State decoration

"Honours system" redirects here. For other uses, see Honor system.

State decorations are orders, medals and other decorations granted by a state. International decorations are similar, but are not granted by a specific nation but rather an international organization.

Unlike non-state decorations, state decorations are regulated by the state. Such regulations may specify:

• Lists of decorations which may be worn on military and civil uniform
• The manner in which decorations are to be worn
• Restrictions on the acceptance of foreign decorations by citizens

State decorations may be divided into civil decorations and military decorations. State decorations normally include one or more of the following components:

• Broad ribands (i.e. sashes) worn over one shoulder (on which a decoration may be suspended)
• Stars (or 'plaque') pinned to the lower chest
• Neck decorations suspended from narrow ribands around the neck
• Women's decorations suspended from a bow worn pinned to the upper chest
• Decorations and medals suspended from ribbons pinned to the upper chest

See also

• Order (decoration)
• Military decoration
• List of military decorations
• List of prizes, medals, and awards