Unity and Guardianship in a Ceremony: A Moment of Reflection

Tomorrow, King Charles III and Queen Camila will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on the Cosmati Pavement of Henry III in an observance that is Saxon.  A day of this nature has not been seen since 1953, and it will be the first time many now living will ever have had the opportunity to observe the event.

Cosmati pavement by high altar, Westminster Abbey

We take this moment to, in common with the country, wish Their Majesties well in the new Caroline era, as individuals and representations of the country.

Clopton portrait of Elizabeth I, 1558 — dawn of her reign, guided by Parker with Rowland Hill on her Privy Counil working on pluralisum

Many are taking the opportunity of this event to, beyond enjoying the ceremonial, think about the positive meaning that can be found in the events of tomorrow, passed down from deep antiquity.

At Soulton we cannot fail to remember that the Coroonaton procession of Elizabeth I as lead by Sir Roland Hill’s protégé Sir Thoams Leigh, who was Lord Mayor of Lodnon in 1558, nor the work of Old Sir Rowland in supporting that new, young queen in finding her way into the peaceful via media settlement, and the atmosphere of religious pluralism and tolerance that enable the renaissance that her reign heralded.

Sir Thomas Leigh, protégé of Sir Rowland HIll

In this national moment we enjoyed noticing that the intricate design of the King’s cypher, illuminated by the soft glow of countless candles, has been set out on the pavement of Ripon Cathedral, which illuminated by the soft glow of the candles, must create a truly inspiring atmosphere within Ripon Cathedral. Dean Dobson talking about the diverse celebrations at the cathedral has commented:

We are delighted to be playing our part in helping the region to celebrate the coronation. Our spectacular floral displays will speak of the spiritual dimensions of monarchy, an institution which binds us together as a national community. We pray for God’s blessing upon the King and the Queen and upon all the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Without a whole host of volunteers much of the weekend’s activities would not be possible.

Ahead of His Majesty’s Coronation, Ripon Cathedral has set out the King’s cypher in candels in the cathedral. (c) Dean and Chapter of Rippon Cathedral.

It’s interesting to consider the ancient Agnican (and other mainstream religious) tradition of signaling reflections with candles, which are associated with both sacrifice and light, on pavements.

In another instance of this practice, hundreds of candles were lit at York Minster to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The candles formed the Star of David in remembrance of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and victims of other genocides.

The event, which included a choral evening service, was attended by people from various faiths.  

A commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day at York Minster. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

The theme of the 2022 commemoration was “One Day,” encouraging people to remember and learn about the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The hope is that one day, there will be a world without genocide.” Commenting on that event, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said:

Despite recognising the signs and signals of authoritarian regimes stripping away fundamental human rights and freedoms, all too often we choose to look away, we choose not to hear.

Contemplating such cruelty can be overwhelming but if we don’t, genocide can happen as it did in Nazi occupied Europe, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. This Holocaust Memorial Day we will hear accounts of lives lost to genocide and of survivors able to rebuild their lives but whose minds will never truly be free.

The event included poetry, readings, reflections and prayers and music by The Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster. People were invited to go to the candlestands to light a candle throughout the event.

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At Soulton, there’s a well-known dancing pavement associated with the choreographic dance notation for the Dance of Harmony, seen at the close of Shakespeare’s beloved play about national renewal and love. Occasionally, there’s a tradition of lighting candles on this pavement at the discretion of the family, a custom that dates back centuries.

The eve of the coronation of Charles III was one of those occasions.

This rare event was witnessed by some invited local dignitaries, followed by a gathering to share sherry and cake. The gathering toasted the new age, wishing for the country’s health and prosperity, and expressing hopes for sincerity and good faith among those in positions of power.

Candels on the Soulton Dancing Pavement, an old custom at Soulton for moments of refelction and national importance.  Shared with on 05 May 2022 with local dignitaries on the Eve of the Coronation of the new king.

This pattern of course represents the beauty and harmony of the cosmos, and the placing of candles can remind us of the starry sky.

In the Songs to St Mary in medieval Spain, these were seen as the starry mantle of the Virgin Mary, whom they considered the Queen of Heaven, and this shape echoes all the way back to the Mesopotamian goddesses such as Ishtar and Inana, as well as resonating in Islam and judaism as well as other great fatihs.

Isn’t it beautiful?

If you would like to see this effect we occasionally light the pavement at night, but this cannot be booked or anticipated. Always follow our updates for details of opening.

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This post was updated on 27 January, 2024 on Holocaust Memoerial Dat to account for the event in York Minster.