Diadem (personal wear)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about a type of crown called a diadem; for alternative meanings, see Diadem.
Diodotus of Bactria wearing the diadema, a white ribbon which was the Hellenistic symbol of kingship.
Diodotus of Bactria wearing the diadema, a white ribbon which was the Hellenistic symbol of kingship.
Queen Victoria in her coronation robes, wearing the State Diadem designed for George IV's coronation.
Queen Victoria in her coronation robes, wearing the State Diadem designed for George IV's coronation.

A diadem (from the Greek διάδημα diadema, from διάδηω diadeo to bind round, or fasten) was originally a white ribbon, ending in a knot and two strips that were placed often on the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king to denote his authority.

By extension, this term was applied later to a crown, generally with a circular shape. For example, the crown worn by the kings of Anglo-Saxon England were diadems, as was the crown of a baron later (in some countries surmounted by three globes).

A diadem is also a jeweled ornament worn by women with the shape of a half crown, placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara). In some societies, it is also a wreath worn around the head.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Types of crowns

the diadem was also used by the princeps of rome sometimes, because it was a sign of authority but not a monarchichal crown. this was because of the fear the senate had of returning to a monarchy