European Orders
Mirrors of history and society, the old world’s orders and awards symbolize the construction and development of the countries which are part of Europe today. Some of the most prestigious orders of knighthood are still awarded today. The Order of the Garter (Great Britain) and the Order of the Elephant (Denmark) continue the secular traditions. Others are very feminine, genuine jewels of exquisite refinement. Orders of merit inspired by the French model became more generalized and were founded in other countries as of the 18th century. Accessible to all, they are complemented by numerous military and civil decorations adapted to the history and symbols of each country.
Non-European orders
Some countries, like the United States of America, only award decorations and reserve a unique order, the Legion of Merit, for foreigners. Latin American countries owe their award system to the European models which are present in their history.
The concept of a sole honorary order, devoid of any material advantage, was foreign to Asian and African civilizations. It was only in the 19th century that Western customs were adopted and similar orders created. The first appeared in Turkey and introduced a new decorative design inspired by Eastern traditions.
The concept of a sole honorary order, devoid of any material advantage, was foreign to Asian and African civilizations. It was only in the 19th century that Western customs were adopted and similar orders created. The first appeared in Turkey and introduced a new decorative design inspired by Eastern traditions.
