patron of Co. Donegal and one of Ireland's three patron saints along with St. Pádraig and St. Brighid. He is also the patron saint of women. ### List of current orders - [Order of the Holy Sepulchre](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre_(Catholic)), one of the original military orders founded circa 1099, and its definite acceptance in 1103 by [King Baldwin I](/source/Baldwin_I_of_Jerusalem).[18] - [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta), one of the original [military orders](/source/Military_order_(society)), founded as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1048, sanctioned by [Pope Paschal II](/source/Pope_Paschal_II) on 15 February 1113. - [Alliance of the Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem](/source/Alliance_of_the_Orders_of_Saint_John_of_Jerusalem), the federation of the Protestant Hospitaller Orders. - [Order of Saint John (chartered 1888)](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_(chartered_1888)) - [Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_(Bailiwick_of_Brandenburg)) - [Order of Saint John in Sweden](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_in_Sweden) - [Order of Saint John in the Netherlands](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_in_the_Netherlands) - [Teutonic Order](/source/Teutonic_Order), a Catholic religious order founded as a military order in 1190 in Acre, Kingdom of Jerusalem. - [Order of Aviz](/source/Order_of_Aviz) founded by [Afonso I of Portugal](/source/Afonso_I_of_Portugal) in 1146 - [Order of Calatrava](/source/Order_of_Calatrava) founded by [St. Raymond of Fitero](/source/St._Raymond_of_Fitero) ([Spain](/source/Spain)) in 1164. - Order of Colm Cille. Founded in the 17th century in Co. Mayo, Ireland - [Order of Alcantara](/source/Order_of_Alcantara) founded by [Ferdinand II of León](/source/Ferdinand_II_of_Le%C3%B3n) ([Spain](/source/Spain)) in 1167. - [Order of Santiago](/source/Order_of_Santiago) founded [Ferdinand II of León](/source/Ferdinand_II_of_Le%C3%B3n) ([Spain](/source/Spain)) in 1170. - [Order of Saint James of the Sword](/source/Order_of_Saint_James_of_the_Sword) founded by [Afonso I of Portugal](/source/Afonso_I_of_Portugal) in 1172. - [Order of Montesa](/source/Order_of_Montesa) founded by [James II of Aragon](/source/James_II_of_Aragon) ([Spain](/source/Spain)) in 1317. - [Order of Christ (Portugal)](/source/Order_of_Christ_(Portugal)), founded by [Denis of Portugal](/source/Denis_of_Portugal) in 1319. This order considers itself successor of the [Knights Templar](/source/Knights_Templar). - [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter), founded by [Edward III of England](/source/Edward_III_of_England) c. 1348 - [Order of the Most Holy Annunciation](/source/Supreme_Order_of_the_Most_Holy_Annunciation), founded by [Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy](/source/Amadeus_VI%2C_Count_of_Savoy) in 1362, ceased to be a national order of Italy when [the Kingdom](/source/Kingdom_of_Italy) became a Republic in 1946, but continues to be awarded by the heir of the last King as the head of the house of Savoy rules in *[fons honorum](/source/Fons_honorum)*. - [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece), founded by [Philip III, Duke of Burgundy](/source/Philip_III%2C_Duke_of_Burgundy) in 1430 - [Knights of the Thistle of Bourbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Knights_of_the_Thistle_of_Bourbon&action=edit&redlink=1), founded by [Duke of Bourbon](/source/Duke_of_Bourbon) in 1370 which today is headed by the [Seigneur of Fief Blondel](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seigneur_of_Fief_Blondel&action=edit&redlink=1) and also includes the [Order of Our Lady of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Thistle)[19] [Spanish](/source/Spaniards) orders of chivalry. In the centre, the [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece), 1820 - [Order of the Tower and Sword](/source/Order_of_the_Tower_and_Sword), founded by [Afonso V of Portugal](/source/Afonso_V_of_Portugal) in 1459 - [Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus](/source/Order_of_Saints_Maurice_and_Lazarus) In 1572, Pope [Gregory XIII](/source/Gregory_XIII) united the Order of Saint Lazarus in perpetuity with the Crown of Savoy. [Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy](/source/Emmanuel_Philibert%2C_Duke_of_Savoy), merged it with the Savoyan Order of Saint Maurice, and thenceforth the title of Grand Master of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus was hereditary in that house. 1572 - [Order of the Dannebrog](/source/Order_of_the_Dannebrog), founded by King [Christian V of Denmark](/source/Christian_V_of_Denmark) in 1671 - [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle), founded by King [James VII of Scotland](/source/James_II_of_England) in 1687 - [Order of the Elephant](/source/Order_of_the_Elephant), founded by King [Christian V of Denmark](/source/Christian_V_of_Denmark) in 1693 - [Order of St. Andrew](/source/Order_of_St._Andrew), founded by [Tsar](/source/Tsar) [Peter the Great](/source/Peter_I_of_Russia) of Russia in 1698 - [Order of the White Eagle](/source/Order_of_the_White_Eagle_(Poland)), founded by King [Augustus II of Poland](/source/Augustus_II_of_Poland) in 1705 - [Order of the Bath](/source/Order_of_the_Bath),[20] founded by [King George I](/source/George_I_of_Great_Britain) of Great Britain on 18 May 1725[21] - [Order of the Seraphim](/source/Royal_Order_of_the_Seraphim), founded by [Frederick I of Sweden](/source/Frederick_I_of_Sweden) in 1748. - [Order of the Sword](/source/Order_of_the_Sword), founded by [Frederick I of Sweden](/source/Frederick_I_of_Sweden) in 1748 [Dormant between 1974 and 2023]. - [Order of the Polar Star](/source/Order_of_the_Polar_Star), founded by [Frederick I of Sweden](/source/Frederick_I_of_Sweden) in 1748. - [Order of Saint Joachim](/source/Order_of_Saint_Joachim), founded by several notables of the [Holy Roman Empire](/source/Holy_Roman_Empire) in 1755. - [Order of St. George the Triumphant](/source/Order_of_Saint_George_(Russia)), founded by [Catherine the Great](/source/Catherine_the_Great) of the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire) in 1769. - [Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Carlos III](/source/Order_of_Charles_III), founded by [Charles III of Spain](/source/Charles_III_of_Spain) on 19 September 1771 (became a Spanish order) - [Order of Vasa](/source/Order_of_Vasa), founded by [Gustav III of Sweden](/source/Gustav_III_of_Sweden) in 1772 (Dormant between 1974 and 2023). - [Order of St Patrick](/source/Order_of_St_Patrick), founded by [George III of the United Kingdom](/source/George_III_of_the_United_Kingdom) in 1783 (Not awarded since 1936). - [Order of Charles XIII](/source/Order_of_Charles_XIII), founded by [Charles XIII of Sweden](/source/Charles_XIII_of_Sweden) in 1811. - [Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic](/source/Order_of_Isabella_the_Catholic), founded by King [Ferdinand VII of Spain](/source/Ferdinand_VII_of_Spain) on 14 March 1815 (became a Spanish order). - [Military William Order](/source/Military_William_Order), founded by King [William I of the Netherlands](/source/William_I_of_the_Netherlands) on 30 April 1815. - [Order of the Netherlands Lion](/source/Order_of_the_Netherlands_Lion), founded by King [William I of the Netherlands](/source/William_I_of_the_Netherlands) on 29 September 1815. - [Order of St Michael and St George](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George), is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later [George IV of the United Kingdom](/source/George_IV_of_the_United_Kingdom), while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III. - [Order of the Southern Cross](/source/Order_of_the_Southern_Cross), founded by Emperor [Pedro I of Brazil](/source/Pedro_I_of_Brazil) on 1 December 1822. - [Order of Leopold](/source/Order_of_Leopold_(Belgium)), founded by King [Leopold I](/source/Leopold_I_of_Belgium) of the [Belgians](/source/Belgians) on 11 July 1832. - [Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav](/source/Royal_Norwegian_Order_of_St_Olav), founded by King [Oscar I of Norway](/source/Oscar_I_of_Norway) on 21 August 1847. - [Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)](/source/Order_of_Saint_John_(Bailiwick_of_Brandenburg)), Order founded in 1099 and refounded in 1852. - [Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau](/source/Order_of_the_Gold_Lion_of_the_House_of_Nassau), founded by [King-Grand Duke](/source/King-Grand_Duke) [William III](/source/William_III_of_the_Netherlands) of [Luxembourg](/source/Luxembourg) in 1858. - [Order of the White Elephant](/source/Order_of_the_White_Elephant) is an order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam. - [Order of the Mexican Eagle](/source/Mexican_Imperial_Orders#Imperial_Order_of_the_Mexican_Eagle), a [Mexican Imperial](/source/Second_Mexican_Empire) Order founded on 1 January 1865 by [Maximilian I of Mexico](/source/Maximilian_I_of_Mexico), renamed the [Order of the Aztec Eagle](/source/Order_of_the_Aztec_Eagle) in 1933. - [Order of the Crown of Italy](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_of_Italy), founded by [Victor Emmanuel II](/source/Victor_Emmanuel_II), to celebrate the unification of Italy 1868 - [Order of Orange-Nassau](/source/Order_of_Orange-Nassau), founded by the [Queen regent](/source/Queen_regent) [Emma of the Netherlands](/source/Emma_of_the_Netherlands), acting on behalf of her under-age daughter [Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands](/source/Queen_Wilhelmina_of_the_Netherlands) on 4 April 1892. - [Royal Victorian Order](/source/Royal_Victorian_Order), founded by [Queen Victoria](/source/Queen_Victoria) of the United Kingdom on 21 April 1896. - [Order of the Crown](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_(Belgium)), founded by [King Leopold II](/source/King_Leopold_II) of the [Congo Free State](/source/Congo_Free_State) on 15 October 1897 (became a [Belgian](/source/Belgium) order in 1908). - [Order of Leopold II](/source/Order_of_Leopold_II), founded by King Leopold II of the Congo Free State on 24 August 1900 (became a Belgian order in 1908). - [Order of Monisaraphon](/source/Order_of_Monisaraphon) (or Muni Isvarabarna): founded by King [Sisowath of Cambodia](/source/Sisowath_of_Cambodia) on 1 February 1905. - [Order of Michael the Brave](/source/Order_of_Michael_the_Brave), founded by King [Ferdinand I of Romania](/source/Ferdinand_I_of_Romania) on 26 September 1916. - [Order of the British Empire](/source/Order_of_the_British_Empire), founded by King [George V of the United Kingdom](/source/George_V_of_the_United_Kingdom) on 4 June 1917. - [Knightly Order of Vitéz](/source/Knightly_Order_of_Vit%C3%A9z), founded by [Miklós Horthy](/source/Mikl%C3%B3s_Horthy) the Regent of Hungary in 1921. - [Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross Australia](https://www.ksca.org.au/index.html), founded by [the Catholic Bishops of Australia](https://mediablog.catholic.org.au/) in 1919. - [Order of Skanderbeg](/source/Order_of_Skanderbeg), founded by [Zog I of Albania](/source/Zog_I_of_Albania) in 1925. - [Order of Civil Merit](/source/Order_of_Civil_Merit), founded by King [Alfonso XIII](/source/Alfonso_XIII) of Spain in 1926. - [Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_of_King_Zvonimir), founded by [Ante Pavelić](/source/Ante_Paveli%C4%87) the Poglavnik of Croatia in 1941. - [Order of the Sun](/source/Order_of_the_Sun_(India)), founded by [Man Singh II](/source/Man_Singh_II), the [Maharaja of Jaipur](/source/Maharaja_of_Jaipur) in 1947. - [Royal Order of Sahametrei](/source/Royal_Order_of_Sahametrei), founded by [King Norodom Sihanouk](/source/King_Norodom_Sihanouk) of the Kingdom of Cambodia on 9 September 1948. - [Order of the Knights of Rizal](/source/Order_of_the_Knights_of_Rizal), granted a legislative charter by President of the Philippines [Elpidio Quirino](/source/Elpidio_Quirino) on 14 June 1951. - [Order of Canada](/source/Order_of_Canada), founded by Queen [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II) of Canada in 1967. - [Order of Australia](/source/Order_of_Australia), founded by Queen [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II) of Australia in 1975. - [Order of Merit of Savoy](/source/Order_of_the_Crown_of_Italy), founded by [Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples](/source/Vittorio_Emanuele%2C_Prince_of_Naples) in 1988.[22] - [New Zealand Order of Merit](/source/New_Zealand_Order_of_Merit), founded by Queen [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II) of New Zealand in 1996. ### List of former orders - [Order of Saint Lazarus](/source/Order_of_Saint_Lazarus), founded in 1098 at a leper hospital in the [Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem](/source/Latin_Kingdom_of_Jerusalem) and is one of the lesser known orders. - [Order of Saint Stanislaus](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stanislaus), founded by King [Stanislaus II Augustus Poniatowski of Poland](/source/Stanislaus_II_Augustus_Poniatowski_of_Poland) in 1765 - [Ludwigsorden](/source/Ludwigsorden) (Order of Louis) of the [Grand Duchy of Hesse](/source/Grand_Duchy_of_Hesse), founded 1807, abolished 1918 - [Order of the Iron Helmet](/source/Order_of_the_Iron_Helmet) of [Hesse-Kassel](/source/Electorate_of_Hesse) (or Hesse-Cassel) (in present-day Germany), founded 1814, abolished 1866[23] - [Wilhelmsorden](/source/Wilhelmsorden) (Order of Wilhelm) of Hesse-Kassel, founded 1851, abolished 1875[23] - [Order of the Star of India](/source/Order_of_the_Star_of_India), founded by Queen Victoria in 1861 and has not been awarded since the independence of [India](/source/India) in 1947 - [Order of the Indian Empire](/source/Order_of_the_Indian_Empire), founded by Queen Victoria in 1878 and has not been awarded since the independence of [India](/source/India) in 1947 - [Order of the African Star](/source/Order_of_the_African_Star), founded by King Leopold II of the Congo Free State on 30 December 1888, which became a Belgian order in 1908 and has not been awarded since the independence of [Congo](/source/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo) in 1960 - [Royal Order of the Lion](/source/Royal_Order_of_the_Lion), founded by King Leopold II of the Congo Free State on 9 April 1891, which became a Belgian order in 1908 and has not been awarded since the independence of [Congo](/source/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo) in 1960 - [Order of the Norwegian Lion](/source/Order_of_the_Norwegian_Lion), founded 1904, abolished 1952 - [Order of Pahlavi](/source/Order_of_Pahlavi), founded 1928 by [Reza Shah](/source/Reza_Shah), abolished 1979 after the [Iranian Revolution](/source/Iranian_Revolution). There were two classes. The first class, the Grand Collar, was worn by the Shah, crown prince, and awarded to heads of state. The second class, the Grand Cordon, was worn by princes and princesses. ## Typical insignia and ranks [Lemuel Francis Abbott](/source/Lemuel_Francis_Abbott)'s portrait of [Admiral Lord Nelson](/source/Horatio_Nelson) depicting his honours embroidered on his coat jacket Insignia of the British [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter). Following the example set by the French [Legion of Honour](/source/Legion_of_Honour), founded by [Napoleon](/source/Napoleon), most multi-level European orders comprise five ranks or classes. The highest is usually called the [Grand Cross](/source/Grand_Cross), then descending with varying titles. Alternatively, the ranks are referred to by number (for example "1st class" instead of "Grand Cross"). Typical rankings are:[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Class Common names I Grand Cross, Commander Grand Cross, Grand Cordon, Grand Collar II Grand Officer, Commander 1st Class, Grand Commander, Knight Commander, Knight Companion, Commander with Star, Commodore III Commander, Commander 2nd Class, Companion IV Officer, Knight 1st Class, Member 1st Class V Knight, Knight 2nd Class, Chevalier, Cavaliere, Member Each of these ranks wear insignia, usually [badge](/source/Badge) (often enamelled) on a [ribbon](/source/Ribbon). Typically these insignia are worn from a [sash](/source/Sash) in the case of the senior ranks, around the neck for the middle ranks (see also [neck decorations](/source/Neck_decoration)), and on the left chest for the lower grades. Many orders use insignia in the form of a cross, but there may also be stars, and military awards may have crossed swords added onto the insignias. Ladies may wear the badge on a bow on the left chest. In orders following the example set by the French Legion of Honour, the two highest classes also wear a star (or [plaque](/source/Plaquette)) on the chest. In special cases the senior class may wear the badge on a [collar](/source/Livery_collar), which is an elaborate chain around the neck.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In certain countries with feudal heritage the higher ranks (usually at least the Grand Cross) may have vestments proper to them, including a [robe](/source/Robe) or [mantle](/source/Mantle_(royal_garment)) and a [hat](/source/Hat). An example of such a modern-day order is the [Order of the British Empire](/source/Order_of_the_British_Empire).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The French Legion of Honour democratised the honour systems of orders of chivalry and merit in the sense of formally omitting both the expectations of [nobility](/source/Nobility) on admittees while also no further implying the same status on previously non-noble conferees. Yet some orders may still expect noble ancestry on the part of recipients, such as the [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta) and those of the [Alliance of the Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem](/source/Alliance_of_the_Orders_of_Saint_John_of_Jerusalem). Others may continue to imply conferral of nobility on any admittee, whether hereditary or personal, such as in some of the cases of [dynastic orders](/source/Dynastic_order) conferred by the [House of Bavaria](/source/House_of_Bavaria) or the [House of Imperial Russia](/source/House_of_Imperial_Russia).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Self-styled orders Main article: [Self-styled order](/source/Self-styled_order) [Some organisations](/source/Self-styled_orders) claim to be chivalric orders but are actually private membership organisations that have not been created by a state or a reigning monarch.[24] The answer to the question of whether an order is legitimate or not varies from nation to nation,[25] François Velde wrote an "order of knighthood is legitimate if it is defined as legal, recognized and acknowledged as such by a sovereign authority. Within its borders, a sovereign state does as it pleases. Most, if not all, modern states have honorific orders and decorations of some kind, and those are sometimes called orders of knighthood."[26] Exactly what makes one order legitimate and another self-styled or false is a matter of debate with some arguing that any monarch (reigning or not) or even the descendants of such can create an order while others assert that only a government with actual internationally recognized authority has such power (regardless of whether that government is republican or monarchical in nature).[27][28] Historically, nobility and knights have also formed Orders of Knighthood. The [Noble Order of Saint George of Rougemont](/source/Noble_Order_of_Saint_George_of_Rougemont) is a Baronial Order and the Ordre de la Pomme d'Or was founded by 14 knights in Auvergne in 1394.[29][30] ## Gallery - [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter) (1348) - [Order of the Star](/source/Order_of_the_Star_(France)) (1351) - [Order of the Most Holy Annunciation](/source/Supreme_Order_of_the_Most_Holy_Annunciation) (1362) - [Order of the Dragon](/source/Order_of_the_Dragon) (1408) - [Order of the Golden Fleece](/source/Order_of_the_Golden_Fleece) (1430) - [Order of Saint Hubert](/source/Order_of_Saint_Hubert) (1444) - [Order of Saint Michael](/source/Order_of_Saint_Michael) (1469) - [Order of Saint Stephen](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen) (1561) - [Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus](/source/Order_of_Saints_Maurice_and_Lazarus) (1572) - [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Spirit) (1578) - [Order of the Redeemer](/source/Blood_of_Jesus_Christ_(military_order)) (1608) - [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle) (1687) - [Order of Saint Michael (Bavaria)](/source/Order_of_Saint_Michael_(Bavaria)) (1693) - [Order of the Elephant](/source/Order_of_the_Elephant) (1693) - [Order of Saint Louis](/source/Order_of_Saint_Louis) (1694) - [Order of St. Andrew](/source/Order_of_St._Andrew) (1698) - [Order of the Black Eagle](/source/Order_of_the_Black_Eagle) (1701) - [Order of the White Eagle](/source/Order_of_the_White_Eagle) (1705) - [Order of the Bath](/source/Order_of_the_Bath) (1725) - [Order of Saint George (Bavaria)](/source/Royal_Order_of_Saint_George_for_the_Defense_of_the_Immaculate_Conception) (1726) - [Order of Saint Januarius](/source/Order_of_Saint_Januarius) (1738) - [Order of the Sword](/source/Order_of_the_Sword) (1748) - [Order of the Polar Star](/source/Order_of_the_Polar_Star) (1748) - [Order of the Seraphim](/source/Order_of_the_Seraphim) (1748) - [Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary](/source/Order_of_Saint_Stephen_of_Hungary) (1764) - [Order of Charles III](/source/Order_of_Charles_III) (1771) - [Order of St. Patrick](/source/Order_of_St._Patrick) (1783) - [Order of Leopold](/source/Order_of_Leopold_(Austria)) (1808) - [Order of Charles XIII](/source/Order_of_Charles_XIII) (1811) - [Order of Isabella the Catholic](/source/Royal_Order_of_Isabella_the_Catholic) (1815) - [Order of the Iron Crown](/source/Order_of_the_Iron_Crown_(Austria)) (1816) - [Order of the Star of India](/source/Order_of_the_Star_of_India) (1861) ## See also - [Military order (society)](/source/Military_order_(society)) - [Order (honour)](/source/Order_(honour)) - [Title of honor](/source/Title_of_honor) - [Self-styled orders](/source/Self-styled_orders) ## Notes 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SGC_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SGC_1-1) ["St. George's Chapel: History: Order of the Garter"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060915040604/http://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/history/hist_garter.asp). See the definition of the Order of the Garter as "a society, fellowship and college of knights" there. – St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. 2005. Archived from [the original](http://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/history/hist_garter.asp) on 15 September 2006. Retrieved 6 November 2006. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Velde, François Velde (25 February 2004). ["Legitimacy and Orders of Knighthood"](http://www.heraldica.org/topics/orders/legitim.htm#accepted). *Heraldica*. Retrieved 18 November 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** See also: Johannes Fried "Das Mittelalter. Geschichte und Kultur." (2011), p 460. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** "Zur Wiedereinführung von Orden". *Der Türmer*. **31** (2): 280. 1929. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Order of the British Empire"](http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheBritishEmpire.aspx). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100327214051/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheBritishEmpire.aspx) from the original on 2010-03-27. Retrieved 2021-03-11. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** "What is the Legion d'Honneur?". BBC News. 24 May 2004. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Jürgen Sarnowsky "Die geistlichen Ritterorden" (2018), pp 221. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["La Santa Sede e gli Ordini Cavallereschi: doverosi chiarimenti (Prima parte) | ZENIT - Il mondo visto da Roma"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130726152858/http://www.zenit.org/it/articles/la-santa-sede-e-gli-ordini-cavallereschi-doverosi-chiarimenti-prima-parte). *www.zenit.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.zenit.org/it/articles/la-santa-sede-e-gli-ordini-cavallereschi-doverosi-chiarimenti-prima-parte) on 2013-07-26. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sansovino, Francesco (1570). [*Della origine de cavalieri*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-jNeAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA14) (in Italian). Vol. 1. Heredi di Marchio Sessa. p. 14. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["History of Orders of Chivalry"](https://www.heraldica.org/topics/orders/ordhist.htm). *www.heraldica.org*. Retrieved 2023-04-14. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Order of the Garter"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090614210437/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheGarter/OrderoftheGarter.aspx). *Official website of the British Monarchy*. Archived from [the original](http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheGarter/OrderoftheGarter.aspx) on 2009-06-14. Retrieved 2012-11-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Scarisbrick_12-0)** Vachaudez, Christophe; Walgrave, Jan (2008). Diana Scarisbrick (ed.). *Royal jewels: from Charlemagne to the Romanovs*. New York: Vendôme Press. p. 146. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-86565-193-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-86565-193-7). Louis XI founded the Order of Saint Michael in 1469. Initially, there were thirty-six knights, but their numbers increased to such a point that the order began to lose its prestige. Louis XIV reformed the order on 12 January 1665, reducing the number of knights to one hundred 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Order of the Thistle"](http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheThistle.aspx). *Official website of the British Monarchy*. Retrieved 2012-11-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Monarchy Today: Queen and Public: Honours: Order of St Patrick"](http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderofStPatrick.aspx). *Official website of the British Monarchy*. Retrieved 2012-11-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Imperial Order of Solomon (Imperial House of Ethiopia)](https://ethiopiancrown.org/imperial-orders-and-decorations/) on *ethiopiancrown.org* 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [Imperial Order of the Lion of Mandé (Imperial House of Mandé)](https://lamaisondumande.wixsite.com/lamaisondumande) on *lamaisondumande.wixsite.com* 1. **[^](#cite_ref-decorations_17-0)** [Definition adapted from www.turkishmedals.net, accessed 2010-02-20.](http://www.turkishmedals.net/decorations.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120505023021/http://www.turkishmedals.net/decorations.htm) 2012-05-05 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Pierredon (de) M.: L'Ordre equestre du Saint Sepulchre de Jerusalem. Paris, 1928. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Knights of Thistle Bourbon 1370"](https://fiefblondel.com/Knights-of-theThistle-of-Bourbon.html). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Anstis, John (1725). *Observations introductory to an historical essay upon the Knighthood of the Bath*. London: J. Woodman. p. 4. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** The Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey (2011). ["Order of the Bath"](http://www.westminster-abbey.org/our-history/order-of-the-bath). *Westminster Abbey*. Retrieved 11 December 2012. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established as a military order by Letters Patent of George I on 18 May 1725, when the Dean of Westminster was made Dean of the Order in perpetuity and King Henry VII's Chapel designated as the Chapel of the Order. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["REGISTERS"](https://www.icocregister.com/registers/). *International Commission for Orders of Chivalry* (in Italian). Retrieved 2022-09-22. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Sauer_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Sauer_23-1) Sauer, Werner (1950). *Die Orden und Ehrenzeichen des Kurfürstentums Hessen-Kassel* (in German). Hamburg: Verlag Kleine Reihe für Freunde der Ordens- und Ehrenzeichenkunde. pp. 19–24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Barber, Malcom; Mallia-Milanes, Victor, eds. (2008). *The Military Orders*. Vol. 3, History and Heritage. Aldershot, England: Ashgate. pp. 4–6. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780754662907](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780754662907). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Hoegen Dijkhof, Hendrik Johannes (2006). [*The legitimacy of Orders of St. John: a historical and legal analysis and case study of a para-religious phenomenon*](https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/4576/Thesis.pdf;jsessionid=DDF25989E047570D717DA9A7BDDCC613?sequence=4) (Thesis). Amsterdam: Hoegen Dijkhof Advocaten (van Universiteit Leiden). pp. 35–41. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Velde, François Velde (25 February 2004). ["Legal Definitions of Orders of Knighthood"](http://www.heraldica.org/topics/orders/legitim.htm#legal). *Heraldica*. Retrieved 18 November 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Brett-Crowther, Michael Richard (1990). *Orders of Chivalry under the Aegis of the Church*. London: Lambeth Diploma of Student in Theology Thesis. pp. 80–90. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Kurrild-Klitgaard, Peter (2002). *Knights of fantasy: an overview, history, and critique of the self-styled "Orders" called "of Saint John" or "of Malta", in Denmark and other Nordic countries*. Turku: Digipaino. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9512922657](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9512922657). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Thiou, E. (2002). La noble confrérie & les chevaliers de Saint-Georges au Comté de Bourgogne sous l'Ancien régime & la révolution. Mémoire et documents. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Bossuat, A. (1944). Un ordre de chevalerie auvergnat; l'ordre de la Pomme d'or'. Bidle/in bistoriqia it stienti/iqm dt I'Aupergite, Uiv (1944), 83–98; H. Morel,'Unc associa, 523-4. ## Bibliography - Anstis, John (1752). *Observations introductory to an historical essay upon the Knighthood of the Bath*. London: James Woodman.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: publisher location ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_publisher_location)) - Burke, John (1725). *Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath*. - [D'Arcy Jonathan Dacre Boulton](/source/D'Arcy_Jonathan_Dacre_Boulton) (2000) [February 1987]. *The knights of the crown: the monarchical orders of knighthood in later medieval Europe*. Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press, Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 1325–1520. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-312-45842-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-312-45842-8). - Kaeuper, Richard W.; Kennedy, Elspeth; De Charny, Geoffroi (December 1996). [*The Book of Chivalry of Geoffroi De Charny: Text, Context, and Translation*](https://archive.org/details/bookofchivalryof00kaeu). University of Pennsylvania Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8122-1579-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8122-1579-6). - Risk, James C. (1972). *The History of the Order of the Bath and its Insignia*. London: Spink & Son. ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Orders of chivalry](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Orders_of_chivalry). - [History of Orders of Chivalry: A Survey](http://www.heraldica.org/topics/orders/ordhist.htm) - [International Commission for Orders of Chivalry](http://www.icocregister.org/emain.htm) - [Medieval Chivalry – World History Encyclopedia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Chivalry/) v t e Phaleristics Auxiliary science of history and numismatics about orders, decorations, and medals Distinctions (Lists) By conferee Founts of honour* States and their national/public/official authorities Dynasties heads of currently or formerly sovereign royal families Private Ecclesiastical Organisations Commercial (Self-styled order) By type Orders Order of chivalry Military order Order of merit Royal family order Titles (Styles, Post-nominal) By function Grand master Chancellor Treasurer Assessor Bailiff Prior Chaplain Master of ceremonies Grand Cross / Grand Cordon Commander Officer Hospitaller Knight/Dame Postulant Squire Page Jurisdictions Charter Bailiwick Chapter Commandery Obedience Grand Lodge Lodge Others, by field Military (List) List of highest Campaign medal Law enforcement Civilian (List) Society Peace Intellectual freedom Human rights Law Humanitarianism Politics Volunteer Culture Architecture Art Film History Literature Music Philosophy Poetry Theatre Science Religion-related Ecclesiastical Sports Scouting Beauty By insignia (Named after people) For wearing (decorations) Formal Chelengk Collar Livery collar Grand Cross / Grand Cordon with sash Medal Necklet Medal bar Medal ribbon Robe of honour Tiraz Other Rosette Award pin Lapel pin Collar pin Tie pin Badge Heraldic Pilgrim Championship belt Embroidered patch Epaulette Ribbon Ring Championship ring Button Campaign Service Shoulder mark Tie clip Prizes Booby prize Wooden spoon Deal toy Plaquette Prize book Prize money Prize of war War trophy Human trophy Rosette Trophy Acrylic Participation Prizes known as the Nobel of a field Ceremonies and events Accolade Vigil Feoffment Passage fee Festival Vow Collar day Related organisations Family history society Family association Nobility association Fraternity Confraternity Fraternal order Fraternities and sororities Secret society Guild Syndicate Learned society Fellowship Honor society Hereditary society Club Gentlemen's club International Commission for Orders of Chivalry Magical organization Religious order Related concepts Chivalry Numismatics Heraldry Vexillology Service flag Battle honour Campaign streamer Nobility Order of precedence Taonga Honorary degree Devotional medal Awareness ribbon Code of conduct Code of honor High society * = Direct or indirect reference to fount of honour is the accepted criterion for official distinctions Category:Orders, decorations, and medals Wikipedia:WikiProject Orders, decorations, and medals Wikipedia:WikiProject Awards Authority control databases International GND National United States France BnF data Czech Republic Other Historical Dictionary of Switzerland Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Order of chivalry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_chivalry) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_chivalry?action=history)). 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