The Order of Vasa
Commander of the Order of Vasa. Photo: Markku Koivumäki/Studio Kamera-Boden
The Royal Order of Vasa was instituted in 1772 by King Gustav III to recognise merits in a number of areas in which the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Polar Star could not be considered. Today, it is conferred in recognition of personal endeavours for Sweden or for Swedish interests, particularly within private-sector activities, as well as the successful performance of public tasks and duties.
The insignia of the order are a cross worn on a collar or a green ribbon, and the star, worn on the left side of the chest.
The decoration is a white-enamelled golden cross with a golden vase-shaped sheaf surrounded by a red border, with the inscription ‘GUSTAF.D.III.INST.MDCCLXXII’ in gold, crowned with a closed crown. Between the arms of the cross are open crowns.
The collar consists of alternating Vasa sheaves, nettle leaves and crowned shields bearing the lesser national coat of arms. Each shield is flanked by two crossed caduceus and two crossed cornucopias. The nettle leaves allude to the fact that the founder’s father, King Adolf Fredrik, was descended from Holstein. The collar can be conferred upon foreign citizens as a special mark of honour.
For the two highest classes of the order, the star is also worn on the left side of the chest. The star is an eight-pointed silver cross, at the centre of which is a silver vase-shaped sheaf.
The classes are:
- Commander Grand Cross
- Commander, First Class
- Commander
- Knight, First Class
- Knight
The order includes the Cross of Vasa in silver and the Medal of Vasa in gold and silver, instituted in 1895.
Return of Orders
All orders shall be returned to the Royal Orders of Knighthood upon the death of the recipient. The order decoration, name and date of birth of the recipient shall be sent by registered post to Kungl. Maj:ts Orden.
The details of the person to whom acknowledgement of receipt of a returned order is to be sent must also be included. If desired, the Royal Orders of Knighthood can also send a picture, free of charge, of the returned order decoration along with the acknowledgement of receipt.