The Imperial Order of Christ (also known as The Imperial Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ or Imperial Ordem de Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo in Portuguese) is a Brazilian order of chivalry established on 7 December 1822 and awarded for notable services to religion.
The Order of Christ was instituted by emperor Pedro I of Brazil and is based on the Portuguese Order of Christ, which was founded in 1316-1319 by King Dom Dinis and Pope John XXII.
Classes of the Order of Christ
The Order of Christ has three grades. These are:
- Grand Cross: The badge is worn on a sash on the right shoulder.
- Commander: The badge is worn o a necklet.
- Knight: The badge is worn on a ribbon on the left side of the chest.
The Order of Christ Medal Design
The Brazilian Order of Christ is based on the Portuguese order carrying the same name, with one difference: The badge had an added Imperial Crown of Brazil and the ribbon is different.
The obverse of the insignia for Civil Knights is a Latin cross with silver gilt and red enamel. The border is chiseled and has insets of white enamel. Military Knights is a Maltese cross with ball-tipped finials and a laurel wreath between the arms.
The star of the order has 22 asymmetrical arms of rays and a central white enamel disc with a miniature cross above it. On top of the star is the Sacred Heart of Christ.
The ribbon of the Order of Christ is red with small blue stripes on each side.
