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This week’s MotD theme: Crowning Glory
From the Royal Collection Trust, comes the official coronation crown of England: St Edward’s Crown adorned with 444 jewels and commissioned for the Coronation of Charles II on 23 April 1661 from the Crown Jeweler, Sir Robert Vyner. What a stunning piece of artistry!
From Pica LéLa about this crown:
The crown itself has had quite an exciting life; it was stolen by Thomas Blood in 1671 along with many other pieces of royal jewellery. Blood flattened the crown with a mallet to conceal it while other members of his gang attempted to hide the other Crown Jewels by other means. His associate even stuffed the Sovereign’s Orb down his pants. Gross.
Many monarchs have complained that St. Edward’s Crown is heavy and uncomfortable.
About this crown from the Royal Collection Trust:
St Edward’s Crown is the crown used at the moment of coronation. This Crown … was a replacement for the medieval crown which had been melted down in 1649, by the Parliamentarians, and which was thought to date back to the 11th century royal saint, Edward the Confessor (St Edward), the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. Although the 1661 crown follows the original in having four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, and two arches, it was not a reproduction of the medieval design. Until the early 20th century the stones adorning the crown were hired for the occasion of the coronation and then returned. It was only in 1911, for the Coronation of George V, that the Crown was permanently set with its semi-precious stones. At the same time it was made lighter (although it still weighs 2.23 kg – nearly 5lb). Because of its weight St Edward’s Crown was not worn but carried in the coronation procession for over 200 years, from the reign of Queen Anne, and placed on the altar during the ceremony.
View more images of the crown via the Royal Collection Trust site.
Inspiration for Today
We often use symbols to denote something of importance or meaning. In this case, St Edward’s Crown represents the transition from a member of the royal family to head of the monarchy.
Where we get ourselves into trouble is when we make the symbol more important than that which the symbol represents. Take for instance the symbols/objects/structures we use to represent our spiritual beliefs. These “things” are really just tools to help support us in our relationship with God/Allah/Jehovah/Buddha/Universe/Source (GAJBUS). GAJBUS exist regardless of these “things.” It’s our faith, our supportive connection with our fellow human beings, our spiritual connection with GAJBUS that far exceed the value of any building, book, or icon.
Happy Coloring!
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