The power of ceremony

Ceremonial events, even during wartime, play a significant diplomatic role by influencing political climates and reinforcing social hierarchies. This study highlights the strategic use of civic rituals and royal entries to elevate individuals—such as Prince Johann Seyfried, owner of Schloss Eggenberg—to positions of prominence among Europe's elite. By analyzing festival events and both temporary and permanent architecture in Milan during Swedish military campaigns, it demonstrates how private motivations with political implications shape public ceremonial practices. The research draws on anthropology, sociology, and historical analysis to explore the paradoxical interplay between warfare and diplomacy, offering insights into the enduring power of ritual in shaping power dynamics.

Mulryne, J. R. (. (2018). The power of ceremony. Occasions of State, 3–18. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315578453-1