The Mantle (Cape)
The Cape (Robe or Mantle)
A Black cape, worn on special and solemn occasions, with proper, appropriate and up-to-date regalia is a tradition displayed in our Sovereign Order. Capes are currently sourced from SCAESS located in Adelaide, South Australia.
The Cape is constructed of black, medium-weight, woven and crease resistant material and shall adorn the cross of Amalfi that bears the eight points representing the Beatitudes of Virtue, Prudence, Justice and Temperance. These are beatitudes that the members of the Order must strive to preserve.
The white cross is approximately 40cm in diameter and is positioned on the left side of the cape, in close proximity to the member’s heart.
A Black cape, worn on special and solemn occasions, with proper, appropriate and up-to-date regalia is a tradition displayed in our Sovereign Order. Capes are currently sourced from SCAESS located in Adelaide, South Australia.
The Cape is constructed of black, medium-weight, woven and crease resistant material and shall adorn the cross of Amalfi that bears the eight points representing the Beatitudes of Virtue, Prudence, Justice and Temperance. These are beatitudes that the members of the Order must strive to preserve.
The white cross is approximately 40cm in diameter and is positioned on the left side of the cape, in close proximity to the member’s heart.
Cape Sizing
Members shall be measured for correct sizing. Three measurements are obtained
and they are:-
The Cape length shall be equal to the length from the base of the neck to the floor,
less 150mm. This will allow ample room for the member to address stairs and walk
without “stepping on” the cape and risk tripping.
Members shall be measured for correct sizing. Three measurements are obtained
and they are:-
- Around the neck
- From the centre of the neck to the outer edge of the shoulder
- From the base of the neck to the floor
The Cape length shall be equal to the length from the base of the neck to the floor,
less 150mm. This will allow ample room for the member to address stairs and walk
without “stepping on” the cape and risk tripping.
Cape Closure
The Cape will be adorned with two buttons and chain accessory to keep the cape fastened. An optional black ribbon may be used for security purposes. The button and chain accessory shall be fixed to the cape around the collar position.
The Cape will be adorned with two buttons and chain accessory to keep the cape fastened. An optional black ribbon may be used for security purposes. The button and chain accessory shall be fixed to the cape around the collar position.
Regalia
Neck BadgeThe neck badge is the primary regalia of the Sovereign Order. The badge for the Hospitaller Order (SHOSJ) comes without the Trophy of War component (adopted by the Military Order). Pictured below is the neck badge, comprised of the Amalfi Cross and the closed Crown of Sovereignty. The badge is suspended by red moire ribbons.
Cross & Bow
The cross symbolises the work of the Sovereign Order, and the crown recalls royal patronage and the sovereignty of the Sovereign Order.
The neck badges, for knights, is suspended 1” below the bow tie when a knight is wearing evening wear. When a knight is wearing a collared shirt (business attire), the ribbon is worn directly under the collar
Dames wear the badge on a red bow and position this on the left side of their body. If the dame is wearing a cape, the badge is to be affixed to the exterior of the cape, around the position of the heart and above the large white Amalfi Cross of the cape.
If the dame is not wearing a cape and is either dressed in evening wear, or the like, the badge and bow should be positioned, again on the left side of the body, just above the location of the person’s heart. (refer picture below)
Other Medallions or Regalia
Members of the Order may either have various positions or ranks within the Sovereign Order or may have been decorated from other organizations. When wearing medals and decorations, those of the Sovereign Order will take precedence in placement over medals or decorations issued by other orders or organizations.
Rank BadgesAt the discretion of the Grand Prior, members of the Sovereign Order may be elevated to positions of rank within the Order. These elevations usually take place at Investiture events and are either commensurate with time served or in recognition of devotion to their current rank and the Order at large.
The Breast Star is awarded to Knights and Dames holding the rank of Grand Cross or higher. The Silver coloured breast star is worn by the Deputy Grand Prior or higher and the Gold star is worn by the Grand Prior. Breast stars are to worn on the left side.
The Red Sash is worn by Knights and Dames holding the rank of Grand Cross or higher. The red sash should have the Maltese Cross hanging at the bottom from an attached hook. It is worn over the right shoulder, extended out to the left side of the body.
The Gilt Chain (otherwise known as the Collaret) is worn at Investitures and/or religious ceremonies. The Gilt Chain is worn by the Grand Master, Grand Prior and Grand Chancellor. They should not be worn without the Cape.
Blazer Creast
There is only one official Blazer Crest of the Sovereign Order. It is to be worn on a black blazer on the left side pocket. The blazer may be worn by any member of the Order, regardless of rank. It is preferred, but not essential, that when a blazer is worn, that Knights would wear medium dark grey trousers and Dames may either wear medium grey trousers or skirt (knee length, not higher)
Lapel Pin
A person entering the order is known as an Aspirant. An Aspirant shall be given a Lapel Pin at their First Vows Ceremony (usually their first official ceremony prior to their official induction to the Sovereign Order at an Investiture). The Lapel Pin can be worn by all members, regardless of their rank. (note that over the years, the lapel pin can change subject to the discretion of the Grand Prior and regalia suppliers of the time)
Neck Ties
Neck Ties are deep Red (Burgandy) in colour and only worn by Knights of the Sovereign Order regardless of their rank. The tie adorns the crest of the Order and it is positioned under the knot when worn. They are worn when a knight is attending any official meeting or event, except at Investitures, casual functions or where formal events that would require the wearing of the official Neck Badge (refer section 2.1)
Cross & Bow
The cross symbolises the work of the Sovereign Order, and the crown recalls royal patronage and the sovereignty of the Sovereign Order.
The neck badges, for knights, is suspended 1” below the bow tie when a knight is wearing evening wear. When a knight is wearing a collared shirt (business attire), the ribbon is worn directly under the collar
Dames wear the badge on a red bow and position this on the left side of their body. If the dame is wearing a cape, the badge is to be affixed to the exterior of the cape, around the position of the heart and above the large white Amalfi Cross of the cape.
If the dame is not wearing a cape and is either dressed in evening wear, or the like, the badge and bow should be positioned, again on the left side of the body, just above the location of the person’s heart. (refer picture below)
Other Medallions or Regalia
Members of the Order may either have various positions or ranks within the Sovereign Order or may have been decorated from other organizations. When wearing medals and decorations, those of the Sovereign Order will take precedence in placement over medals or decorations issued by other orders or organizations.
Rank BadgesAt the discretion of the Grand Prior, members of the Sovereign Order may be elevated to positions of rank within the Order. These elevations usually take place at Investiture events and are either commensurate with time served or in recognition of devotion to their current rank and the Order at large.
The Breast Star is awarded to Knights and Dames holding the rank of Grand Cross or higher. The Silver coloured breast star is worn by the Deputy Grand Prior or higher and the Gold star is worn by the Grand Prior. Breast stars are to worn on the left side.
The Red Sash is worn by Knights and Dames holding the rank of Grand Cross or higher. The red sash should have the Maltese Cross hanging at the bottom from an attached hook. It is worn over the right shoulder, extended out to the left side of the body.
The Gilt Chain (otherwise known as the Collaret) is worn at Investitures and/or religious ceremonies. The Gilt Chain is worn by the Grand Master, Grand Prior and Grand Chancellor. They should not be worn without the Cape.
Blazer Creast
There is only one official Blazer Crest of the Sovereign Order. It is to be worn on a black blazer on the left side pocket. The blazer may be worn by any member of the Order, regardless of rank. It is preferred, but not essential, that when a blazer is worn, that Knights would wear medium dark grey trousers and Dames may either wear medium grey trousers or skirt (knee length, not higher)
Lapel Pin
A person entering the order is known as an Aspirant. An Aspirant shall be given a Lapel Pin at their First Vows Ceremony (usually their first official ceremony prior to their official induction to the Sovereign Order at an Investiture). The Lapel Pin can be worn by all members, regardless of their rank. (note that over the years, the lapel pin can change subject to the discretion of the Grand Prior and regalia suppliers of the time)
Neck Ties
Neck Ties are deep Red (Burgandy) in colour and only worn by Knights of the Sovereign Order regardless of their rank. The tie adorns the crest of the Order and it is positioned under the knot when worn. They are worn when a knight is attending any official meeting or event, except at Investitures, casual functions or where formal events that would require the wearing of the official Neck Badge (refer section 2.1)
Protocols
Postnominals
The Postnominals are initials (or letters) placed after your name to indicate your rank in the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The Postnominals follow The Order of Australia, Order of the British Empire and Military Decorations but should precede all professional and university degrees.
An example of such is:
Dr
Listed below are the proper initials based on rank (in order from lowest to highest):-
Note: Postulants or Aspirants do not bear titles until they are Invested.
The Postnominals are initials (or letters) placed after your name to indicate your rank in the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The Postnominals follow The Order of Australia, Order of the British Empire and Military Decorations but should precede all professional and university degrees.
An example of such is:
Dr
Listed below are the proper initials based on rank (in order from lowest to highest):-
- Knight or Dame of Grace – OSJ
- Knight or Dame Commander of Grace – COSJ
- Knight or Dame Grand Commander of Grace – GCOSJ
Note: Postulants or Aspirants do not bear titles until they are Invested.
