Well, here is one: who crowned Napoleon?
But of course, Napoleon did!
And not once, but twice!
The first time on Dec 2, 1804 when he became the Emperor of France and the second time 6 months later on May 16, 1805 when he became the King of Italy.
On both occasions he put the crown on his own head! Now that is some ego!
(Incidentally, he also died in May (on May 5th, 1821) to be exact).
So, let’s talk about the timeless tradition of coronation, where we gather to witness someone wearing an excessively heavy headgear, sitting on a lavish throne, and pretending to be bestowed with divine powers. How charmingly antiquated! The whole spectacle is like a real-life fairy tale, complete with a cast of characters playing their roles to perfection.
I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy watching a group of privileged individuals parade around in their fancy robes and jewels, acting as if they were chosen by the heavens
themselves to rule over us mere mortals? It’s truly heartwarming to see how ostentatious displays of wealth and power can bring a nation together, isn’t it?
Let’s not forget the delightful ceremony of swearing oaths and making grand promises, only to promptly forget about them the moment the coronation festivities are over. The Crown of Hungary →
It’s all just a big, elaborate show to stroke egos and maintain outdated notions of hierarchy and superiority.
So, here’s to the custom of coronation — a charming relic of the past that continues to dazzle and bemuse us in equal measure.
Long live the emperor, empress, king, or queen, or whoever manages to snatch that sparkly crown next!
Alex