Nearly every galactic civilization has developed some sort of armor to protect hunters and soldiers alike. Because of the role armor plays in the preservation of life and the strong connection cultures have to their armor, it is not surprising that over time some armor has taken on a ceremonial role. Across different cultures, ceremonial armor may be used by heads of state or leaders to communicate their particular office or the strength and power they wield. It is often worn by soldiers outside of combat in more formal or ceremonial contexts to demonstrate a connection to the most revered parts of their culture. Additionally, many tribal cultures may employ ceremonial armor in sacred combat rituals common to some coming of age ceremonies. 

    Because of the symbolic power communicated by ceremonial armor, many forms of more utilitarian armor have adapted elements of more ceremonial pieces, blurring the distinction between armor meant for ceremony and armor meant for combat. For instance, the signature red color of Imperial royal guard armor offers no strategic advantage to those wearing it apart from its association with the power of the government it represents. While it still offers plenty of protection in combat, its ceremonial nature gives it a strong psychological power. This is also true of the most well known of ceremonial combat armor: those belonging to the Mandalorian warriors. 

    Ceremonial armor is usually crafted from precious metals, gemstones, or other materials revered by the culture or species, such as bone. Many pieces of ceremonial armor are also rich in civic or spiritual symbols, text from sacred writings, or depictions of important historic or mythological events. This will vary depending on who made it and what they made it for. Because of the deep connections ceremonial armor has to a culture's history, it is not uncommon for ceremonial armor to take the form of pieces of armor that would otherwise be considered ancient, outdated, or obsolete. Today, ceremonial armor is not only treasured by the culture that produced it, but also by collectors, historians, and museums.