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Crown

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A crown is a traditional form of head adornment worn by monarchs. It serves as a powerful symbol of their dignity and authority. Beyond being a physical object, the term "The Crown" often represents a government or a state. This usage is common in many Commonwealth countries. In these places, the word describes the institution of the monarchy rather than the specific person wearing it.

Saint Edward's Crown
Saint Edward's Crown

Some nations do not use physical crowns at all. For example, the kingdom of Belgium uses a heraldic representation instead of a real object.

In monarchies that use physical regalia, crowns are divided into three distinct categories. The first is the coronation crown, which is worn specifically during the ceremony where a ruler ascends the throne. The second is the state crown, used by the monarch during other important official occasions. The third type is the consort crown. This is worn by the spouse of a monarch to show their rank through constitutional courtesy.

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

People of lower noble ranks often wear different headgear called coronets. While English speakers use the word "coronet" for these lower ranks, many other languages use the same word for all types of crowns.

History shows that special headgear has been used since pre-historic times. One early precursor to the crown was the diadem, a type of browband. The Achaemenid Persian emperors wore these diadems long ago. Later, the Roman Emperor Constantine I adopted this style for his rulers. In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs used several specific types of crowns. These included the Hedjet, the Deshret, and the Pschent, which was a double crown. Some Egyptian crowns were also associated with solar cults.

Iron Crown
Iron Crown

Different cultures developed unique styles of crowns based on their own traditions. In India, crowns are known as makuta, a Sanskrit word meaning "crest." These have been used since ancient times to adorn Hindu gods and kings. This style influenced many Southeast Asian kingdoms, including those in Java, Bali, and Thailand. In East Asia, emperors wore specific items like the Chinese mianguan. Thai dancers also wear crowns called mongkut, which are inspired by the headgear of deities. In the pre-Colonial Philippines, elite individuals wore golden diadems known as putong.

Religious traditions also incorporate crowns into their ceremonies and symbols. In many Eastern Orthodox wedding services, there is a specific section called the crowning. The bride and groom are crowned as the king and queen of their new household. In Greek weddings, these are often white flower diadems held by a silk ribbon. In Slavic weddings, ornate metal crowns are held above the couple by their best men. Other religious symbols include the crown of thorns from the New Testament. In Roman Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary is often depicted wearing a crown as the Queen of Heaven.

Materials used for crowns vary greatly depending on the region and the era. Gold and precious jewels like rubies, emeralds, and amethysts are very common in Western and Oriental crowns. For example, the Crown of King George XII of Georgia was made of gold and decorated with 145 diamonds. However, other cultures used different precious materials. In the Pre-Columbian New World, Native American civilizations used rare feathers, such as those from the quetzal bird. 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

Throughout history, the way crowns are used has changed alongside political systems. In the Christian tradition, a religious official often places the crown on a monarch's head. This act is part of a coronation ceremony meant to provide religious sanction. Some early Holy Roman Emperors even traveled to Rome to be crowned by the pope. In modern times, only the British and Tongan monarchies continue the tradition of anointed and crowned monarchs. Despite these changes, the crown remains a lasting symbol of leadership and history across the globe.

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File:Saint Edward's Crown.jpg
Saint Edward's Crown.jpg
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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