Elena Rossi
The globus cruciger, or orb and cross, is a Christian symbol of authority that has been used in royal iconography since the Middle Ages. The orb is a symbol of the cosmos and the cross signifies the world dominated by Christianity. The orb and cross together symbolise Christ's dominion over the world, held in the hand of a worthy earthly ruler. In paintings, the orb is often depicted as a golden, jewelled ball, surmounted by a gem-encrusted cross, and held by a monarch. The orb is part of the Crown Jewels and is officially named the Sovereign's Orb.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Globus cruciger, orb and sceptre, or Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre |
| Description | A ball or sphere surmounted by a cross, often with other jewels |
| Symbolism | The ball represents the cosmos or the universe, and the cross represents Christ's dominion over the world. Together, they symbolise the Christian God's dominion of the world and the monarch's power derived from God. |
| History | The symbol has been used since the Middle Ages and was featured on coins and in iconography. It has been used in coronation ceremonies since at least 1066, with the first use in a coronation being by Holy Roman Emperor Henry II in 1014. |
| Materials | Gold, jewels (emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls, amethysts, glass) |
| Weight | Orb: 1.32 kg; Sceptre: 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | Orb: 30 cm in diameter; Sceptre: 92 cm long |
| Notable Jewels | The sceptre holds the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan I or First/Great Star of Africa |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Sovereign's Orb symbolises Godly power
The Sovereign's Orb is a symbol of Godly power. It is a cross above a globe, representing 'Christ's dominion over the world', with the monarch being God's representative on Earth. The orb is a 30cm-wide hollow gold sphere, mounted with nine emeralds, 18 rubies, nine sapphires, 365 diamonds, 375 pearls, one amethyst and one glass stone. The pearls divide the orb into three sections, representing the three continents that medieval rulers believed existed.
The orb is presented to the sovereign after they put on the Imperial Robe. It is brought from the altar by the Dean of Westminster and given to the Archbishop of Canterbury to place into the monarch's right hand. The Archbishop says: "Receive this orb set under the cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the Power and Empire of Christ our Redeemer."
The orb and sceptre are two of the most authoritative monarchical symbols, used at the coronation of each new sovereign and full of symbolism and power. They are part of the Crown Jewels, which are comprised of pieces including St Edward's Crown, the orb and sceptre. The sceptre is placed into the left hand of the monarch during their coronation and is carried out of the ceremony with the orb, while the sovereign wears the Imperial Robe and the Imperial State Crown.
The orb and sceptre have an ancient history and a powerful meaning for the monarchy. They are some of the most storied and iconic objects associated with the royal family, dating back to the 17th century. The Sovereign's Orb symbolises Godly power and the monarch's role as God's representative on Earth.
Creative Pumpkin Painting with Yellow and Purple
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The orb is part of the Crown Jewels
The Sovereign's Orb, officially named as part of the Crown Jewels, is a symbol of Godly power. A cross above a globe, it represents 'Christ's dominion over the world', with the Monarch being God's representative on Earth. The orb was first used at an English coronation by Henry VIII in 1509, and then by all subsequent monarchs except for the early Stuart kings James I and Charles I.
The orb was made for Charles II's coronation in 1661 and is a 30cm-wide hollow gold sphere, mounted with nine emeralds, 18 rubies, nine sapphires, 365 diamonds, 375 pearls, one amethyst, and one glass stone. The pearls divide the orb into three sections, symbolising the three continents that medieval rulers believed existed. The orb weighs 1.32 kg (roughly 43 oz).
The Crown Jewels are a collection of royal ceremonial objects kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, which include the coronation regalia and vestments worn by British monarchs. The Crown Jewels are a working collection used at annual state occasions like the State Opening of Parliament, as well as at coronations.
The orb is presented to the Sovereign after they put on the Imperial Robe. The Dean of Westminster brings the orb from the altar and gives it to the Archbishop of Canterbury to place into the Monarch's right hand. The Archbishop says: "Receive this orb set under the cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the Power and Empire of Christ our Redeemer."
Belly Art: Painting a Pumpkin on Your Pregnant Belly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The orb is presented to the monarch by the Archbishop of Canterbury
The orb is a symbol of Godly power and is presented to the monarch by the Archbishop of Canterbury during the coronation ceremony. The orb is brought from the altar by the Dean of Westminster and given to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who places it in the monarch's right hand.
The orb is a 30cm-wide hollow gold sphere, mounted with nine emeralds, 18 rubies, nine sapphires, 365 diamonds, 375 pearls, one amethyst, and one glass stone. The pearls divide the orb into three sections, representing the three continents that medieval rulers believed existed. The orb weighs approximately 1.32 kg (roughly 43 oz).
As the Archbishop presents the orb to the monarch, he says:
> Receive this orb set under the cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the Power and Empire of Christ our Redeemer.
The orb is one of the most authoritative monarchical symbols and is used at the coronation of each new sovereign, along with the sceptre. The orb and sceptre are full of symbolism and power and are considered part of the Crown Jewels.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, as the most senior cleric in the Church of England, traditionally officiates at coronations. The Archbishop has precedence over all other clergy and all laypersons except members of the royal family.
Whiteboard Paint: Easy to Paint Over?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The orb is a Christian symbol of authority
The globus cruciger, or the orb and cross, has been a Christian symbol of authority since the Middle Ages. The symbol is an orb surmounted by a cross, representing Christ's dominion over the world, held in the hand of a worthy earthly ruler.
The orb, derived from the ancient Romans, was associated with their god Jupiter and, consequently, the emperor as his earthly representative. As Christianity grew in the 5th century, the cross was added to the orb, symbolising the Christian God's dominion over the world. The orb and cross together are known as the globus cruciger in Latin, which translates to 'cross-bearing orb'.
The orb is often used in conjunction with a sceptre as royal regalia. It is one of the most authoritative monarchical symbols, used at the coronation of each new sovereign and is full of symbolism and power. The orb is presented to the sovereign after they put on the Imperial Robe. The Archbishop of Canterbury places it in the monarch's right hand and says: "Receive this orb set under the cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the Power and Empire of Christ our Redeemer."
The Sovereign's Orb, officially named as part of the Crown Jewels, is a symbol of Godly power. It is a cross above a globe, representing 'Christ's dominion over the world', as the monarch is God's representative on Earth. The orb is made of gold and adorned with hundreds of precious stones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls, an amethyst, and a glass stone.
Pallet Painting Party: DIY Home Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The orb is derived from the ancient Romans
The orb, a symbol of royal power, is derived from the ancient Romans. It is usually made of precious metal and jewels and consists of a sphere surmounted by a cross. The ball as a symbol of the cosmos, or the universe as a harmonious whole, is associated with the ancient Romans, who linked it with Jupiter and, by extension, the emperor as his representative on earth. The Romans saw Jupiter as the "lord of all creation", associated with the world and the universe, as well as law and social order. The qualities of Jupiter and his symbols were adopted by the Roman Empire, which saw itself as the ruler of the world and a creator of an ordered society.
The orb has been used as a symbol of perfection and authority. In ancient Roman art, Jupiter is often depicted holding an orb, and Roman emperors are also frequently shown holding orbs, in imitation of Jupiter. Over time, the orb became a symbol of the Roman Empire and, later, of the world in general. The orb was adopted by Christians, who added a cross to the top, creating the globus cruciger (Latin for "cross-bearing orb"). This symbolised the triumph of Christianity over the world, with Christ as the Saviour of the World.
The globus cruciger became a Christian symbol of authority, used on coins, in iconography, and as royal regalia. It was often used by Byzantine emperors to symbolise their authority and sovereignty over the Christian world. The first known depiction of the globus cruciger in art is on the reverse side of the gold tremissii of Emperor Theodosius I, dating possibly as early as AD 388. The symbol was also used by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who was the first to hold the orb in his hand during his coronation in 1014. Thereafter, the "imperial apple" became an important emblem of the royal power invested in the monarch.
The orb continues to be used as a symbol of authority in modern times, particularly in European monarchies. For example, the Sovereign's Orb in the United Kingdom symbolises both the state and the Church of England under the protection and domain of the monarchy. The orb is also used in the coat of arms of some European polities that no longer have historical monarchies, such as some Eastern European countries that ended communism in 1991.
Painting a Nursery: Tips for a Baby Boy's Room
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Those balls are known as orbs, or the Sovereign's Orb in the case of British royalty. They are symbols of Godly power and authority.
The orb is a symbol of the cosmos or the universe as a harmonious whole. The cross above the orb signifies the world dominated by Christianity. Together, they represent Christ's dominion over the world, held in the hand of a worthy earthly ruler.
The orb has been used in coronation ceremonies since at least 1014 when the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II first held it during his coronation.
The Sovereign's Orb, for example, is a 30cm-wide hollow gold sphere mounted with nine emeralds, 18 rubies, nine sapphires, 365 diamonds, 375 pearls, one amethyst, and one glass stone.
