High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The blessed sword and hat were a gift offered by popes to Catholic monarchs in recognition of their defence of Christendom. Each pair was blessed by a pope on Christmas Eve in St. Peter`s Basilica in Rome. The sword was an ornate ceremonial weapon, usually large, up to 2 meters long, with the hilt embellished with the pope`s coat of arms, and the blade with the pope`s name. A similarly ornate scabbard and belt were added to the sword. The hat was a cylinder made of red velvet with two lappets hanging down from its top. The right-hand side of the hat was decorated with a dove representing the Holy Spirit embroidered in pearls, while a shining sun symbolising Christ was embroidered in goldwork on the top.