Annunciation
the declaration of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary irforming her that she was to become the mother of our Lord. Annunciation or Lady Day is celebrated on the 25th of March. The Italian order of Knights of the Annunciation, now the highest Italian order, was instituted by Amadeus VI., Duke of Savoy, in 1360. The king is always Grand Master. The decoration of the Order consists of a golden shield suspended to a chain or collar of roses and knots, the letters F. E. R. T. being inscribed on the roses, and standing for fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit (its bravery held Rhodes). There are two orders of nuns of the Annunciation, French and Italian.