Order of Sidonie

The Order of Sidonia was an order of chivalry of the Kingdom of Saxony, a member state of the German Empire. The order was founded on 14 March 1871 by John, King of Saxony. The order was primarily awarded to women in recognition of their dedication and self-sacrifice in caring for wounded soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War. It was the first order for women in Saxony until the establishment of the Order of Maria Anna. It was named for Sidonie of Poděbrady, wife of Albert III, Duke of Saxony, who was renowned for her virtue and piety. The order became obsolete in 1918, following Germany's defeat in World War I and the end of the monarchy.