Lebanon – National Order of the Cedar, Knight Class (وسام الأرز الوطني)
Key Specifications
Established: December 31, 1936
Dimensions: 60.50 mm (height) x 37.90 mm (width)
Material: Silver with enamel detailing
Condition: Chipped enamel (please refer to pictures for details)
Ribbon: Ribbon with rosette
Eligibility: Lebanese and foreign nationals for distinguished service to Lebanon
Design Features
Obverse (Front) Details
Five-armed white-enameled Maltese cross, representing chivalry and national service.
Green enameled wreath surrounding the cross, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
Between cross arms: A green Lebanese Cedar tree, a national symbol of Lebanon’s endurance and strength.
Central Medallion:
Arabic inscription: "لبنان" (Lebanon).
Reverse (Back) Details
Features the Lebanese Cedar tree between the cross, reinforcing Lebanon’s national identity.
Central medallion bears the Lebanese flag, indicating a post-1943 issue (earlier versions featured the French flag and inscription).
Suspension & Ribbon
Green enameled laurel wreath suspension, reflecting valor and distinguished service.
Knight Class ribbon with rosette
Historical Context
Origins & Pre-Independence Era (1936–1943)
The National Order of the Cedar was originally instituted in 1936 under French mandate rule.
Its purpose was to honor individuals who provided exceptional service to Lebanon in the fields of military, government, diplomacy, and social contributions.
French Influence:
Early awards featured French text and a French tricolor flag on the reverse.
Reflects Lebanon’s colonial ties before gaining full independence in 1943.
Post-Independence Period (1943–Present)
Following Lebanon’s independence (1943), the order was retained as one of Lebanon’s highest state honors.
Design Modifications:
The French flag was replaced by the Lebanese national flag.
The French inscription was omitted, retaining only Arabic text.
(Uncertain whether this transition occurred in 1943 or between 1955–1959.)
Award Criteria & Recipients
The National Order of the Cedar is conferred upon:
Lebanese citizens for distinguished civil, military, or governmental service.
Foreign dignitaries, diplomats, and military personnel for contributions to Lebanon’s international relations.
Posthumous awards for acts of exceptional bravery or sacrifice.
Appointments always begin at the Knight Class and progress upward.
Hierarchy of the National Order of the Cedar
The Order is structured into five grades, with the Knight Class being the entry-level rank:
Grand Cordon (worn with a sash and breast star)
Grand Officer (worn with a breast star)
Commander (worn on a neck ribbon)
Officer (worn on a neck ribbon with a rosette)
Knight (this piece – worn on a chest ribbon with rosette, entry-level rank)
Knight Rank Award Criteria
Initial appointment rank for Lebanese and foreign nationals.
Conferred upon individuals for acts of courage, distinguished service, or contributions to Lebanon in the fields of public service, military valor, diplomacy, and the arts.
Some recipients are promoted to higher ranks over time for continued exceptional service.
This Lebanese National Order of the Cedar, Knight Class, is a prestigious and historically significant award, representing Lebanon’s highest civilian and military honor.
Despite chipped enamel, the piece retains its original structure, historical authenticity, and national importance.