The study analyses the development and function of political rituals and myths from the time of two coronation ceremonies in the period of dualism (1867 and 1916). The coronation was splendid opportunity for the application of the whole range of political symbols. The study is mainly concerned with the ceremonies associated with the coronation hill, and in this context considers various aspects of cultural memory and political identities. In 1867 and again in 1916, all the municipia, that are counties and cities, were asked to send earth for the coronation hill from 'historically important' places. The hill was intended to symbolize the unity and extent of the state. It had to legitimize also the new situation created by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise (Ausgleich). The hill was supposed to summarize the whole of Hungarian history and symbolically to unite the past with the present.
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