Diadem (personal wear)

A diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband worn by Eastern monarchs and others as a badge of royalty. The word derives from the Greek διάδημα "diadema", from διάδηω "diadeo" to bind round, or fasten.

The term originally referred to a white ribbon, ending in a knot and two strips often placed on the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king to denote his authority. It was applied later to a crown, generally in a circular shape. For example, the crown worn by the kings of Anglo-Saxon England was a diadem, as was that of a baron later (in some countries surmounted by three globes). The ancient Celts were believed to have used a thin semioval gold plate called a "mind" (Old Irish) as a diadem. [William Dwight Whitney, "The Century dictionary; an encyclopedic lexicon of the English language". New York: The Century co. (1889), page 3772. Google Book Search.]

A diadem is also a jeweled ornament in the shape of a half crown, worn by women and placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara). In some societies, it may be a wreath worn around the head. The ancient Persians wore a high and erect royal tiara encircled with a diadem.

By extension, "diadem" can be used generally for an emblem of regal power or dignity.

References

External links

* [http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Crown Crown - LoveToKnow 1911.] 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica - Free Online.
* [http://www.livius.org/di-dn/diadem/diadem.html Diadem.] Livius. Articles on Ancient History.
* [http://www.everything2.org/title/Diadem [e-mail].] [e-mail].