Castrum doloris
When a Danish monarch dies, the coffin is traditionally placed on public view during the final days before the funeral. This tradition is known as castrum doloris and been in use in Denmark since 1670.
‘Castrum doloris’ is the name of a ceremonial event. The term comes from Latin and means ‘bed of pain’
Lit de parade and castrum doloris
Before castrum doloris was introduced in Denmark, the most common ceremony was ‘lit de parade’, which literally means ‘parade bed’. In this ceremony, the monarch’s body itself was placed on public view.
For example, Christian IV lay in state in the Winter Room at Rosenborg Castle after his death, in February 1648. In a lit de parade ceremony, the body was usually visible, while castrum doloris involves a closed coffin.
Castrum doloris did not replace lit de parade in Denmark but was used as a supplement. Under absolutism, which was introduced in Denmark in 1661, the funeral ritual often began with a lit de parade ceremony that was more private, compared with the practice before absolutism. Later, the more elaborate castrum doloris ceremony was introduced, where a much larger share of the public was able to pass by the coffin and pay their respects.
The first castrum doloris in Danish history
The first occurrence of castrum doloris in Denmark was at the death of Frederik III, in 1670. Frederik III had introduced the absolute monarchy in 1661, and with this new system of government, ceremonies came to play an unprecedented role at the Danish court. Funeral rituals were no exception. Frederik III was the first king whose coffin was placed on public view before his funeral. When his son Christian V died, in 1699, the ceremonies surrounding this royal funeral were further elaborated, elevating The King to an almost god-like position.
Castrum doloris under absolutism
With Christian V’s castrum doloris as the model, the ceremony often included large and imposing structures that functioned as temporary monuments. Under a lavish canopy, the coffin was placed on a raised platform called a catafalque. The structure was decorated with allegorical images and figures, coats of arms and inscriptions. The platform was further decorated with the three silver lions that now stand at Rosenborg Castle, while the regalia were placed on top of or near the coffin. The whole event was carefully choreographed. The purpose was to pay tribute to The King by showcasing his virtues, qualities and accomplishments and thus underscore the elevated status of the monarchy. This gave the castrum doloris ceremony a crucial role to play under absolutism, when it was used for both the king and his consort.
Under absolutism, the royal castrum doloris was held in a church or a chapel near the place where the king or queen had passed away. In most cases, this meant the chapel at Copenhagen Castle (now the site of Christiansborg Palace), but other locations were also used. For example, when Frederik IV died at Odense Castle, in 1730, his castrum doloris was held in St Hans Church in Odense.
Castrum doloris in modern times
Absolutism was abolished in 1849. During the final years of this form of government, royal castrum doloris ceremonies gradually became less elaborate. After 1849, the tradition continued in a simpler form, compared to the time of the absolute kings.
For example, when Christian IX died, in 1906, his castrum doloris was fairly simple, although it still included the three silver lions and the regalia. In addition, the anointing robe of the absolute king Christian V was draped over the coffin. The castrum doloris for Christian IX’s funeral largely remains the model for the current practice; however, since the death of Christian X, in 1947, the ceremony has not included a canopy over the late monarch’s coffin.
In recent times, royal consorts have also been placed in castrum doloris. For example, both Queen Ingrid, who died in 2000, and Prince Henrik, who died in 2018, lay in castrum doloris at Christiansborg Palace Chapel.
Film: castrum doloris
Museum curator Peter Kristiansen provides insights into castrum doloris as the only part of the pageantry of absolutism that has been preserved almost unchanged to this day. In the videos, he explains how this traditional ceremony has survived over the centuries and continues to play a key role in the funerals of Danish monarchs.