The recent Coronation of King Charles III in the United Kingdom showcased the importance of tradition and ritual throughout history, offering a sense of continuity and belonging. The ceremony celebrated British history, culture, and modernity while emphasising inclusion and diversity.
This special Coronation article explores eight ways to honour the past while embracing a more positive and inclusive future.
The Fusion of Tradition and modernity
The coronation ceremony was a momentous occasion that marked several historical firsts. MP Penny Mordaunt, the first female Lord President of the Council, carried the Sword of State and later presented the Jewelled Sword of Offering to the King, establishing a new custom.
One of the event’s highlights was when Sir Bryn Terfel performed the first-ever Welsh language song, Coronation Kyrie, which paid tribute to Wales’s beautiful hills and valleys. The song was a heartfelt call for hope, peace, love, and friendship, and as a Welsh native, I was proud to hear it.
Additionally, Pretty Yende, a South African soprano, made history by becoming the first African to perform a solo during a British coronation with her rendition of Sacred Fire. These performances demonstrated the diversity and inclusivity of the ceremony and will be remembered for years to come.
Representatives from various religious groups, including Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist, greeted the newly crowned King as he departed from the abbey, marking a significant milestone in religious diversity.
The Coronation aims to reflect the modern, diverse multi-faith United Kingdom and to promote the themes of youth, community, diversity and sustainability. – Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE
A personal impact
Like many others, I watched the event from the comfort of my home. The immense pride and passion displayed by the participants during this historic event moved me to tears. It was an unforgettable and momentous occasion that made history on 6th May 2023.
But what did all of this pageantry truly signify? Why do we place such importance on tradition and ritual? And why do we need to belong to something larger than ourselves?
building connection with others
Humans naturally tend to connect with others and form groups as social creatures. This need for connection is vital to our survival, as we feel secure and safe when we belong to something. Ceremonial occasions can provide us with a sense of unity, belonging, and identity.
Traditions and rituals also give us a sense of continuity. They link us to our past and our ancestors. They help us to understand who we are and where we come from. They also provide stability and predictability in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
Observing tradition can help us to mark important milestones in our lives, such as births, deaths, and marriages. They can also provide us with a sense of comfort and familiarity in times of difficulty.
potential pitfalls of traditional ritual
Focusing too much on the past can prevent us from embracing new ideas and prolong outdated and harmful practices. We must strike a balance by respecting our traditions while remaining open to change. By learning from our history, we can create a better future.
what are some ways to maintain our traditions while also embracing the future?
be open to new ideas.
Just because something has been done a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Be willing to consider new approaches and perspectives.
be respectful of others’ traditions.
Only some people share your values and beliefs. Be respectful of the traditions of others, even if you don’t understand or agree with them.
be willing to change.
The world is constantly evolving, and so should we. Traditions and rituals are not set in stone. They can be adapted to reflect different circumstances and embrace new ideas.
celebrate diversity.
One of the things that make us human is our diversity. Embrace the different cultures, religions, and beliefs of our world.
promote inclusion.
Everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging. Be interested in others and curious to understand their viewpoints. Seek to include people from all walks of life within your community.
be creative.
We should be bold and innovative, and create new traditions and rituals that are meaningful to us.
be sustainable.
Traditions and rituals should be sustainable. They should be able to adapt to the changing world around them.
be hopeful.
Traditions and rituals should give people hope for the future. They should remind us that we are all connected by the same desire to be safe, happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
to conclude…
Traditions and rituals are integral to our lives, giving us a sense of identity and linking us to our heritage. Nevertheless, it’s vital to assess these customs with a critical eye and decide whether they’re still appropriate in the modern world.
Achieving a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace takes effort and requires a combination of established working practices and innovative approaches. Engage for Success is the UK national movement around employee engagement and provides valuable resources that can help achieve this goal.
By adopting fresh viewpoints and fostering inclusion, we can enhance the positive aspects of the past while aiming for a brighter, happier future. The Coronation of King Charles III is a prime example of this. Let us hope that this historic event will inspire a more engaged, compassionate and cooperative society.
Author: Beverly Landais – Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
Photo credit: Shutterstock
