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Crown

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A crown is a special type of hat worn by monarchs. It serves as a symbol of their power and dignity. Sometimes, the word "the Crown" refers to the whole government. This is common in many Commonwealth countries.

Saint Edward's Crown
Saint Edward's Crown

In some places, a crown is just a symbol in art. For example, the kingdom of Belgium uses a heraldic symbol instead of a real crown. There are also different types of crowns for different jobs. A coronation crown is worn during a crowning ceremony. A state crown is worn during other official events.

King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st century CE
King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st century CE

Many different cultures use crowns in their own ways. In India, crowns are called makuta, which means "crest." These have been used since ancient times for kings and Hindu gods. This style spread to places like Java, Bali, and Thailand. In East Asia, emperors wore crowns like the Chinese mianguan.

Iron Crown
Iron Crown

In the Philippines, elite people wore gold items called putong. Some very large crowns were even hung by chains. One was the shamsa used by the Abbasid and Fatimid Caliphates. These items show how many ways people show high rank.

History shows that people have used headgear for a long time. The diadem was a browband worn by Persian emperors. Later, Roman rulers like Constantine I also wore them. In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs used many different crowns. They used the Hedjet, the Deshret, and the Pschent. Some crowns were even made from plants like laurel or olive.

Iron Crown
Iron Crown

These natural wreaths were common in classical antiquity. Some even looked like they had sunbeams, like the Statue of Liberty.

Religious traditions also use crowns in special ways. In many European cultures, crowns are used at weddings. In Greek weddings, the bride and groom wear flower diadems. In Slavic weddings, metal crowns are held over their heads. This shows they are the leaders of their new home.

Saint Edward's Crown
Saint Edward's Crown

In the Bible, a crown of thorns is a symbol of martyrdom. In Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary is often shown wearing a crown. Some crowns are even used to honor statues in churches.

Crowns are often made of very precious things. Gold and bright jewels are very common in many lands. However, other cultures use different materials to look grand. In the Americas, some used rare feathers from birds like the quetzal. In Polynesia, feathers were also used for decoration.

King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st century CE
King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st century CE

Even if they are not made of gold, they show importance. Whether they are made of metal, flowers, or feathers, crowns tell a story of status.

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File:King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st century CE.jpg
King of Persis Ardashir II with crown 1st...
File:Iron Crown.JPG
Iron Crown.JPG
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