"Prunkspieß" is a German noun denoting a decorative, often ornate staff or spear carried by nobles and knights in the Middle Ages. The skewer served less as a weapon and more as a status symbol and sign of power. Often, ceremonial skewers were adorned with precious stones, gold or silver fittings and ornate carvings. Nowadays, pompous skewers are mainly shown at historical festivals and parades.