Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/429

 PORTUGAL

The three first orders of Portugal, those of Christ, St. James, and of Aviz, were originally spiritual Orders, but were secularized in 1789. Though the Kings of Portugal were Grand Masters of all the three, they used, nevertheless, to wear only the insignia of the Order of Christ. At present the usage is different, and that there may be no show of preference, the three decorations are now united into one medal, and divided into three equal spaces (Plate 61, Tab. I. No. 1). The medal is worn suspended by a three coloured ribbon, green, red and violet.

On solemn occasions, the Knights of all the three Orders wear a white mantle, kept together at the breast by a long cord in the form of a rosette. On the left side of the mantle is embroidered the star. (Tab. I. No. 2). A red cap, sword, morocco boots, and golden spurs, complete the costume; and in this costume the Knights are also buried.

The red enamelled heart which is appended above the decorations of the two first classes, was instituted by Queen Maria in token of reverence of the Holy Heart of Christ under whose protection she placed the Orders of the kingdom.

The management and superintendence of the Orders are entrusted to the care of a particular court, called the ' Tribunal of Conscience and Orders.'