Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio
Grand Cross Sash and Star of the Order
Awarded by the Spanish Monarch
Type	Civil Order
Established	1902; 123 years ago (1902)
Royal house	House of Bourbon-Spain
Awarded for	Recognition of activities in the fields of education, science, culture, higher education and research.
Status	Currently Constituted
Grand Master	King Felipe VI
Grand Chancellor	Pilar Alegría, Minister of Education
Grades	Collar Grand-Cross Commander with Plaque Commander Cross
Former grades	Lazo Medal
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of Civil Merit
Next (lower)	Order of the Cross of St. Raymond of Peñafort
– The Ribbons of the Order

The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise (Spanish: Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio) is a special award given by Spain. It recognizes people who have done amazing things in areas like education, science, culture, and research. Think of it as a way to say "thank you" to those who help us learn and discover new things.

This award was first created on May 23, 1902, and was called the Order of Alfonso XII. Later, in 1988, it was updated and given its current name. A big change in 1988 was making sure the award treated everyone equally, no matter if they were male or female. This meant that achievements were recognized based on merit, not gender.

What are the Different Levels of the Award?
Awards for Groups and Organizations
Images for kids
See also

What are the Different Levels of the Award?

The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise has several levels, called "grades." Each grade is given for different levels of achievement.

Collar Grade: The Highest Honor

Collar is the highest level of this award. It is usually given to very important people like leaders of countries or major international organizations. Only a few people can receive this award, usually no more than six. When someone gets the Collar, they are called "The Most Excellent." The Minister of Education suggests who should receive this award, and then the King of Spain makes it official.

Grand Cross: For Outstanding Achievements

Grand Cross is given to people who have shown incredible and clear achievements in education, science, culture, teaching, or research. This award is also given by the King, based on a suggestion from the Minister of Education. People who receive the Grand Cross are also called "The Most Excellent." There can be up to 500 people holding this award.

Commander with Plaque: Recognizing Great Merit

Commander with Plaque is another important level. This award, and the ones below it, are given based on how much a person has achieved in their field. Those who receive this grade are called "The Illustrious." Up to 750 people can hold this award.

Other Important Grades

Commander is the next level down, recognizing significant contributions.
Cross was previously known as the Knight's Cross from 1939 to 1988.
Lazo was a special version of the Knight's Cross, given to women from 1955 to 1988. It was worn differently, like a bow.
Medal was another grade given between 1939 and 1988.

Awards for Groups and Organizations

Sometimes, not just individuals but also groups, schools, or other organizations can receive an honor from this Order.

Corbata is an award given to organizations. It is displayed on their flag. Up to 350 organizations can receive this honor.
Placa de Honor is another special recognition for groups.