Order of the Elephant facts for kids

The Order of the Elephant (Danish: Elefantordenen) is Denmark's highest and most important award. It's like a very special club for people who have done amazing things. This honor has officially existed since 1693, but its history goes back even further!

It is usually given to presidents and heads of state, who are the leaders of countries. But it can also be given to kings, queens, and other very important people who have shown great service to Denmark or the world.

What is an Order of Chivalry?

An order of chivalry is a group of people who are given a special honor by a king, queen, or country. These groups often have a long history and traditions. They are usually created to recognize people for their bravery, loyalty, or great achievements. The Order of the Elephant is one of the oldest and most respected orders in the world.

Why an Elephant?

The elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and loyalty. The Order of the Elephant gets its name from a special badge that looks like an elephant. This symbol has been used in Denmark for a very long time. Some stories say it might be linked to a time when a Danish king fought against enemies who used elephants in battle.

What Does the Award Look Like?

The main part of the award is a beautiful golden elephant. It is usually covered in white enamel and decorated with diamonds. On its back, there's a tower, and it wears a blue blanket with a cross. The elephant hangs from a special chain called a collar, which is made of golden elephants and towers. There is also a silver star that people wear on their chest, and a blue sash that goes across the body.

Who Receives This Honor?

While it's mostly given to leaders of other countries, members of the Danish royal family also receive the Order of the Elephant. Sometimes, very important Danish citizens who have done extraordinary things for their country are also given this high honor. It's a way for Denmark to say "thank you" for their hard work and dedication.

Images for kids

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  The Blome [da; de] family coat of arms with the Order's collar on gravestone in Heiligenstedten.