Coronations

A significant event in any monarchy, a coronation is the formal recognition of a new monarch's assumption of power, a blessing by the national church and almighty God, a pledge of allegiance by his people, a display of power and strength, all rolled into one.
The exact nature of form and significance varies from country to country, and time to time. In Europe, the following features will likely be found in all, in one form or another. Each ceremony will follow the liturgy of the national religion, or state church, while also drawing on other sources such as the coronation rites of other nations (Russia from Rome), or churches which preceded the present national one before the most recent reformation (Scotland).
In nearly all cases, there is a procession from the monarch's residence to a coronation church, he will enter the church in solemn procession, there will be oaths to be sworn, by the monarch promising to defend law and faith, and other similar promises, there will be an oath of allegiance given by certain prominent subjects either individually or as a group, as well as a chance for the whole people assembled to show their loyalty by shouting "God save the King/Queen/Emperor/Tsar" as appropriate. There will be blessings, lead by the country's foremost bishop and, most iconic in every case, the monarch will be invested with his country's crown jewels, symbols on a monarch's role and authority, the nation's crown being the most potent of these, a symbol and stand-in for both the monarch and the nation as a whole.
There are fewer coronations now than there once were, if for no other reason than there are fewer monarchs, and what monarchs remain find themselves pressured to eschew such rites and symbols. At least by politicians whose "advice" they are bound to obey. In a few nations however, especially Austria, the sovereign has retained, or even retaken the powers they rightfully hold, and the old rites such as coronations are powerful reminders of who rules these nations in fact as well as in name.