Order of the White Double Cross
Encyclopedia
The Order of the White Double Cross is the highest state decoration
of the Republic of Slovakia.
The Order was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia became independent on 1 January 1993. It continues the Czechoslovak
Order of the White Lion
, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners.
The Order of the White Double Cross is conferred only upon foreign citizens:
on a red enamel background, which is surrounded by a gold wreath
of laurel and oak leaves.
The badge of the Order is of the same design as the star, although smaller. Furthermore, the upper point is missing and the badge is suspended on a stylized leaf of a common lime tree, with or without the crossed swords of the Military Division.
The ribbon of the order is blue with a red central stripe.
State decoration
State decorations are orders, medals and other decorations granted by a state. International decorations are similar, but are not granted by a specific nation but rather an international organization....
of the Republic of Slovakia.
The Order was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia became independent on 1 January 1993. It continues the Czechoslovak
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
Order of the White Lion
Order of the White Lion
The Order of the White Lion is the highest order of the Czech Republic. It continues a Czechoslovak order of the same name created in 1922 as an award for foreigners....
, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners.
The Order of the White Double Cross is conferred only upon foreign citizens:
- "for the comprehensive development of relations between the state, whose citizens they are and the Slovak Republic";
- "for the empowerment of the Slovak Republic’s position in international relations";
- "for meeting the foreign policy priorities of Slovakia";
- "for otherwise outstanding achievement in the benefit of the Slovak Republic"; or
- "for the outstanding spread of good reputation of Slovakia abroad."
Classes
The Order of the White Double Cross has two divisions, civil and military, and three classes:- First Class or Grand Cross - badge may be worn on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star is worn on the left chest;
- Second Class or Grand Officer - badge may be worn on a necklet and the star is worn on the left chest;
- Third Class or Commander - badge may be worn on a necklet.
| First Class (badge with sash and breast star) |
Second Class (badge with necklet and breast star) |
Third Class (badge with necklet) |
|---|---|---|
Insignia
The star is an eight-pointed gold breast star, with golden straight rays between the points of the star. The central disc on the star has a white double crossPatriarchal cross
The Patriarchal cross is a variant of the Christian cross, the religious symbol of Christianity. Similar to the familiar Latin cross, the Patriarchal cross possesses a smaller crossbar placed above the main one, so that both crossbars are near the top. Sometimes the patriarchal cross has a short,...
on a red enamel background, which is surrounded by a gold 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...
of laurel and oak leaves.
The badge of the Order is of the same design as the star, although smaller. Furthermore, the upper point is missing and the badge is suspended on a stylized leaf of a common lime tree, with or without the crossed swords of the Military Division.
The ribbon of the order is blue with a red central stripe.