Coronation vs. Crowning — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Coronation is a formal ceremony to officially invest a monarch with power, involving religious rites, while crowning is the specific act of placing a crown on the monarch's head.
Difference Between Coronation and Crowning
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Coronation ceremonies are elaborate events that often involve religious rituals, symbolizing the divine approval of the monarch's rule. In contrast, crowning is merely one part of the coronation process, focusing on the moment the crown is placed on the head of the monarch. This act is pivotal in the visual and symbolic representation of the monarch's ascension.
While a coronation may include various rites, oaths, and public celebrations, crowning specifically refers to the act of placing the crown upon the monarch’s head. Crowning is typically a highlight of the ceremony and is seen as a defining moment of the transition of power.
Coronations are steeped in tradition and can vary significantly from one culture to another, often reflecting the nation's history and religious affiliations. Crowning, on the other hand, is a universally recognized symbol in monarchies that signifies the conferment of sovereignty upon the monarch.
During a coronation, multiple symbolic items other than the crown might be presented, such as a scepter, orb, and robes, each carrying its own meaning. Meanwhile, crowning remains focused solely on the crown itself, symbolizing the monarch's rightful authority and duty.
Coronations often require the presence of various dignitaries, religious leaders, and sometimes the public, marking it as a state ceremony. In contrast, the crowning could theoretically occur in a more private setting, though it traditionally happens as part of the public and formal coronation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal ceremony to invest a monarch with power officially.
The act of placing a crown on a monarch's head.
Context
Involves various rituals and is part of a broader tradition.
A specific act within the coronation ceremony.
Symbols involved
May include scepter, orb, throne, robes, etc.
Primarily involves the crown.
Public perception
Seen as an official and celebratory event marking a reign.
Considered the definitive moment of ascension.
Variability
Can vary widely based on cultural and religious practices.
Generally uniform across different cultures.
Compare with Definitions
Coronation
An event that often has religious significance in a monarchy.
The coronation took place in the cathedral to emphasize its sacred nature.
Crowning
The act of placing a crown on the head of a monarch during a coronation.
The crowning was the highlight of the ceremony.
Coronation
A ceremonial event where a new monarch is officially invested with regal power.
The coronation of the new king was attended by dignitaries from around the world.
Crowning
Symbolizes the official assumption of power by a monarch.
His crowning was followed by the roar of the crowd.
Coronation
A ritual involving the formal bestowal of the symbols of monarchy.
The coronation included the handing over of the royal scepter.
Crowning
Often perceived as the climax of a coronation.
Everyone awaited the crowning with bated breath.
Coronation
A state occasion marked by various traditional ceremonies.
The entire city was decorated for the grand coronation ceremony.
Crowning
A pivotal moment in the coronation process.
The photograph of the crowning was used on commemorative stamps.
Coronation
A ceremony that officially marks the beginning of a monarch’s rule.
Her reign began officially with her coronation.
Crowning
A symbolic gesture of conferring sovereignty.
The crowning marked her transition from princess to queen.
Coronation
An act or the ceremony of formally investing a sovereign or the sovereign's consort with a crown and other insignia of royalty, on or shortly after their accession to the sovereignty.
Crowning
An ornamental circlet or head covering, often made of precious metal set with jewels and worn as a symbol of sovereignty.
Coronation
A coronation is the act of placement or bestowal of a crown upon a monarch's head. The term also generally refers not only to the physical crowning but to the whole ceremony wherein the act of crowning occurs, along with the presentation of other items of regalia, marking the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power.
Crowning
The power, position, or empire of a monarch or of a state governed by constitutional monarchy.
Coronation
The act or ceremony of crowning a sovereign or the sovereign's consort.
Crowning
The monarch as head of state.
Coronation
An act of investing with a crown; a crowning.
Crowning
A distinction or reward for achievement, especially a title signifying championship in a sport.
Coronation
(figuratively)
Crowning
Something resembling a diadem in shape.
Coronation
A completion or culmination of something.
Crowning
A coin stamped with a crown or crowned head on one side.
Coronation
A success in the face of little or no opposition.
Crowning
Abbr. cr. A silver coin formerly used in Great Britain and worth five shillings.
Coronation
In the game of checkers or draughts: the act of turning a checker into a king when it has reached the farthest row forward.
Crowning
Any one of several coins, such as the koruna, the krona, or the krone, having a name that means “crown.”
Coronation
The act or solemnity of crowning a sovereign; the act of investing a prince with the insignia of royalty, on his succeeding to the sovereignty.
Crowning
The top or highest part of the head.
Coronation
The pomp or assembly at a coronation.
Crowning
The head itself.
Coronation
The ceremony of installing a new monarch
Crowning
The top or upper part of a hat.
Crowning
The highest point or summit.
Crowning
The highest, primary, or most valuable part, attribute, or state
Considered the rare Turkish stamp the crown of their collection.
Crowning
The part of a tooth that is covered by enamel and projects beyond the gum line.
Crowning
An artificial substitute for the natural crown of a tooth.
Crowning
(Nautical) The lowest part of an anchor, where the arms are joined to the shank.
Crowning
(Architecture) The highest portion of an arch, including the keystone.
Crowning
The upper, spreading part of a tree or shrub.
Crowning
The part of a plant, usually at ground level, where the stem and roots merge.
Crowning
The persistent, mostly underground base of a perennial herb.
Crowning
See corona.
Crowning
The crest of an animal, especially of a bird.
Crowning
The portion of a cut gem above the girdle.
Crowning
To put a crown or garland on the head of.
Crowning
To invest with regal power; enthrone.
Crowning
To confer honor, dignity, or reward upon.
Crowning
To surmount or be the highest part of.
Crowning
To form the crown, top, or chief ornament of.
Crowning
To bring to completion or successful conclusion; consummate
Crowned the event with a lavish reception.
Crowning
(Dentistry) To put a crown on (a tooth).
Crowning
(Games) To make (a piece in checkers that has reached the last row) into a king by placing another piece upon it.
Crowning
(Informal) To hit on the head.
Crowning
To reach a stage in labor when a large segment of the fetal scalp is visible at the vaginal orifice. Used of a fetus.
Crowning
Present participle of crown
Crowning
Supreme; of a surpassing quality or quantity.
Crowning
A coronation.
The crownings of the two successive monarchs were only a year apart.
Crowning
The act of one who crowns (in various senses).
Crowning
(obstetrics) The stage of vaginal childbirth when the infant's head remains consistently visible at the vulva.
Crowning
Representing a level of the highest possible achievement or attainment;
The crowning accomplishment of his career
Crowning
Forming or providing a crown or summit;
The crowning star on a Christmas tree
Her hair was her crowning glory
Common Curiosities
What is a coronation?
A coronation is a ceremony to formally invest a new monarch with sovereign power, usually accompanied by religious and cultural rituals.
What are the main differences between a coronation and crowning?
A coronation is a comprehensive ceremony with various elements and rituals, while crowning specifically refers to the act of placing the crown on the monarch's head.
Is a coronation always a public event?
Coronations are generally public ceremonies intended to showcase the continuity and legitimacy of the monarchy, though the specifics can vary.
Can a monarch be crowned without a coronation?
Typically, crowning is a part of the coronation ceremony and does not occur independently in traditional monarchies.
What other symbols are used in a coronation besides the crown?
Other symbols can include a scepter, orb, robes, and a throne, each symbolizing different aspects of monarchial authority.
Are coronations common in all monarchies?
While most monarchies have coronations, the specifics and scale of the ceremony can differ drastically based on cultural and religious traditions.
Who attends a coronation?
Dignitaries, religious leaders, government officials, and sometimes the general public attend coronations.
What does crowning involve?
Crowning involves placing a crown on the head of the monarch, symbolizing the official conferment of authority.
How long does a coronation ceremony last?
The duration can vary widely, but it is typically a lengthy event lasting several hours.
How is a crowning perceived culturally?
Crowning is widely regarded as the definitive moment of a monarch's ascension to the throne.
Can there be a private crowning?
Theoretically, yes, but traditionally crowning occurs as a public affirmation of the monarch's right to rule.
Has the tradition of coronations changed over time?
Yes, coronations have evolved, reflecting changes in religious practices, cultural values, and political circumstances.
What historical significance do coronations hold?
Coronations have historically marked the legitimization of a monarch’s rule and the continuation of tradition.
What role does religion play in coronations?
In many monarchies, religion plays a central role, with the ceremony occurring in a religious context to underscore divine approval.
What is the difference in preparation between a coronation and a crowning?
Preparation for a coronation is extensive, involving multiple stakeholders and traditions, whereas crowning preparation focuses on the specific act within the ceremony.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
