Investiture is the formal ceremony in which a person is granted authority or a position, often within a religious or political context. This process typically involves the presentation of symbols, such as a crown for a monarch or a staff for a bishop, signifying the responsibilities and powers associated with the role. In many cultures, investiture marks the transition from one status to another, such as from a candidate to a knight or from a novice to a priest. The ceremony often includes oaths of loyalty or service, emphasizing the commitment of the individual to their new duties and the community they serve.