Golden Jubilee of Kaiseress Salome

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Golden Jubilee
of Kaiseress Salome
Logo Golden Jubilee Salome.png
Logo of the organization leading up to the Golden Jubilee of the Kaiseress.
Genre Jubilee of the Shirerithian Kaiser(ess)
Date(s) 1721 AN
Location(s)

Shirekeep, Shireroth (main events)

Several ceremonies across cities and towns
Country Imperial Republic of Shireroth

The Golden Jubilee of Kaiseress Salome was a series of events in Shireroth which marked the 50th anniversary of Kaiseress Salome on the Golden Mango Throne in 1721 AN.

An area on the quay of the Elwynn River in the bailiwick Lichkeep was requisitioned specially for the occasion and renamed Salome Garden. The Thuylemans Cabinet invested enormous sums of its annual budget of 1719 and 1720 in renovating and decorating the Inner City around Kaiser's Boulevard and Nobles' Avenue, while the Garden was built up to house a series of pavilions and exhibitions. Coinciding with the main festivities in Shirekeep, there would also be commemorative events which were held throughout the Imperial Republic.

The festivities were seen as a success, with a record height of tourists (both from within Shireroth, as the Raspur Pact) visiting the capital city.


Background

Under loud celebrations, the Jubilee year was started with a religious ceremony. While the Cedrist cults had been in heavy disagreement over the way it should been handled, the ceremony itself happened in relative tranquility and peace.

The organization of the golden jubilee has been on the agenda since the start of the Thuylemans Government. In 1717 AN, the Imperial Republic was on its slow road to economic recovery, thanks to the guidance of former Steward, Chrysostom Wythe. A sense of optimism swept over the Shirerithians and the government was only too happy to take advantage of it.

With the fiftieth year of Salome's reign in sight, and the nation fully engaged in the integration of the western and eastern dominions, the opportunity was seized to further strengthen that unity. The anniversary was presented as the icing on the cake: Shireroth had turned a period of decline into growth and opportunity under the Kaiseress' rule. For the people, the festivities had to symbolize more than an interval, but also the start of a new period.

A large sum of money was invested in the expansion of a small urban park in Lichkeep. This was transformed into Salome Garden. The funds for this were partly paid by the city itself, in combination with gifts from the various Dominions (and an exceptionally large donation from the Heavenly Light, the Xinshi Light and from the party treasury of the Mango-Strengthening Movement).

To counter separatism, governments had concentrated power in the capital since the late 17th century. The most important ceremonies and festivities were therefore also organized in Shirekeep. Cheap train, boat and plane tickets were therefore offered - along with raffles among the poorer population - to give everyone a chance to see the newly established Salome Garden and its many attractions.

Events

Golden Jubilee Service

At the start of the year 1721, the Cedrist cults organized a common Golden Jubilee Service in collaboration with each other. Despite some protest from, among others, the Tianchaodao (who were engaged in a power struggle with the Children of Mors at the time), the location was eventually set at the Temple of Mors. As prescribed in the scriptures, the ceremony was held in the square in front of the Temple. After all, a Kaiseress is only allowed to enter the Temple once in his life: namely at the start, after her ascension to receive the blessing of the gods. Only at the death of the Kaiseress is the body led into the temple for the last time to be embalmed with holy oil, after which the body is transferred to the Valley of Mors.

The ceremony was ephemeral and a mixture of scriptures, songs and blessings from different religious groups. It stood in stark contrast to the simple Holodomatic actions Salome underwent prior to her coronation and was in its own way an example of how the Empire had once again become a commonwealth of countless cultures under her leadership.

Military Parades

The military parade saw an impressive number of military personnel within the Inner City. While part of the Raspur Pact, the administration only accepted military detachments of nations which once belonged to Shireroth due to 'cultural and historical reasons'.

As planned, three major military parades took place during the course of the Jubilee year.

The first parade kicked off the festivities following the Golden Jubilee Service, while the second took place on the actual day of the Kaiseress' ascension, the 12th of the Eighth Month. The final parade marked the close of the yearlong celebrations on the last day of the last month. Each procession began at the Main Gate of the Inner City, then traveled along Kaiser's Boulevard before concluding at the front gates of Raynor's Keep.

Many dilapidated structures located along the route received fresh coats of paint and renovations to restore them to their former glory ahead of the marches. Some facades had even been torn down and totally replaced. Troops sporting meticulously polished armor and weapons proudly strode down the streets, followed closely by massive vehicles like tanks, cannon-equipped carriages, and airships floating majestically overhead, filling the sky with their imposing silhouettes. Despite war with foreign powers had been something of the forgone past (as military conflict had mostly limited itself to infighting and civil wars in the last century), these magnificent machines remained stalwart reminders of past victories won through blood and sweat. Loud cheers echoed throughout the entire capital as citizens packed shoulder to shoulder witnessed the spectacular sight, hearts swelling with pride at seeing their defenders march united as one.

Salome Garden Exhibition

The exhibition of Salome Garden was seen as a proof of industrial might of the Imperial Republic, while also respecting traditions and the path that its people had walked before. A large number of balloons and airships therefore dominated the sky.

Amidst much fanfare and celebration, Salome Garden officially opened the doors of Salome Garden and its exhibitions to the public in the presence of the Kaiseress, Her Loyal Ministers and Members of the several Chambers of the Legislature. Located along the picturesque banks of the Elwynn River, this new addition to the city boasted a number of impressive displays and exhibits that showcased both the talents of local artisans as well as the grandeur and might of the Imperial Republic itself.

As visitors wandered the paths lined with colorful flowerbeds (a combination of both rare Greater Kildarian, Benacian and Batavian flowers) and fountains, they could admire the intricate carvings on display by master sculptors, who had come from all corners of the Empire. Nearby, craftsmen demonstrated their skills in glassblowing and pottery making, offering visitors the chance to see their wares firsthand. At nightfall, thousands gathered in the amphitheater situated against one wall of the garden, where musicians performed traditional music accompanied by dancers who whirled and spun beneath lantern lights strung high overhead.

But perhaps most impressive of all were the exhibits dedicated to showcasing the technological prowess of Shirerithians themselves. Visitors marveled at giant clockwork machines that told the time according to the stars above, calculating and predicting solar and lunar phases in perfect accuracy. Others stared in wonderment at towering steam engines connected to gigantic flywheel dynamos, delivering electricity in abundance - a true sign of progress and development.

For weeks following the grand opening, crowds thronged the newly minted parkland, eagerly soaking in all that the exhibitions had to offer.

Garden Party

The Garden Party at Raynor's Keep. Please be careful for pickpockets and Babkhans.

That evening, after the opening of Salome Garden, the Thuylemans Cabinet hosted a lavish garden party in honor of several esteemed guests hailing from across Micras. In attendance were ambassadors, diplomats, monarchs, and ministers representing countries near and far.

Rumored to have cost more than a month's worth of tax revenues, the affair commenced in Raynor's Keep under clear blue skies, complete with live orchestral performances, fine Antyan wine and a large assortment of Shirerithian beers flowing freely from tables adorned with exotic delicacies.

Guests mingled amongst pristine flora arrangements, chatting amiably as they took in the sights. The sounds of laughter, clinking utensils, and casual conversation drifted lazily over gently rolling hills, occasionally interrupted by applause or cheering during games of croquet between dignitaries. In some corners of the garden one could find honorable gentlemen and ladies bet over a match to the death between slaves.

In the center of it all, Kaiseress Salome herself made rounds to greet every single guest, never losing her gracious smile even when discussing weighty political matters with foreign representatives. Her regal presence - despite her older age - seemed to radiate warmth wherever she went.

To cap off the evening, an impressive fireworks display illuminated the sky with brilliant colors and shapes, eliciting gasps and awed expressions from the assembled VIPs. The enchanting spectacle ultimately served as a fitting farewell gift from hosts to honored attendees as everyone departed into the moonlit night, memories imbued with joyous moments and promises of continued good relations with nations afar.

Important visitors & participants

The mot important celebrations happened on the Coronation Day of the Kaiseress. The opening of Salome Garden and the Garden Party in Raynor's Keep saw a number of foreign dignitaries.

News

Shirerithian media covered the event extensively during the Year of the Golden Jubilee, mainly focusing on the great contributions of the Kaiseress to the welfare of her people and the Imperial Republic.

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