Even if nowadays it is not very common to see rituals culturally, the British still follow many traditions at special times. In the monarchy coronation ceremony, for example, there are several rituals that have been followed for a long time.
Therefore, see below some objects that make up the coronation of the British monarchy and their symbolism.
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1. Spoon of Coronation
The spoon is one of the most important objects of the British coronation, and is notable for its history and importance. Although a simple item, it is the oldest piece of regalia, possibly dating back to the 12th century. Although it was first used in 1603 during the coronation of James I, the spoon became a sacred part of the anointing ceremony. It contains the holy oil used to anoint the sovereign.
The spoon's existence is surprising, considering the English Civil Wars (1642-1651), when the monarchy was overthrown and the coronation perks were destroyed by Oliver Cromwell. The spoon was sold to a member of the royal house and returned after the Restoration in 1660, marking the return of Charles II as king. Since then, the spoon has been used at every coronation.
The spoon is made of gilded silver and is approximately 26.7 cm long, with intricate carvings on the bowl and a decorative motif based on the acanthus. A monster's head joins the bowl to the handle, which is highlighted by a flattened rondelle with another monster's head and four pearls.
An interesting fact is that in 1649 the spoon was bought for 16 shillings, which was about 11 days salary for a specialist trader at the time, and today would be equivalent to about US$ 100.
2. Crown of Saint Edward
The Crown of St. Edward is the most important crown and used only during the coronation in the British monarchy. The original crown is believed to have belonged to Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, but was destroyed during the English Civil Wars. In 1661, for the coronation of Charles II, a new crown was made from fragments of the original.
The Crown of St. Edward is composed of a solid gold frame that includes four crosses and four fleurs-de-lis, as well as arches that are topped with a cross. George V added semi-precious stones to the crown, such as rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, topazes and tourmalines, permanently in 1911. Completing the crown is a purple velvet bonnet and an ermine sash, and the ensemble weighs nearly 5 pounds (2.23 kg).
3. coronation chair
The coronation chair is used during the monarch's coronation ceremony and was commissioned by Edward I to house the Stone of Scone, which represents Scottish sovereignty. Although the chair was featured at Edward II's coronation in 1308, it is unknown if it was part of the coronation. However, it is known that in 1399 Henry IV was crowned sitting on the chair.
The chair is made of oak, is 2.05 meters high and is decorated with animals and gilded foliage, with an image of Edward the Confessor on the back. The king's feet are on a lion and four golden lions have been added around the base of the chair. Under the seat, there is the Stone of the Scone, which was surrounded by decorative wooden panels, later removed.
Although a sacred and historic object, the chair was not well protected in the 18th and 19th centuries and ended up suffering damage, including graffiti by visitors. A notable example is the inscription “P. Abbott slept in this chair July 5-6, 1800,” which was carved into the seat of the chair.
Despite this, the coronation chair remains a symbol of the history and tradition of the British monarchy.
4. Sovereign's Scepter with Cross
During the coronation of the British monarchy, two jeweled scepters are used: the Sovereign's Scepter with Cross and the Sovereign's Scepter with Dove.
The Scepter with the Sovereign's Cross is a more complex piece, notable for the Cullinan I, the largest colorless diamond in the world at 530.2 carats. This diamond was cut from the largest ever found, the Cullinan, which weighed 3,106 carats and was discovered in present-day South Africa in 1905.
The Crossed Scepter was created on the order of Charles II and has undergone significant alterations over time, with the addition of Cullinan I in 1910 being the most notable. In 1911, the scepter was used at the coronation of George V and symbolizes the monarch's temporal power. During investiture, along with the Orb of the Sovereign, the scepters are given to the monarch.
5. Sovereign's Orb
The Sovereign's Orb is one of the more unusual items of royal insignia. This object, which dates from 1661, consists of a golden sphere with a cross on top and represents the Christian world and the conviction that the power of the monarch is granted by God.
During the coronation investiture ceremony, the orb is placed in the sovereign's right hand.
