Vilnius academy’s scepter and seal

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Vilniaus universitetas (VU; Vilnius University); Vilniaus universiteto simboliai; Antspaudai; Akademinės regalijos; Ceremonijos; Vilnius university symbols; Coats of Arms; Academic Regalia; Ceremonies.

ENThe rights and privileges granted to the Vilnius Academy1 by King Stephen of Poland were similar to those granted to the old Kraków Academy., although never fully realized due to the internal plans of the [Jesuit] Order to which the [Vilnius] Academy belonged. Nevertheless, certain symbols and customs associated with external pomp were adopted early on from the Kraków Academy. One such example is the scepter, which from olden times is popular and holy as a symbol of the academy and the importance of the rector’s rank, and which is used during commemorations and public ceremonies. Every time that the rector marched to formal ceremonies at the head of the academic senate, his entourage would include two beadles3, who carried the university charter and the gold-plated silver scepter on small pillows with great dignity. These symbols would be placed on a table near the place from which the rector would give his address to those assembled, then carried out in the same order. After the university was closed in 1832, this treasure [the scepter], no longer in use, was safeguarded in Vilnius in the treasury of the Medical-Surgical Academy until it was also closed.. Thus these few words describing this monument [the scepter] may be welcome and will not disappoint the readers of this publication. [From the publication]