Collar day

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Collar days are designated days on which the collar forming part of the insignia of certain members of orders of knighthood may be worn. Collars are special large and elaborate metal chains worn over the shoulders, hanging equally in front and back, often tied with a bow at the shoulders, with a distinctive pendant attached to the front.

[edit] Collar days in the United Kingdom

Collars are worn by members of the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle, and Knights Grand Cross of other orders (the only active ones being the orders of the Bath, Saint Michael and Saint George, the British Empire, and the Royal Victorian Order).

The collar can be worn on thirty-four specific days throughout the year. These include civil events (New Year’s Day, 1 January; Restoration of the Royal Family, 29 May), special days pertaining to the sovereign (currently Queen’s Accession, 6 February; Queen’s Birthday, 21 April; and Queen’s Coronation, 2 June), and religious observances (seventeen saints’ days; Epiphany, 6 January; Candlemas, 2 February; Annunciation Day, 25 March; Christmas, 25 December; plus moveable days related to Easter [three], Ascension Day, Whit Sunday [three], and Trinity Sunday). Collars are also worn when the queen opens or prorogues Parliament and a few other observances, including religious services of the various orders and introducing a peer to the House of Lords.

Collars are not normally worn after sunset nor while mounted in parades such as the Trooping the Colour. Even if a bearer is entitled to more than one collar, only one may be worn at a time. The riband with badge can not be worn with the collar, but that of another order is allowed.