Diadem (personal wear)
Encyclopedia
A diadem is a type of crown
, specifically an ornamental headband worn by Eastern monarchs and others as a badge of royalty. The word derives from the Greek
"διάδημα" (diádēma), "band" or "fillet", from "διαδέω" (diadéō), "I bind round", or "I fasten".
The term originally referred to the embroidered white silk ribbon, ending in a knot and two fringed strips often draped over the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king
to denote his authority. Such ribbons were also used to crown victorious athletes in important sports games in antiquity. It was later applied to a metal crown
, generally in a circular or "filet" shape. For example, the crown worn by the kings of Anglo-Saxon England was a diadem, as was that of a baron
later (in some countries surmounted by three globes). The ancient Celts were believed to have used a thin semioval gold plate called a mind (Old Irish) as a diadem.
A diadem is also a jeweled ornament in the shape of a half crown, worn by women and placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara
). In some societies, it may be a wreath
worn around the head. The ancient Persians wore a high and erect royal tiara encircled with a diadem.
By extension, "diadem" can be used generally for an emblem of regal power or dignity. The head regalia worn Roman Emperor
s, from the time of Diocletian
onwards, is described as a diadem in the original sources and it was this object that the barbarian king Odoacer
sent to Zeno
(the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire) following the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire
in 476
AD.
Crown (headgear)
A crown is the traditional symbolic form of headgear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour and glory of life after death. In art, the crown may be shown being offered to...
, specifically an ornamental headband worn by Eastern monarchs and others as a badge of royalty. The word derives from the Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
"διάδημα" (diádēma), "band" or "fillet", from "διαδέω" (diadéō), "I bind round", or "I fasten".
The term originally referred to the embroidered white silk ribbon, ending in a knot and two fringed strips often draped over the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king
Monarch
A monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
to denote his authority. Such ribbons were also used to crown victorious athletes in important sports games in antiquity. It was later applied to a metal crown
Crown (headgear)
A crown is the traditional symbolic form of headgear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour and glory of life after death. In art, the crown may be shown being offered to...
, generally in a circular or "filet" shape. For example, the crown worn by the kings of Anglo-Saxon England was a diadem, as was that of a baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
later (in some countries surmounted by three globes). The ancient Celts were believed to have used a thin semioval gold plate called a mind (Old Irish) as a diadem.
A diadem is also a jeweled ornament in the shape of a half crown, worn by women and placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara
Tiara
A tiara is a form of crown. There are two possible types of crown that this word can refer to.Traditionally, the word "tiara" refers to a high crown, often with the shape of a cylinder narrowed at its top, made of fabric or leather, and richly ornamented. It was used by the kings and emperors of...
). In some societies, it may be a wreath
Wreath
A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to symbolize the coming of Christ, also known as the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses...
worn around the head. The ancient Persians wore a high and erect royal tiara encircled with a diadem.
By extension, "diadem" can be used generally for an emblem of regal power or dignity. The head regalia worn Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
s, from the time of Diocletian
Diocletian
Diocletian |latinized]] upon his accession to Diocletian . c. 22 December 244 – 3 December 311), was a Roman Emperor from 284 to 305....
onwards, is described as a diadem in the original sources and it was this object that the barbarian king Odoacer
Odoacer
Flavius Odoacer , also known as Flavius Odovacer, was the first King of Italy. His reign is commonly seen as marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. Though the real power in Italy was in his hands, he represented himself as the client of Julius Nepos and, after Nepos' death in 480, of the...
sent to Zeno
Zeno (emperor)
Zeno , originally named Tarasis, was Byzantine Emperor from 474 to 475 and again from 476 to 491. Domestic revolts and religious dissension plagued his reign, which nevertheless succeeded to some extent in foreign issues...
(the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire) following the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire
Western Roman Empire
The Western Roman Empire was the western half of the Roman Empire after its division by Diocletian in 285; the other half of the Roman Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire, commonly referred to today as the Byzantine Empire....
in 476
476
Year 476 was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Basiliscus and Armatus...
AD.
External links
- Crown - LoveToKnow 1911. 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica - Free Online.
- Diadem. Livius. Articles on Ancient History.
- diadem Everything2.com.