Exploring the world's sacred rituals: Lion hides, sacred thrones and ancient rites

As King Charles III's coronation, imbued with time-houred customs, approaches on May 6, world's eyes are fixed on event. Neverless, or monarchies worldwide commemorate equally exceptional coronation rituals.

Discovering world's few remaining monarchies, from calf-lear crowns to an unperched sacred throne, provides a glimpse into how y hour ir royal rulers.

Britain's holy oil

(Im: Buckingham Palace)

During coronation of King Charles III, a significant part of ceremony involves ainting him with holy oil made from a confidential recipe. Archbishop of Canterbury aints King's head, chest, and hands, underscoring spiritual position of monarch, who also serves as head of Church of England. This aintment is regarded as most sacred aspect of coronation ritual.

Thailand's blessed water

In Thailand's coronation tradition, a comparable element involves pouring of water over new monarch as a form of "purification" and aintment.

(Im: AP)

To prepare for this ritual, water is collected from over a hundred locations across country during a specific time in Thai astrology, from 11:52 to 12:38 local time. water is n blessed in Buddhist ceremonies before being poured over monarch.

Sacred throne of Ghana

For a significant portion of coronation ceremony, King Charles III is seated on ancient Coronation Chair, which is over 700 years old and made of oak. This chair holds a special place in UK's history, as it's oldest piece of furniture still used for its original purpose.

Interestingly, chair was initially designed to hold Stone of Destiny, an important symbol utilised in inauguration of Scottish monarchs.

Asantehene, who serves as spiritual leader of Asante Kingdom, established in late 17th century, holds a significant position.

At its zenith, Asante Kingdom encompassed a larger territory than contemporary Ghana.

Sika Dwa Kofi, commonly kwn as Golden Stool, is most sacred object in Ashanti culture, believed to embody "soul" of Ashanti people.

(Im: Instagram)

Sika Dwa Kofi or Golden Stool holds immense significance in Ashanti culture, and it is considered so holy that one, t even king, is allowed to sit on it. Thus, during coronation ceremony, new Asantehene is raised and lowered over stool instead of sitting on it.

However, in 1900, Sir Frederick Hodgson, British Goverr of Gold Coast, provoked a revolt when he demanded to sit on Golden Stool and ordered soldiers to search for it. Asante Queen Mor, Yaa Asantewaa, led uprising, but it was eventually crushed, and British annexed Asante. monarchy was only reinstated in 1935.

Enthronement of Japanese emperor

ainting of British monarch is considered an extremely sacred and confidential event, to point that a capy is held above King to conceal him from view during this part of ceremony.

Additionally, during coronation service, congregation loudly proclaims, "God Save King!" as a show of loyalty and support.

Similar to or coronation traditions, enthronement of Japanese emperor involves significant moments of grandeur.

For example, during ceremony, Takamikura pavilion is unveiled by drawing back purple curtains, revealing emperor standing in front of a throne, flanked by an ancient sword and jewel.

(Im: AP)

During Japanese emperor's enthronement ceremony, he read a formal proclamation while dressed in a yellow-orange robe, a garment reserved for emperors on significant occasions.

After proclamation, audience shouted "Banzai!" to express ir wishes for emperor's long life and prosperity.

King Charles, along with numerous foreign dignitaries, was also present at ceremony.

Zulu King's lion hides

During British coronation ceremony, soon-to-be-crowned monarch dons special robes. As y make ir way to Westminster Abbey, y wear a luxurious red velvet robe of state, featuring hand-embroidered gold lace and lined with ermine fur.

At conclusion of ceremony, monarch changes into a different robe. For instance, during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, she wore a seven-meter-long silk gown that had taken over 3,500 hours to embroider. gown was decorated with emblems of UK and Commonwealth in 18 different types of gold and silver thread, highlighting country's grandeur and prestige.

During ir coronation, Zulu King, who is one of most prominent of South Africa's eight monarchs, wears distinctive attire.

In customary Zulu ceremony, sovereign enters a sacred cattle enclosure to seek support of ir forebears. y wear hide of a lion that y have hunted mselves to demonstrate ir selection as chosen one. This practice emphasizes king's bravery and strength, as well as ir link to land and its wildlife.

(Im: AP)

During his coronation ceremony in 2022, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini wore a distinctive outfit consisting of leopard print and fears, while receiving a certificate of recognition from South African President. This attire is in keeping with Zulu tradition, which places great emphasis on use of animal hides and fears in ceremonial dress.

Lesotho King's calfskin crown

During coronation ceremony in UK, King Charles III will be crowned with St Edward's Crown, which is a solid gold frame set with rubies and sapphires. This crown is unique in that it is only used once during sovereign's reign. Later on in ceremony, King Charles III will wear Imperial State Crown, which weighs 2.3lbs (1.06kg) and is used for official occasions like opening of Parliament.

During coronation ceremony in Lesotho, new monarch is adorned with a calfskin headband and fear by two traditional chiefs. y wear animal skins and a blue tunic with a gold crocodile embroidery, and event includes songs and dances.

(Im: Twitter)

coronation of Letsie III, which was attended by King Charles and Nelson Mandela, took place in a sports stadium in capital city of Maseru.