Order of the Ermine

The ermine Order was an order of knights that was founded in 1381 by Duke John V. Breton. After the incorporation of Brittany into the kingdom of France (16th century) he was ' hermine or as l' Ordre de l' Ordre de as A ma vie referred; later he sank into insignificance. As the only order of knighthood, he permitted women 's membership, which were then referred to as Chevalières.

Symbolism

In a Breton legend (see web link) is narrated that an ermine would rather die than to make his white winter coat in the mud dirty. A similar-sounding legend forms the background for the motto " malo mori quem foedari " ( " rather die than be defiled ") of the Neapolitan ermine Order. Where and when the legend originated is unknown, but was the white ermine fur in large parts of medieval Europe as a symbol of - moral - purity and innocence.

Due to the fact that only high secular and ecclesiastical dignitaries could afford a precious ermine cloak, such a coat was already in late middle age, but especially in the age of absolutism ( Louis XIV ) to an insignia of power.

Order decoration

The religious character consisted of a collar, which consisted of two chains in ring shape. Both rings were provided and connected to two crowns. A crown of which depended on the ring on the chest. A second crown was placed on the neck. Each of the two eight-membered chains had border between the members stoats. On the to be distinguished by the two crowns pages, the ermine body were bound with a band. On the tape was enamelled alternately in black and white letters, the motto " A ma vie".

At the crown on the chest hanging from two chains with an ermine the Order motto. A rank -dependent chain of orders, golden or gilded silver medal chain was issued by the Duke. The Duke himself was wearing a jeweled and beaded chain of orders.

Revival

In 1972 it was decided to revive the Order in Vannes at a meeting of the Institut Culturel de Bretagne. Since then, several people have been honored with the Order of membership each year; the chain of orders has, however, been redesigned.