Royalty

“Mocking of Christ” by Annibale Carracci (c. 1596), Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, Source Gallery of Art http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/c/carracci/annibale/2/mocking.html (PD-Art, PD-Old-100)

Since the United States does not have a monarchy, we do not generally come into contact with the symbols of royalty.

Many cultures make use of the falcon and peacock to designate royalty. In ancient Egypt, a stylized cobra represented sovereignty and divinity. In Great Britain, the lion and unicorn are used for royalty.

In France, the fleur de lis (a stylized lily or iris) was used while there was still a monarchy in place. In China, the emperor was represented by the Buddhist symbols of an umbrella, vase, victory banner, and conch shell. In Japan, he is symbolized by a chrysanthemum.

The color purple was long confined to royalty. Ermine has, also, been worn by royalty. Then there are the throne and royal scepter (essentially a rod with ornamentation). The pharaohs carried a crook and flail.

Finally, there is the universally recognized symbol: the crown. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, wore a crown of thorns.

“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ Then they spat at Him…” (Matt. 27: 29-30).

Lord Jesus, You allowed Yourself to be reviled and spat upon for our sakes. The Prince of Peace, You were wounded for our transgressions, and hung upon a cross.

Forgive us, Lord, that we did this to You. That we do it still – all the while chasing worthless earthly crowns for ourselves.

We pledge our hearts and lives to You. All glory and honor are Yours, forever and ever.

Amen

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