Unraveling The Mystery: Why Do We Call Them Medals?
From the gleaming gold of an Olympic victory to the solemn bronze of a military commendation, medals are ubiquitous symbols of achievement, bravery, and remembrance. They hang proudly on walls, adorn uniforms, and are cherished family heirlooms, each telling a unique story of effort, recognition, and honor. But have you ever paused to wonder about the name itself? Why exactly do we call these significant tokens "medals"? The answer, as we'll discover, lies deep within their very essence and historical journey.
What Exactly *Is* a Medal? Defining the Object
Before delving into its name, let's first understand what a medal truly is. At its core, a medal is a small metal object, typically flat and round, though sometimes oval or even other shapes. It's not just any piece of metal; it's a carefully crafted artifact. A medal, or medallion, is, strictly speaking, a small, flat, and round (or, at times, oval) piece of metal that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way marked with an insignia. They are, in essence, small, portable artistic objects, often carrying a design on both sides.
Think of the intricate details on an Olympic medal, the stoic profile on a commemorative piece, or the symbolic imagery on a religious medal. These designs are not arbitrary; they are meticulously planned to convey meaning, honor, or memory. While many medals are disc-shaped, they can vary significantly in size and shape, ranging from large medallions to small plaques, or plaquettes. Often, they are accompanied by a distinctively colored ribbon, which not only aids in display but also often signifies the specific award or honor it represents. The medals differ in design, depending on the award, and each medal has a distinctively colored ribbon, with additional awards of the same decoration often indicated by bars of metal worn across it.
The Enduring Purpose: More Than Just Metal
The primary reason medals exist is their profound purpose. They are bestowed as a mark of honor, a reward for brave actions, or a prize in a competition. Their functions are diverse and deeply ingrained in human culture:
- Recognition of Achievement: Whether in sports, academics, or professional fields, medals celebrate excellence. There are medals for sports, military, academics, etc. An Olympic medal, for instance, is awarded to successful competitors at one of the Olympic Games, with three classes of medal to be won: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, awarded to first, second, and third place, respectively. These are a fantastic way to recognize individuals, groups, and organizations for their accomplishments.
- Commemoration: Many medals are created for sale to commemorate particular individuals or events, or as works of medallic art in their own right. They serve as tangible reminders of historical moments, significant figures, or important milestones. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind. For example, a medal remembering Finnish President J. Paasikivi, designed by Heikki Häiväoja, serves this very purpose.
- Honor and Valor: In military contexts, medals represent the highest forms of honor and valor. The Medal of Honor (MH), often called the Congressional Medal of Honor, is the highest military award and is given for 'the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty'. It is presented by the President of the United States. The award known as the Purple Heart has a history that reaches back to the waning days of the American Revolution, recognizing those wounded or killed in service.
- Religious Significance: Beyond secular achievements, medals also hold deep religious meaning. The Benedict medal is one of the oldest and most revered medals used by the church, engraved with symbols representing St. Benedict on the front, and a cross with. The Miraculous Medal, which the Virgin suggested Saint Catherine so that she could have it forged and distributed, is called miraculous medal, referring to the many healings and conversions it caused. For individuals, the Miraculous Medal offers a personal connection to Mary, with many wearing it as a daily reminder of her care and a source of comfort.
- Artistic Expression: Some medals are created as works of medallic art in their own right, appreciated for their aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship, independent of a specific award.
In every instance, a medal symbolizes the effort behind our achievements and serves as a quiet but steady presence, reflecting patterns of light that represent the energy of those they honor. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic medal design, for example, is supposed to reflect this energy.
Tracing the Name: Why "Medal"?
Now, to the heart of our question: Why is it called a "medal"? The answer is quite straightforward and lies in the very material from which these objects are predominantly made. The word "medal" is primarily used to refer to a piece or plate of metal, often bearing an inscription or design, that is bestowed as a mark of honor. It is commonly used in the context of competitions.
Linguistically, the word "medal" can be traced back through Old French "medaille" and ultimately to the Latin word "metallum," meaning "metal." This etymological connection clearly indicates that the name derives directly from the substance of which the object is composed. It's a "metal" object, hence a "medal." This direct link to its material composition is a testament to the simplicity and practicality of language evolution.
While the form and purpose of medals have evolved significantly since ancient times, the fundamental characteristic that gives them their name—being a piece of metal—has remained constant. This core identity as a metallic token of recognition or commemoration is what solidified its nomenclature throughout history. As one might suppose, the man on the street thinks it’s an award, but the name itself speaks to its physical form.
A Journey Through Time: The Evolution of Medals
As you can see, medals have evolved significantly since ancient times, yet they remain unique pieces that symbolise the effort behind our achievements. Early forms of recognition, while not always "medals" as we know them today, laid the groundwork for their development. As societies progressed, the art of metallurgy advanced, allowing for more intricate and durable forms of commemorative objects. Initially, they might have been closer to coins or large medallions, used for various purposes, including currency or personal adornment.
Over centuries, their role as awards and commemorative items became more defined. The Renaissance period, in particular, saw a flourishing of medallic art, with artists creating exquisite pieces that were highly valued. From these artistic origins, the concept of a "medal" as a specific award or commemorative item solidified, leading to the diverse range of medals we see today for sports, military, academics, and other fields. Medals have been a symbol of achievement, recognition, and honor throughout history.
Diverse Forms, Shared Significance
Despite their common origin in "metal," medals differ vastly in design, depending on the award and its context. Each medal has a distinctively colored ribbon, and additional awards of the same decoration are often indicated by bars of metal worn across the ribbon. This customization ensures that each medal is unique and instantly recognizable for its specific honor.
- Olympic Medals: Awarded to successful competitors, these medals, like the 2020 Tokyo Olympic medal design, are supposed to reflect the energy of the athletes and their surrounding supporters.
- Military Medals: Such as the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, or the Purple Heart, these are deeply symbolic, representing immense courage and sacrifice. Learn about the precious metal content, significance, and recipients of some of America’s most important military medals.
- Religious Medals: Such as the Miraculous Medal, which celebrates the gift of devotion and protection, or the Benedict Medal, which offers personal connections to faith and serve as sources of comfort. The Miraculous Medal was originally referred to as the “Medal of the Immaculate Conception.”
- Commemorative Medals: Often produced for sale, these pieces celebrate historical events, individuals, or artistic endeavors, standing as works of medallic art in their own right. A piece of metal often in the form of a coin with designs and words in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement.
A medal can mean many different things to many different people. To the recipient, it's a tangible representation of a moment, an achievement, or a profound experience. It endures as a quiet but steady presence, a symbol of perseverance, excellence, or remembrance.
In Summary
The term "medal" is rooted in its very composition: it's a piece of metal. Derived from the Latin "metallum," the name directly reflects the material from which these significant objects are crafted. Far from being mere metallic discs, medals serve a multitude of profound purposes—from recognizing athletic prowess and military valor to commemorating historical events and embodying religious faith. They have evolved over centuries, transforming into unique pieces of art and powerful symbols that universally represent effort, achievement, honor, and remembrance across diverse cultures and contexts. So, the next time you see a medal, remember its name is a simple yet profound nod to its fundamental nature, carrying centuries of meaning within its metallic form.
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