Why Medals Are Valued Before And Now

By Michael Brown


In the corporate and business world, one way of boosting employees' confidence is by recognizing their accomplishments. Corporate rewards can have a substantial impact on employees' work performance. It can motivate them to work harder to achieve company goals and strengthen their loyalty to the company. In most organizations, employees who continuously perform well receive a medal as reward.

The Meanings Of Medals In The Past

Medals used to be a classic symbol of feat and distinction. They were usually used as jewelry by royalty or individuals related to high courts and served as military awards for courage and for long-standing services. In some religions, they served as testaments of devotion and as means of protection from supernatural harm or physical illnesses.

There were various examples of medals in ancient times. However, not all of them were made out of distinct materials like precious metals. There were medals crafted out of gold, but there were also those designed from unusual materials. Examples include glass medals, terracotta medals, porcelain medals, tin medals, coal medals, and wood and paper medals. People at that time saw them all as equally important.

More About Medals

The origins of the medal could be traced to Roman history. The round shape and even the term "medal" are taken from the Latin term "denarii" and its companion, the "medalia" or the half-denarius. These were the currencies used in ancient days.

The classic and costly metals like gold, silver, or bronze are still the popular materials used in making modern medals. However, modern medal makers sometimes utilize electroplated metal alloys, or plastic and resin to save on costs. The invention of the machine press has aided the use of new materials in making medals.

Today medals are still esteemed as objects of distinction. But the shape they come in has evolved a lot since those ancient Roman days. Modern technology has finally made it possible for medal manufacturers to break out of the rounded shape. Now you can order customized medals with a more contemporary design. For example, you can have one cast into a shape that suits the occasion when you give out medals as a reward.




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