Order of Vytautas the Great: Lithuania's Highest State Honors
The Order of Vytautas the Great stands as one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the State of Lithuania. Named after the historic Grand Duke, this order recognizes exceptional merit and service through a tiered system of insignia, ranging from the Knight's Cross to the most exclusive award of the state: the Order with the Golden Chain.
Key Facts
- Highest Honor: The Order of Vytautas the Great with the Golden Chain is the highest award of the State of Lithuania.
- Five Standard Classes: The order is divided into Grand Cross, Commander's Grand Cross, Commander's Cross, Officer's Cross, and Knight's Cross.
- Symbolism: The insignia features the dates of Vytautas the Great's rule (1392–1430) and a rider on a red shield.
- First Foreign Recipients: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were the first foreigners to receive the Order in 1995.
The Order of Vytautas the Great with the Golden Chain
As the pinnacle of Lithuanian state honors, this special class consists of a golden chain, cross, star, and sash. The golden chain is rich in heraldic symbolism; its parts form a double six-angle cross featuring a stylized "V". The central part of the chain is modeled after the seal of Vytautas the Great, incorporating four distinct symbols: a bear representing Smolensk, a horseman for Vilnius, a warrior for Trakai, and a cross for Volyn.
The Five Classes of the Order
Grand Cross
The Grand Cross is the highest of the five standard classes. Its insignia includes a 50mm wide gold cross covered in white enamel. The front depicts a rider against a red shield, while the reverse features a shield with a "V" (signifying Vytautas) and a golden Royal Crown embellished with three crystal stones. The edges of the cross are inscribed with the dates 1392–1430.
The accompanying Star is 85mm, nine-sided, and made of gold, featuring a smaller version of the cross on a blue enamel background. The sash is made of white moiré with two orange side strips, measuring 100mm for men and 65mm for women.
Commander's Grand Cross
This class includes a Grand Cross, a Star, and a Ribbon. While the cross shares features with the Grand Cross, the 85mm nine-sided gold Star differs by featuring the central cross on a black enamel background. The ribbon is 40mm wide for both men and women, crafted from white moiré with two orange stripes.
Commander's Cross
The Commander's Cross is composed of a Cross and a Ribbon, maintaining a design similar to that of the Grand Cross.
Officer's Cross
The Officer's Cross consists of a Cross and a small Ribbon. It is a smaller version of the Grand Cross, measuring 42mm. The white moiré ribbon for this class is 32mm wide.
Knight's Cross
The Knight's Cross is the fifth class, consisting of a Cross and a small Ribbon, mirroring the design and specifications of the Officer's Cross.
Comparison of Order Classes
| Class | Components | Key Dimensions | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Chain | Chain, Cross, Star, Sash | N/A | Highest state award; seal of Vytautas the Great |
| Grand Cross | Cross, Star, Sash | Cross: 50mm; Star: 85mm | Blue enamel on Star; wide sash |
| Commander's Grand Cross | Cross, Star, Ribbon | Star: 85mm; Ribbon: 40mm | Black enamel on Star |
| Commander's Cross | Cross, Ribbon | Similar to Grand Cross | No Star |
| Officer's Cross | Cross, Small Ribbon | Cross: 42mm; Ribbon: 32mm | Reduced size |
| Knight's Cross | Cross, Small Ribbon | Similar to Officer's Cross | Entry level class |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest award in the State of Lithuania?
The highest award is the Order of Vytautas the Great with the Golden Chain.
What do the symbols on the Golden Chain represent?
The symbols represent different regions: the bear represents Smolensk, the horseman represents Vilnius, the warrior represents Trakai, and the cross represents Volyn.
Who were the first foreign recipients of the Order?
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were the first foreigners to receive the Order in 1995.
What is the significance of the dates on the Grand Cross?
The dates 1392–1430 inscribed on the edges of the cross mark the period of Vytautas the Great's rule.
How does the Grand Cross Star differ from the Commander's Grand Cross Star?
While both are 85mm and nine-sided, the Grand Cross Star features a blue enamel background, whereas the Commander's Grand Cross Star features a black enamel background.