By Ann-Marie Payne - 1st-Choice Tiaras
A tiara (from Persian tara borrowed by latin as "tiara") is a form of
a crown. Often referred as a diadem.
Traditionally, the word tiara refers to a high crown often with a
shape of a cylinder narrowed at its top, made of fabric or leather and
richly luxuriant. A diadem (from the Greek 'diadema, diadeo' to
surround) was originally a white ribbon that weas placed on the
shoulders that surrounded the head of the king.
A Tiara was historically used by kings and emperors of ancient people
to denote power and wealth. The Assyrians used to include a pair of
bull horns and a circle of feathers as a decoration symbol of
authority. This design was modified by the Persians to a more similar
truncated cone, without the horns and feathers, with elaborate ornate
jewels and a conic shaped tip at the top.
During the birth of Catholicism the Papal tiara was introduced. A high
cap surrounded by three crowns and bearing a globe surmounted by a
cross. This was worn by the Pope during certain ceremonies bearing the
symbol of his authority. Since Pope Paul VI set aside his tiara after
the second Vatican Council the Papal Tiara has not been used. Pope
Benedict XVI even removed the tiara from his Coat of Arms replacing
the symbolism of a mitre. The fictional superheroine Wonder Woman is
usually always depicted wearing a tiara; hers can be thrown as a
weapon, as can that worn by the Pope
Moderns times have seen the tiara become a feminine symbolism for a
bride. The tiara has become a semi-circular band, often metal and
decorated with jewels. It is worn by the bride and/or bridesmaids
around their head or on the forehead. Traditionally worn with a veil
the tiara is adorned as an important piece of bridal attire.
Tiaras have become a modern symbol of beauty, frequently used
to "crown" the winners of beauty pageants. More recently a tiara has
become widely used as a valuable fashion item to wear, tiaras are now
seen at many formal occasions. High Schools have set the standard for
this fashion accessory and have become an essential item for a girl
attending her prom.
Tiaras are nowadays handcrafted using metal, wire, semi precious
stones and crystals. All designed to give that sparkle factor. Worn
with confidence a tiara is a perfect keepsake for your special day!
Translations
Deutsch (German)
n. - Tiara, Diadem
Nederlands (Dutch)
Tiara, Diadeem
Français (French)
Tiare, diadème
Italiano (Italian)
Tiara, diadema
Português (Portuguese)
n. - Tiara (f)
Español (Spanish)
n. - Diadema, Tiara
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - Tiara, diadem
Ann-Marie Payne is the founder of 1st-Choice Tiaras. Suppliers of
exquisite handcrafted tiaras made especially for your special day. If
you would like any further information please contact info@1st-
choicetiaras.com