In 1727, George II wanted a new anthem for his coronation. So the great composer George Handel was given his trickiest job yet: to write a piece that was literally fit for a king. 

The result of his labours, Zadok the Priest, has been used at every coronation since, and will be sung again at the coronation of Charles III in Westminster AbbeyA large church in London. Many British kings and queens are buried there. on Saturday. It is a soaring, triumphant piece, fitting the grandeur of a once-in-a-generation occasion.

But outside the pomp and circumstanceThe ceremonial formality surrounding a big public event. due to unfold in the Abbey, the British people are celebrating in a different way: with outright silliness.

Argos has released a lifesize cutout of the new king. HeinzAn American food company known for its tomato ketchup. has released a commemorative "tomato kingchup". Celebrations has produced a 23kg bust of Charles made entirely of chocolate.

Some have got sniffy about this outbreak of silliness. They say the coronation is a dignified occasion and we should treat it with respect.

Others, however, say we should embrace the nonsensical side of the coronation. As an occasion, they say, it is hard to take it seriously. An old man will ride through London in a golden cart. Another old man will use a special 700-year-old spoon to put oil on his hands, chest and head. An official quiche has been released for the occasion. None of it makes sense.

What is more, they suggest, that sense of silliness has the power to bring the British people together like nothing else.

British humour has always had a taste for the absurd. This goes as far back as ShakespeareAn English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language. , who made farceAn absurd situation, or an absurd and comic play. , satire, and mistaken identity a mainstay of his comedies.

Some even think this sense of joy in the absurdity of life is what has kept this country going. Britain has existed in one form or another for 1,200 years. In that time it has suffered invasions, civil warA war between people from the same country. , plague and famine. The best way of coping has been to find humour in the absurdity of it all.

Psychologists say humour comes with a number of benefits. It can reduce feelings of anger, anxiety and depression.¹ So at a time when people are struggling with the cost of livingThe money that someone needs to afford basic food, housing and clothes. and anxious about the future, some say, having a good laugh might be the best thing for us.

Yes: Even the palace seems to have noticed people cannot take the ceremony entirely seriously, otherwise it would not have released a commemorative emoji for the occasion.

No: For some, the coronation is no laughing matter. Some think we should take our national traditions much more seriously. Others say it is obscene to spend so much on a single event when people are struggling financially.

Or... Britain is a country that is increasingly uncertain about its identity. The problem is that no-one is quite sure what they are celebrating on Saturday - or if we are all celebrating the same thing.