Order of the Southern Cross
| National Order of the Southern Cross | |
|---|---|
Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross | |
| Awarded by the Government of Brazil and the Brazilian Imperial Family | |
| Type | National Order and dynastic order |
| Motto | Benemerentium Præmium |
| Eligibility | Foreign nationals |
| Awarded for | "As a token of gratitude and recognition for those who have rendered significant service to the Brazilian nation." |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Founder | Pedro I of Brazil |
| Grand Master | The President of Brazil (the national order) |
| Chancellor | The Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Grades | Grand Collar Grand Cross Grand Officer Commander Officer Knight |
| Statistics | |
| First induction | December 1, 1822 |
Ribbon bar of the National Order of the Southern Cross | |
The National Order of the Southern Cross (Portuguese: Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul) is a Brazilian order of chivalry founded by Emperor Pedro I on 1 December 1822. The order aimed to commemorate the independence of Brazil (7 September 1822) and the coronation of Pedro I (1 December 1822). The name derives from the geographical position of the country, under the constellation of the Southern Cross and also in memory of the name – Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of the Holy Cross) – given to Brazil following its first arrival by Europeans in 1500.