Blessed sword and hat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed sword
A blessed sword with a belt and a blessed hat received by Manuel Pinto da Fonseca in 1747, with the Keys of Heaven in the foreground
Type	Ceremonial sword
Place of origin	Papal States
Service history
In service	14th–19th centuries

The blessed sword given by Pope Eugene IV to King John II of Castile in 1446

The blessed sword and the blessed hat were special gifts from popes. They were given to Catholic kings, queens, or other important leaders. These gifts showed thanks for protecting Christendom, which means Christian lands and beliefs.

Each sword and hat set was blessed by a pope on Christmas Eve in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The sword was a fancy, ceremonial weapon. It was often very long, sometimes up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet). The handle had the pope's family symbol, and the blade had the pope's name. A matching decorated scabbard (sword cover) and belt came with it.

The hat was a tall, red velvet cylinder. It had two flaps hanging down from the top. On the right side, a dove made of pearls represented the Holy Spirit. A shining sun, symbolizing Christ, was embroidered in gold on the very top.

The oldest blessed sword we still have is in Madrid, Spain. Pope Eugene IV gave it to King John II of Castile in 1446. The newest one is in Paris, France. Pope Clement XIV blessed it in 1772 for Francisco Ximénez de Tejada, a leader of the Knights Hospitaller. Many important people received these gifts. This included emperors, kings of France, Poland, Spain, England, Scotland, Hungary, and Portugal. Other leaders like princes, dukes, and military commanders also received them. Even some cities and states got these special gifts.

History of the Blessed Gifts

An old painting (around 1720) showing civil power receiving a blessed sword and hat from little angels (putti).

The tradition of popes giving blessed swords and hats started a long time ago. It began at least in the 14th century. The first person we know for sure who received a sword and hat was Fortiguerra Fortiguerri in 1386. He was a leader from the Republic of Lucca. Pope Urban VI gave him the gifts.

However, records show payments for making these gifts as early as 1357. Some historians even think the tradition might be much older. They suggest it could go back to the 8th century.

From the early 1400s, popes kept detailed records of making these swords and hats every year. At first, popes gave them to nobles who visited Rome around Christmas. But over time, they started sending them to faraway rulers. This was a way to reward or encourage them. The gifts were meant to inspire leaders to defend Christian lands and the Catholic Church. This practice became more common under Pope Nicholas V (1447–1455). He used the gifts to help create a military alliance against the Ottoman Empire.

What the Gifts Looked Like

The blessed sword was always a two-handed sword. It could be over 2 meters (6.5 feet) long. The handle was made of silver and covered with detailed gold designs. The pommel (the end of the handle) had the pope's family symbol. It was surrounded by images of the papal crown and a special scarf called a pallium.

The blade had beautiful engravings. An inscription ran along the blade, showing the pope's name. It also showed the year of his time as pope when the sword was blessed. The scabbard and belt were just as fancy. They were covered in velvet and had precious stones. They also showed the pope's family symbol.

The sword never showed who received it. This was because the Church believed the pope was the true defender of the faith. The prince or king who got the sword was just the pope's "armed arm." The sword's meaning was linked to the pope's claim to both spiritual and worldly power. This idea came from the Bible story of Saint Peter using a sword to protect Jesus.

Heralds (messengers) of Pope Julius II holding papal flags, a blessed sword (left), and a very large blessed hat.

The hat was a tall, stiff cylinder with a deep brim. The brim curved up to a point at the front. Two flaps hung down at the back, like those on a bishop's hat. The hat was made of beaver fur or velvet. It was usually dark red, but sometimes gray or black. It was sometimes lined with ermine fur.

A dove with a halo, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, was embroidered in gold and pearls. It was on the right side of the hat. On top, a shining sun with straight and wavy rays was also made with gold thread. The dove meant the Holy Spirit would protect and guide the person wearing the hat. The dove and the sun (Christ) also reminded people of God becoming human. This is a special event celebrated at Christmas, the time when the pope blessed the sword and hat.

Ten blessed swords from the 15th century still exist today. About a dozen from the 16th century also remain. But sometimes, only the blade is left. The more valuable handle and scabbard might be missing. The hats were made of less strong materials. Even fewer of them have survived. The oldest hats are from the second half of the 16th century. We don't even know if the hat always came with the sword from the very beginning.

The Blessing Ceremony

A painting from 1592 by Francesco Bassano the Younger showing a leader of Venice receiving a sword from a pope.

Popes blessed the sword and hat every Christmas Eve. The blessing happened just before morning prayers. It was a simple ceremony. The pope would be in a private chapel or the church's sacristy (a room for sacred items).

The pope wore special white robes. He blessed both items, which a kneeling assistant held in front of him. He said a short prayer. Then, he sprinkled the sword and hat with holy water. He also used incense three times. After that, the pope put on a long red silk robe and went to the basilica (a large church).

If the person receiving the gift was there, they got it right away. The recipient wore a white robe over their regular clothes. They came before the pope. The pope would then read a short speech. This speech explained the meaning of the gift. It ended with words like:

"[...] we name you, holy prince, as another sword of the Holy See. This beautiful gift shows that you are a very devoted son. And this hat shows that you are a strong protection and defense for the holy Roman Church against those who oppose the Faith. So, may your hand stay strong against the enemies of the Holy See and of Christ's name. May your right hand be raised, brave warrior, as you remove them from the earth. And may your head be protected by the Holy Spirit, shown by the pearly dove, in all things worthy by the Son of God, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Old pictures of 15th-century blessed swords with their scabbards. They were given to (left to right): Francesco Foscari, Ludovico Bentivoglio, Cristoforo Moro, Bogislaw X, and William III of Hesse.

The sword was then put on over the recipient's white robe. They were also dressed in a white cloak. The cloak was fastened on their right shoulder. This was so their arm was free to draw the sword later. The prince then kissed the pope's hand and slipper. This showed respect. With his new sword and hat, he joined the procession to the basilica.

During the morning prayers, the recipient sang a special part of the service. This part was about a conflict. Emperors had a different part to sing. Their part was about a census ordered by Emperor Augustus. Before singing, the prince took off his hat and gave it to his servant. Then, he took out the sword. He hit it against the ground three times. Then he waved it in the air three times. Finally, he put it back in its scabbard.

When the prayers ended, the recipient said goodbye to the pope. He returned to his home in Rome. A guard carried the blessed sword and hat in front of him. Cardinals, church leaders, and ambassadors followed behind.

If the person was not at the ceremony, the sword and hat were still blessed. They were then sent by a special messenger from the pope. The messenger would present them in a ceremony outside Rome. This ceremony followed a special set of rules. The messenger traveled with a small group. They carried the pope's letter to the recipient and a safe travel pass.

When the messenger was one day away, the recipient would send a group to meet them. The pope's letter was given to the prince. The prince then chose where and when the ceremony would happen. It usually took place on a Sunday or a major holiday. It was held in a cathedral or the main church in the town. A special mass was celebrated. During the mass, the pope's letter was read aloud. After that, the prince received the blessed sword and hat. When the ceremony was over, the recipient returned home in a procession, just like in Rome.

Who Received These Gifts

See also

In Spanish: Estoque y capelo bendito para niños

• Golden Rose
• List of ecclesiastical decorations