Accessories are an integral part of any wardrobe. In addition to decorative functions, they can also carry a semantic load, a cockade is a clear proof of this. This element can accurately determine the owner's affiliation with a specific state, army or party.
What is it
A cockade is a special sign made of cloth or metal. The concept itself comes from the French word cocardes. Translated, it means "rooster feathers". This term has a dual meaning. In many countries, there is a clear distinction between:
- cockade – is positioned as a symbol of the state flag or the name of the armed forces;
- cap badge – an emblem that repeats the coat of arms and symbols of the troops.
The cockade is used by members of the armed forces as a distinctive symbol. Location: the front side of the headdress. The shape is mainly round or oval. The method of making cockades can be of two types:
- Sewn-on. They are made separately and then attached to the headdress.
- Stationary. They are embroidered on the product itself. The process is quite labor-intensive, but the result justifies the effort.
The cockade adds presentability to its owner. It is produced using a special technology, due to which it looks neat and serves for a long time. It is attached to a specific place on the headdress. It can also be placed on the shoulder, shin, thigh and other parts of the body.
Historical background
The origins of the cockade go back to Western Europe in the 18th century. The country that introduced the fashion for this accessory and introduced the term is France. The first badges were cut out of paper and presented in a variety of colors. However, since 1767, preference was given to white. It symbolized the Bourbon dynasty. Initially, only infantry headdresses could be decorated with a cockade.
During the French Revolution of 1789-1799, the color scheme was supplemented with blue and red shades. This symbolized revolutionary Paris. To this day, white, blue and red represent the palette of the national flag of France. Accordingly, the cockade, made in this color scheme, symbolizes belonging to the French national troops.
Historians cannot clearly indicate the date when the cockade began to be used in Tsarist Russia. There are several assumptions. However, the most common version is considered to be 1724. During the preparation for the coronation of Catherine I, the second wife of Peter I, it was decided to decorate the headdresses of the Guards heavy cavalry with a white bow made of silk and attached with a gold button.
During the reign of Anna Ioannovna of the Romanov dynasty, the cockade became a distinctive sign of all military personnel without exception. The only peculiarity was the use of woolen fabric instead of silk for non-commissioned officers, as well as lower ranks. Since the national colors of the Russian Empire were recognized as black, white, yellow (orange), the distinctive sign of the uniform headdress was also maintained in the same colors.
Types and meaning
In different historical periods, the state symbols changed. The cockade was not spared from changes. It is important to note that depending on the appearance, shape, and color, the meaning also changed.
| Appearance | What did it symbolize? | What headdresses was it used on? |
| Rosette made of fabric or metal plaque in oval shape, black, white and orange colors | Distinctive sign of Tsarist Russia | On the cap band of citizens serving in the military |
| Cockade made in red | A symbol of protest against the "old regime" after the events of February 1917 | Headdresses of officials and military personnel |
| Adam's head, colors - red, white, black | A symbol of fearlessness in the face of death, uncompromising attitude towards enemies, salvation | Headdresses of the cavalry regiment, Cossack and hussar |
| Red Star | The pentagram signifies protection, power, perfection, and acts as a kind of amulet. Red is the color of change, revolution. | Pilot caps and service caps of the Red Army |
| Hammer and sickle | Represents the unity of workers and peasants of the Soviet Union, symbolizes the communist movement | Caps, Budenovkas of Red Army soldiers, commanders, commissars |
Carrying a certain semantic load, the cockade is an integral part of the headdress of military personnel. The emblem can easily determine which historical period a particular wardrobe item belongs to. Along with the coat of arms and flag, the cockade symbolizes the way of life and political direction of the state.
Modern cockades of the RF Armed Forces
To this day, the cockade is an integral attribute of military equipment. The size, shape, color, and wearing rules are established by the order of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation No. 1500 of September 3, 2011. The sewn-on principle of attaching the emblem is designated as a mandatory condition for all ranks and ranks.
The general military uniform sign of privates and officers is an oval framed by 32 corrugated edges, which symbolize pointed rays. In the center is an emblem with distinctive features depending on the affiliation with a particular power structure:
- RF Armed Forces – a five-pointed star of golden color, superimposed on concentric stripes of black and orange color. For field uniforms, cockades of protective color are used.
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation – state tricolor.
- Russian Navy - a golden anchor wrapped in a rope.
On the headdresses of the commanding staff, the cockade is complemented by an embroidered wreath consisting of laurel leaves. It symbolizes victory and a peaceful sky above the head, as the main task of the military leadership. And the emblem on the uniform headdresses of the commanders-in-chief is framed by a wreath made of embroidered oak leaves. This is a symbol of the strength and longevity of the entire state.
It is important to remember that every detail of the distinctive sign of the headdress of military personnel is thought out to the smallest detail. The cockade carries embedded information to those around, conditioned by historical events. This detail is not just a decoration, but a full-fledged symbol of the entire state.
Video
