or AMARANTE, an order of knighthood, instituted in 1653, by Christina Queen of Sweden, in memory of a masquerade, wherein she had assumed that name, which signifies unfading, or immortal. Her nobility likewise assumed different characters, viz. of gods, goddesses, shepherds, nymphs, &c., and so well pleased was the Queen with the diversion, that she instituted this order in memory of it, consisting of 16 lords, and as many ladies, with the motto, Dolce nella memoria.