Baldric facts for kids

A baldric is a special kind of belt. It's worn over one shoulder, usually across the chest. People often use it to carry important things. This could be a weapon, like a sword. It can also hold musical instruments, such as a bugle or a drum.

A cavalryman wearing a mail shirt with a baldric over his right shoulder, from the Roman Tropaeum Traiani, built 109 AD in the area of present-day Romania.

Sometimes, the word "baldric" can mean any belt. But this is mostly in old poems or stories. Today, you will most often see baldrics worn by military drum majors. They are the leaders of military bands.

U.S Army band baldric

Who Wears a Baldric Today?

In modern times, baldrics are still an important part of some uniforms. Military drum majors often wear them. These are the people who lead marching bands in the military. Their baldrics are usually very fancy. They can show off the band's symbols or colors.

Baldrics are not just for carrying things anymore. They are also a sign of tradition and honor. They connect today's military bands to a long history.

Images for kids

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  A drum major of the United States' III Marine Expeditionary Forces Band is pictured wearing a baldric in 2019

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  The Marching Illini Drumline with double baldrics

See also

In Spanish: Bálteo para niños