- Time Period: Pre World War I
- Institution: 1772
- Country: Sweden
The Royal Order of Vasa (or Kungliga Vasaorden in Swedish) is an order of chivalry bestowed upon citizens of Sweden in recognition of their contributions to the state and society, particularly in fields such as agriculture, mining, and commerce.
Instituted by King Gustav III on May 29, 1772, the Order of Vasa was unique in its inclusivity. It was unrestricted by birth or education and thus open to anyone deserving of recognition. Unlike the Order of the Polar Star, which primarily honored individuals in the learned professions, the Order of Vasa had a broader scope.
In 2019, a parliamentary committee was tasked with devising guidelines for the reintroduction of the Swedish orders, including the Order of Vasa, into the national honors system and for the reappointment of Swedish citizens to these orders. The committee presented its recommendations in September 2021 and a new regulation was issued on December 20, 2022, revoking the 1974 restriction and once again permitting Swedish citizens to receive the Royal Orders.
The Order had five classes:
- Commander Grand Cross
- Commander 1st Class
- Commander
- Knight 1st Class (Member 1st Class for women and clergymen)
- Knight (Member for women and clergymen)
The Order of Vasa Design
The badge of the Order is crafted as a white-enameled Maltese Cross, fashioned in silver for the Knight class and in gilt for Knight 1st Class and higher ranks, with crowns adorning the spaces between the arms of the cross. The central oval disc, which is identical on both sides, features a golden sheaf against a black enamel background, encircled by a red enamel ring bearing the inscription “Gustaf 3. Instiktare 1772″ (Instituted by Gustaf III, 1772). The badge is suspended from a royal crown.
The Badge of Vasa resembles the silver badge of the Order for knights, but lacks white enamel on the cross. The star of the Order takes the form of a silver Maltese Cross with a silver sheaf at the center. For the Grand Cross, the star additionally features the aforementioned nettle leaf emblem in silver between the arms of the cross.
The ribbon of the Order is green.
