Inauguration it is a ritual of solemn ceremony of taking presidential office, monarch or other highest state official.
The word inauguration itself is Latin word “inauguro” – “I consecrate”. It comes from the root augur, that means “success, increase, prosperity”.
Inauguration ceremonies are held differently in different countries, but the central moment is the same: the person taking office swears or promises to serve the country loyally and give all efforts to the people’s benefit.
As a rule, a person entering to the high position during the pronunciation of an oath lays his hand on some sacred book. The Constitution of the state, also as often and (or) the Bible, the Koran acts as sacred book in this case.
Also, the ceremony provides the use of presidential power’s symbols.
In some states the solemn ceremony is coincides with the same day. So, for instance, in Mexico this is December 1, in Brazil – March 15, in Colombia – August 7, in Germany – July 1. But in most countries the inauguration date is rolling. Besides that, the ceremonies themselves differ in time and details, reflecting national traditions and customs.
The inauguration ceremonies are modest and brief in the Old World’s republics.
In Asia the presidential inaugurations are similar. The electing president by the parliament is sworn in at the parliament building by its chairman. The president pronounces a brief oath on the Koran, and a Muslim cleric blesses him. The person who entered the presidential office delivers his inaugural speech. Here the ceremony ends.
In African countries, almost operate the same rituals - quite short, although colorful.
The inauguration of presidents in South Korea is held in front of the building of the country's unicameral parliament - the National Assembly, in the open air with a large number of guests. They are seated on folding chairs in front of the podium, from which the new head of state speaks. In case of rain, each guest is given a plastic raincoat.
Russia has had just 6 presidential inaugurations. During the last four inaugurations, the presidents took the oath (33 words, counting the service words specified in the Constitution), laying their hand on the text of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and received from the Chairman of the Constitutional Court a special sign of the President of Russia, similar to the Order of “Merit for the Fatherland”, but without the status of a state award and made specifically for use as one of the symbols of presidential power in Russia. Also, the new president is given a presidential standard, a special copy of the constitution of the Russian Federation and a nuclear suitcase (the key to managing the entire nuclear potential of the Russian Federation).
In some countries, for instance, in Central Asia, inauguration ceremonies are held with special pomp.
Also, Independent Turkmenistan has its own inaugural protocol. The official inauguration procedure includes elements of the ancient Turkmen tradition of honoring the people's leader. This is a white koshma (felt homespun carpet), as a sign of blessing for a bright path and good deeds. The president is given a sachak (a tablecloth, where bread is stored) - a symbol of the country's well-being and prosperity, and a quiver with arrows, which personifies the unity and solidarity of the people in this ritual.
These attributes can be seen in the State Museum of the State Cultural Center.
Let us remind you, that the first inauguration of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was held on February 14, 2007.
The head of state was presented with a presidential certificate and a distinctive sign in the form of a gold chain with an octagonal emblem. The new president walked on a white carpet, symbolizing a bright path. He was presented with a sachak, a quiver with arrows, the Koran and the “Ruhnama”.
Berdimuhamedov was re-elected twice to the highest state post, in February 2012 and 2017.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the capital's palace "Ruhyet" ("Spirituality") on February 17, 2017. Soldiers of the Guard of Honor brought the State Flag, the President’s Standard, the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the Distinguishing Sign of the President of the country into the hall.
At the inauguration ceremony President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, laying his right hand on the Constitution of Turkmenistan, took an oath of allegiance to the Motherland and people. After that, the head of state was presented with a certificate of the President of Turkmenistan. Berdimuhamedov paid tribute to the State Flag of Turkmenistan. A white felt mat was spread out in front of the President, he was handed a sachak, a quiver and the Holy Koran.
The Turkmen leader bowed to the shrines of enduring significance.
Also let us remind you, that the inauguration ceremony of new elected President Serdar Berdimuhamedov will be hold on March 19 of this year.
