Changes

In Asia, thrones continued to be named such as the Peacock throne in Korean, India, and Iran. The throne of Japan is known as the Chrysanthemum Throne (Figure 3). Islamic thrones were often simple, or at least free from pictured art; however, they could contain verses from the Quran. In effect, the ruler was intended to show himself more as a humble servant of God rather than depicted elaborately. In Islam, one of God's great creations is his throne, where it was exalted high above in paradise. In effect, this is similar to Christian, Jewish, and pre-monotheistic concepts of a seated deity. However, now, human thrones had to adjust to become becoming more simplified, as thrones that were too elaborate would suggest worship of a human.<ref>For more on Islam and Islamic rulers, see: Lange, C.R. (2016) <i>Paradise and hell in Islamic traditions.</i> New York, NY, Cambridge University Press.</ref>

For democratic states that have evolved out of ancient monarchies, the throne still has important meaning to government. In Japan, the Chrysanthemum Throne is described as reflecting the unity and deep history of Japan, as the monarchy in that state is the longest continuing monarchy known to us.<ref>For more on modern Japan and its throne, see: Martin, P. (1997) <i>The chrysanthemum throne: a history of the emperors of Japan.</i> Honolulu, University of Hawai’i Press.</ref> In the United Kingdom, the coronation throne, held in Westminster Abbey, looks to be a relatively simple -looking chair that the monarch is crowned in. It was once decorated and gilded; however, the aged appearance is part of the symbolism, as it reflects the long continuity of the monarchy. The throne is still used as the symbol of official government power in the UK, where the Queen opens parliament while seated on an elaborate, decorated throne where she is also dressed in her royal jewelry and crown.<ref>For more on the modern throne and government in the UK, see : Lyon, A. (2003) <i> Constitutional history of the UK. </i>London ; Portland, Or, Cavendish Pub, pg. 303.</ref>

In Canada, where Queen Elizabeth is still regarded as the Queen of Canada, three thrones are used in the opening of the Senate. In this case, the monarch, her consort, and the speaker sit on the thrones to begin the legislative sessions. In effect, as democratic systems have evolved out of the UK parliamentary system, the idea of a central speaker seated on a raised chair has continued. This is the case in the United States' House of Representatives, where the speaker is seated above the other representatives, symbolically represented as the leader of the legislative body. In the annual state of the union speech, the president is arranged on the front chair, while the speaker of the house is seated in the back and along with the vice-president. This derives from the idea of positioning the monarch along with his/her consort and speaker of the legislative body.<ref>For more on congressional history and its development, see: Julian E. Zelizer (ed.) (2004) <i>The American Congress: the building of democracy.</i> Boston, Houghton Mifflin.</ref>

Thrones have become symbols of royal power and authority but they are also important symbols for the divine and religious authority. The history of thrones shows a connection to some of the earliest written records, indicating that thrones have been a depiction of power from early history. More recently, the concept of a raised chair has continued, where government heads and leaders of legislation sit sitting on a raised position in English -speaking modern democracies, demonstrating some continuity with the idea of a raised throne.