State decoration

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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.

Unlike non-state decorations, state decorations are regulated by the state. Such regulations may specify:

Lists of decorations which may be worn on military and civil uniform
The manner in which decorations are to be worn
Restrictions on the acceptance of foreign decorations by citizens

State decorations may be divided into civil decorations and military decorations. State decorations normally include one or more of the following components:

Broad ribands (i.e. sashes) worn over one shoulder (on which a decoration may be suspended)
Stars (or 'plaque') pinned to the lower chest
Neck decorations suspended from narrow ribands around the neck
Women's decorations suspended from a bow worn pinned to the upper chest
Decorations and medals suspended from ribbons pinned to the upper chest