All that Glisters is not Gold: Distinguishing Genuine Orders of Knighthood from Modern Fantasy and Private Initiatives

Knighthood is without a doubt the most exclusive institution in the world. No one may, on their own initiative, seek membership in a Military Order of Knighthood or be awarded a state Order of Merit. Persons invited to a Military Order or awarded by an Order of Merit are regularly the most prominent in their countries, awarded for their long-term notable activity in their fields. For that reason, as well as because chivalry is a deep-rooted phenomenon in our culture, chivalry has inspired numerous private associations that imitate the manners, rituals, clothing, and insignia of real orders of chivalry. Such associations also call themselves “orders”, but they are actually not real orders of chivalry. The goal of this paper is to present the differences between these two phenomena by showing the distinctions in their origin, organization, and most importantly their fons honorum. The paper will show the distinct approach to these associations in Croatia, Hungary and Macedonia, and demonstrate the different reception by the official. This is in turn closely related to the state of development of the state honors system as well as the relevance of historical and social importance of orders and other types of honors within these countries and their societies.