# Anointing of the Ethiopian Emperor

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The anointing of the Ethiopian emperor was a solemn rite performed by the metropolitan to legitimize enthronement, within an investiture comprising a prelude, anointment, and sequel.[^1]

## Purpose and setting

The anointing of the Ethiopian emperor legitimized the enthronement of the prince who had succeeded to the throne after a sovereign’s death or removal. Performed by the metropolitan, it formed part of an investiture divided into three phases: the prelude, the anointment, and the sequel. The timing, location, and some ceremonial details varied throughout Ethiopian history, while the new sovereign decided whether the empress would be crowned alongside him. The traditional venue was the cathedral of Zion in Axum, although other churches increasingly hosted coronations from around 1500.[^1]

## Preparation and procession

The ceremony’s location and occasion were announced publicly at least a month beforehand, and attendance was encouraged. Preparations included an immense banquet and the placement of the royal articles at the altar for approximately fourteen days of prayers. The emperor participated in prayers throughout the night before the anointing. The next morning, he appointed officials, decorated grandees, and led them in procession toward the church.[^2]

A group called the “virgins of Zion” stretched a silk thread across the emperor’s path and questioned his identity and intentions. His answer that he was the King of Kings of Ethiopia was rejected twice; when questioned a third time, he cut the thread with his sword and proceeded. This action symbolized the obstacles he might face during his reign and his determination to overcome them.[^3]

Clergy then led him with singing accompanied by drum, sistrum, and sticks. At the closed church gate, an exchange of questions and answers between clergy inside and outside preceded its opening. The sovereign scattered gold pieces, symbolizing that the kingdom of heaven was attained not by force but through almsgiving.[^4]

## Oath, anointing, and regalia

Seated on his throne, the emperor took an oath administered by the metropolitan to remain faithful to the Orthodox faith, rule justly, and defend the state and religion. The metropolitan pronounced an anathema against opponents of his rule and called upon the people to support him. A special Mass followed, with extensive readings from Scripture and the fathers. During it, the abun dipped his thumb in ointment and anointed the emperor’s forehead, chest, and shoulders.[^5]

The abun then blessed the regalia: a crown, robe, golden sword, two golden spears, orb, and diamond ring. These were presented individually to the emperor, with the significance of each proclaimed.[^6]

## Proclamation and celebrations

An official announced to the assembled crowd that the elect of God had been anointed King of Kings of Ethiopia. Rifle volleys, 101 gun salutes, ululations, songs, and dances marked the proclamation. The emperor subsequently sat enthroned with the abun at his right and the eccage at his left. Reading aloud from the Psalms, he declared himself the shepherd of his people, while a herald announced the basic principles of his rule. Feasting concluded the ceremony and continued for at least seven days.[^7]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 360)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 360)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 360)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 360)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 361)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 361)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 361)