The outstanding Aragonese ephemeris of the day recalls that today, November 16, but of 1276, Pedro III was crowned in La Seo. The coronation ceremony was resumed with Peter III the Great, but in Aragon, without the need to travel to Rome, and with a religious ceremony. The kings of Aragon crowned themselves to show their independence from ecclesiastical power and their own right to the crown. The ceremonial rite included a week of preparations, fasting of the king, and a solemn high mass in the cathedral. After the consecration, the king was escorted to a throne in the cathedral, followed by a grand banquet in the Aljafería to conclude the celebration.
This independent approach to the coronation ceremony reflected the autonomy of the kings of Aragon, who sought to demonstrate that they received the crown in their own right, not by ecclesiastical concession. The week prior to the act of coronation included ritual preparations, fasting of the king and a solemn high mass. The coronation itself took place in the cathedral, where the archbishop consecrated the king and presented him with the crown, scepter and ring. After the ceremony, the king and his retinue returned to the Aljafería for a grand banquet to mark the end of the event.
The myth that the pope placed the crown on the monarch with his feet, to show spiritual superiority over temporal power, is a historical curiosity. Although false, this myth brings a touch of color to the historical narrative of the coronation of Peter III, showing the richness of the traditions and legends surrounding such events.
WHAT IS AN EPHEMERIS?
An ephemeris is an important date or event that is celebrated or remembered on a certain date of the year. These are usually anniversaries of historical events, important discoveries, birthdays of famous people, religious dates, or commemorations of national events.
Ephemerides can be commemorative, educational, or simply informative. Some ephemeris are of global importance, while others may be more locally or regionally relevant. Ephemerides are an important way to remember our past and reflect on its significance for the present and future.
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