Insignia

The Insignia (Latin insigne " badge, license plate " ), usually used in the plural insignia, is a sign of state, corporative or religious dignity, power and distinction. It is to make the social position or the Office of the wearer outwardly visible.

Examples

Insignia may be:

• Headgear, such as the crown, the miter of the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, the veil of women religious and consecrated virgins, the biretta of the clergy, the laurel wreath
• Necklaces, for example, the chains of office of mayors and deans of universities, the pectoral of the bishops
• Garments, such as the pallium of the archbishops, the habit of the religious
• Rings, such as the fisherman's ring of the Pope
• Symbolic, to be carried in the hand objects, eg scepter, orb, Vitis or swagger stick, crosier, Ferula
• Symbolic representations, such as coat of arms and seal.
• Attributes of saints, by which they can be recognized on representations, see Iconographic Holy attribute

Well-known examples

Known examples of insignia are:

• The British Crown Jewels
• The crown jewels
• The Pileolus ( a skullcap worn by dignitaries of the Roman Catholic Church )
• The Order of Merit of the Federal President took office (special stage of the Grand Cross )