When reading historical books, one often encounters unfamiliar terms. To understand their meaning, you need to open the dictionary and glance sometimes with more than one page. This process is so tedious that the reader throws the book in the middle. In this article we will try to clarify the term "baron". This is not a historical reference, but cognitive information in a modern interpretation.
The meaning of the term and the history of origin
Initially, the word "baron" was translated from French as "man." But in Germany it began to be used in a different way. Here the “baron" became the title. The emperor gave the knights of the earth, but since these people did not have any titles and regalia, they did not have the right to inherit these land allotments. To consolidate inheritance rights, the emperor began to give the knights the title of baron. A similar situation was in other European countries. The meaning of the word "baron" here was understood as the lowest title of a noble family.
Surprisingly, even the eldest sons of the counts and marquises enjoyed great privileges. Baron - it was an honorary title, it made it possible to revolve in the upper strata of society. True, the counts, marquises and viscounts were contemptuous of such innovations.
Title in Russia
The Baron is not only a foreign title. In our country, this title was first used by Peter I. After his trip to Europe, the ruler realized that not only ancient noble families should enter the high society. Indeed, people from the “bottom” are sometimes very worthy and interesting interlocutors who can contribute to the development of the state. That is why Peter I decides to give the title to people who have reached certain heights in industry and finance. Usually these were wealthy citizens who were formerly called merchants. They did not have any titles, but their financial condition was sometimes much stronger than that of the nobles and counts.
The Baron title in our country was divided into Russian, Baltic and foreign. We described above how domestic industrialists received the honorary title, and now we will tell you about how foreigners were honored to become barons. The fact is that during immigration all the titles of people were preserved, and, in addition, thanks to a successful marriage, they could appropriate the noble title.
The most famous representatives
What is a baron, we understood, and now look at the list of the most prominent personalities with this title:
- von Wetberg;
- von Baer;
- von Richter;
- von Wrangel;
- von Kluchttsner;
- von Orgis-Rutenberg;
- von Nettelhorst;
- von Koskul;
- Baron von Launitz.
Most often, baronial titles were given to military personnel who excelled in hostilities or showed initiative and quick wit. Regiment commanders, major generals - it was such brave and courageous people who were honored to belong to the upper world.
Do barons exist today
Today, reading stories about knights, it seems that these are tales of a bygone past. But, it turns out that the Baron title still exists. In Belgium, Great Britain, Spain and Ireland, the practice of raising people into the nobility is practiced.
These barons, of course, do not have the privileges of the past, but it is an honor to possess such a title. An interesting fact: all people who have ever had a noble title are recognized by the monarchy as counts, viscounts, etc., even in our time.
It is difficult to imagine, but in Scotland until 2004 there was a law by which the barons limited the rights of their feudal lords. The titled persons at their discretion appointed close friends and relatives to the responsible posts. And no one could do anything against, because such suffrage was completely legal.
Who is a gypsy baron
This term cannot be found in any dictionary. Therefore, the "gypsy baron" is an unspoken concept, one might even say slang. It is used among our compatriots and denotes the leader of the group. In the written gypsy law, everyone is equal, so officially there can be no barons, but still someone still has to resolve the constant conflicts, which arise mainly due to the fault of the ethnic minority. And these people have the title. They are the ones who talk with the media, and if necessary, with the police.
But do not think that the gypsy barons have some kind of power among their people. In gypsies, everything is decided by means of a public meeting: in this way the guilty tribesmen are punished and people are encouraged in the same way. These people do everything together, own property, raise children, adopt new laws.
But like in any team, there are leaders everywhere. After all, everyone knows that a group of 100 people simply cannot organize itself. To move from place to place, you need to develop a plan, find equipment and distribute work in a team. So, despite the prevailing democracy and the absence of clear leaders, in any society, even Gypsy, there is a governing unit. And even if it is not openly recognized, this does not mean that it is absent.