Do you think you would enjoy a coronation? Or would you feel like Prince Louis? (YAWN!)

Maybe you live in the United States, where people decided “No more kings for us!” on July 4, 1776. Maybe you’re wondering . . . What’s the big deal? Why the snazzy robes, grand organ music, and glittery crowns, anyway?

Let’s take a deeper peek at some of the “stuff” used in King Charles’ coronation. Each object in this church service holds historical meaning—and spiritual meaning too.

CORONATION SPOON shows God’s call.

Yes, a spoon. During the most serious part of the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury (the leader of the Church of England) pours oil into this spoon (which may come from the 1100s.) The Archbishop then rubs oil on the ruler’s hands, chest, and head. Why? Because King Solomon was anointed with oil. This is meant to show that God chose the new king or queen to serve.

ST. EDWARD’S CROWN shows God’s authority.

Artisans made this for King Charles II way back in 1661. It’s solid gold. Its cross shows that even the monarch is under the ruling King Jesus. The crown glitters with gemstones. It weighs 4.6 pounds. That’s way too heavy to wear all the time. King Charles changed into another crown after the service.

CORONATION BIBLE shows the importance of God’s word.

The book isn’t old. But the tradition is. Every monarch since the coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689 has received a new King James Bible. Charles’ Bible is handmade from leather. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, calls it “a reminder that scripture is not just at the heart of the responsibilities he undertakes at the coronation, but at the heart of Christian life.”