The GDL Marshals’ Insignia and their place in Ceremonial between the Sixteenth and Eighteenth Centuries
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This paper examines the origin, development, appearance and functions of the baton of the marshal, one of the highest officials of the Lithuanian Grand Duchy between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Attention is also paid to the ceremony of its conferment and solemn speeches delivered on that occasion. The marshal’s baton was not merely a piece of insignia symbolising the authority and power of the official in performing his duties, and it was not only shown in his portraits, coats of arms and seals or during his funeral, but it was also a means of carrying out his duties. From this point of view the baton had three main functions. Borne before the ruler, it symbolised the respect shown to him. By beating his baton on the floor the marshal regulated the proceedings of the sessions of the sejm and audiences, gave the floor to the speaker or quietened noise-makers. Finally, the baton could be used as an ordinary staff to make way in the crowd or to discipline the rowdy ones. To reveal the functions of the baton, the marshal’s duties in the election, coronation, and burial of the sovereign, in the ceremonials of the court, the reception of envoys and in other public occasions are discussed.
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The GDL Marshals’ Insignia and their place in Ceremonial between the Sixteenth and Eighteenth Centuries
In: Lithuanian Historical StudiesSearch for other papers by Gitana Zujienė in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
This paper examines the origin, development, appearance and functions of the baton of the marshal, one of the highest officials of the Lithuanian Grand Duchy between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Attention is also paid to the ceremony of its conferment and solemn speeches delivered on that occasion. The marshal’s baton was not merely a piece of insignia symbolising the authority and power of the official in performing his duties, and it was not only shown in his portraits, coats of arms and seals or during his funeral, but it was also a means of carrying out his duties. From this point of view the baton had three main functions. Borne before the ruler, it symbolised the respect shown to him. By beating his baton on the floor the marshal regulated the proceedings of the sessions of the sejm and audiences, gave the floor to the speaker or quietened noise-makers. Finally, the baton could be used as an ordinary staff to make way in the crowd or to discipline the rowdy ones. To reveal the functions of the baton, the marshal’s duties in the election, coronation, and burial of the sovereign, in the ceremonials of the court, the reception of envoys and in other public occasions are discussed.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Full Text Views | 97 | 7 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 198 | 14 | 0 |