The assumption of the office of president, monarch, and other senior government official is an important political moment. Usually, some time after the election of the head of state, an official procedure for assuming office takes place. This event is called inauguration.
Inauguration: what is it?
The name of the inauguration ceremony comes from the term inauguro, which means “consecration, blessing” in Latin. The roots of the word go even deeper. Its initial meaning, indicated in the dictionaries, was associated with success, multiplication, prosperity. There is no exact synonym for the term in Russian.
In different states, the procedure for the incumbency is arranged differently. But there is one general point: a person, taking on new responsibilities, takes an oath, promises to honestly and faithfully serve his country, to give all his strength to the public good. At the time of uttering these words, the head of state holds his hand on a book of importance to the country. It can be the Bible or the Constitution. At the ceremony in 1991, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, pronouncing the words of the oath, held his right hand in his heart. Now the president puts his hand on that Constitution.
The swearing-in ritual is borrowed from the coronation ceremony of the supreme rulers of Europe. This procedure has spread, in particular, in the United States and in today's Russia.
Inauguration of the US President
The inauguration ceremony is held in front of the public near the Capitol, located in Washington. The ceremony attracts many spectators. The President delivers a keynote speech to the public. On this occasion, a solemn parade and a festive ball are held. Now the inauguration of the President of the United States takes place on January 20. If the vice president is sworn in (in case of the early termination of the powers of the predecessor), then the ceremony with the participation of the public is not held.
