Source:
The Institution, Laws & Ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, page 123, Elias Ashmole, 1672
The description:
The Order of Amaranta in Sweden.
(46.)
This order of the Knights of Amaranta, was instituted by Christina Queen of Sweden about the year 1645. in honor of a Lady of that name of great beauty, courage, modesty, and charity: The chief Ensign is a Jewel of Gold, composed of two great AA, adorned with Diamonds on both sides, and joined together by reversing one of them, being set within a Circle of Laurel Leaves wreathed about with White, and on the four sides this Motto, Dolce nella memoria; which Jewel the Knights wear, either in a Gold Chain, or a Crimson or Blue Ribbon, as they best like of.
The Ceremony used at the Investiture of these Knights with this Ensign, is briefly this. The Queen being seated under her state, the designed Knight is brought up, with usual Reverences, and approaching neer the Queen, he kneels before her, then she in a short speech acquaints him with the inducements that invited her to bestow this honor, enumerating his services and merits; to which he makes a return of humble thanks.
This done, he takes his Oath, still kneeling and holding his hands between the Queens hands; the effect whereof is to defend the Queens person from harm, and the persons of the Brothers of the Order, to promote to his power, Justice, Virtue, and Piety, and to discountenance Vice, Injury, and Wickedness.
Having obliged himself to the performance of this Oath, the Queen puts about him (in the manner of a Baudrick) a Crimson Silk Scarf, with the Jewel fastned thereto, after which the Knight ariseth and retireth, with all sutable reverence.
To an absent Prince or great Personage, whom the Queen intends to honor with this Order; she sends the Jewel, accompanied with her Letter, which serves instead of a personal Investiture.
Among many others admitted thereinto, were Vladislaus Sigismundus late King of Poland, Carolus Gustavus late King of Sweden, and Adolphus Johannes his Brother, also John George Duke of Saxony, the Lantgrave of Hesse, several German Princes, the Count Montecuculi General of the Horse to the Emperor, Don Antonio Piementelli de Parada Envoye Extraordinary from the King of Spain, as also divers great Lords of the Court of Sweden; and of our Nation, Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke, to whose friendly civility we are obliged for the foregoing Account.
Above: The Order of Amarante.
Above: The Order of Amarante. Photo courtesy of Robert Prummel at Wikimedia Commons.
Note: The Order was actually instituted in 1653.
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