From weheartit
One of the most recognizable parts of a princess is her crown. It is a symbol of her station, resting on her head for all to see. Crowns can been found throughout history through many different cultures – from the laurel wreaths of Greece to feathered headdresses of Native America tribes. A long time ago, it was believed that the ruling class was blessed by the Gods and thus possessed a divine authority. To distinguish themselves, fancy headgear was worn for all to see.
Of course, nowadays being a princess doesn’t involve needing the approval of higher powers nor the jurisdiction to rule kingdoms. If you want to be a princess, you just need to give yourself approval and be in control of your thoughts and actions. You only need to strive toward living a life of compassion and joy to have the heart of a princess. With that said, the next step is to find the right crown for you.
Crowns come in large variety of shapes and size. Here’s an example of different styles:
Crown
From Suppurate System
A classic crown is the most popular variety of crowns. They are the standard. A crown is a circular band of metal, often jeweled which sits perched atop the head. They can be large enough to take up the entire top of one’s head, or small enough just to sit upon a tiny patch.
Often worn by regal monarchs like the Queen of Hearts.
Tiara
From Kirks Folly
Tiaras are much like crowns except they bear a crescent shape which does not close in the back. Often tiaras peek in the front. They are usually heavily adorned with jewels like diamonds and pearls.
Often worn by Slavic royalty like Anastasia.
Circlet
From Medieval Bridal Fashions
Circlets are a type of crown which lays low on the head and wraps around ones forehead. Sometimes they are simple bands of metal, but can also bear jewels or elaborate swirls and knotwork.
Often worn by magical regents like the Childlike Empress.
Hennin
From The Wooden Wagon
Hennin’s are conical shaped hats with a long sweeping veil hanging from the top point. They were very popular in the 15th century. Some hennins had only one cone or “steeple”, while others had two.
Often worn by fairytale princesses like Rapunzel.
Wreath
From Whichgoose
Wreaths are bands that lay on top of ones head, but unlike a typical crown, they are usually made from natural materials. Flowers, ribbons and leaves are popular materials used for wreaths.
Often worn by faerie maidens like Titania.
Barrettes
From Tail of a Princess
Sometimes occasion doesn’t always permit us to wear our best sparklies. In more casual settings, cute little hair clips work just fine for the modern day princess.
Often worn by lovely ladies like you and me!
So many crowns to choose from! What would you prefect crown look like?
February 10th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
The traffic cone hats actually never existed in the 15th century. A smaller flatten version was popular.
The cone was invented later in victorian age stories about medieval times.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Actually steeple/cone hennin’s did exist back then. Both steeple and their flatter counterparts or “truncated hennin’s” were popular around the same time. Here’s an example from artwork of the period: http://www.rameset.com/images/Steeple%20Hennin2.jpg
Victorian depiction however changed some of the overall look by having the hair pictured as flowing freely, whereas the original hennin’s were worn with the hair hidden underneath, usually covered by veil.
February 11th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
I love the black crown, but my all time favorite type is the circlet. I want to wear one with moonstones for my wedding
The colors int he wreath are breathtaking!
February 12th, 2010 at 9:02 am
A pretty circlet with moonstones does indeed sound lovely. I’m glad you enjoyed the eye candy ^.^
February 12th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I love this bit: “If you want to be a princess, you just need to give yourself approval and be in control of your thoughts and actions. You only need to strive toward living a life of compassion and joy to have the heart of a princess.” It’s put so beautifully and is so true! We determine who we are by how we behave and whom we desire to be.
What lovely crowns! My favourites are the Tiara and Circlet. They’re so elegant! Though the wreath is lovely as well; I’d love to wear some of nature’s beauty on my head. <3
February 16th, 2010 at 8:29 am
I’m glad you enjoyed this post Princess Camille!
It’s so hard to choose between them isn’t it? I say have at least one of each so you have one around to match your moods.