The Shells of Sympruosia
Sympruosia, the kingdom of foam and salt, is the Empire's second richest region, a bastion shaped by the ocean and the hard work of its fishermen. The sumptuous waters off the coast are lush, the source of all the kingdom's wealth. No port can rival that of the capital Palumglia, where cargoes of spices and silks abound. Sailors made their fortunes fishing for lobster, crab and oysters, the pearls of which were coveted by the common people and the nobility alike.
Treasures and Prosperity
Sympruosia is also the land of the giant whale, whose blubber is melted down into candles to light up Chrystemis. The most popular perfumers love the ambergris from the entrails of cachalot to enhance their balms and essences, which are prized by the most discerning connoisseurs.
In the port of Palumglia, spices are the real treasure. Saffron is more expensive than gold, rosemary and inland sage perfume the sea air, while cloves and coriander flavour the most delicate dishes. The hills of Sympruosia are dotted with orange groves that are the pride of their owners.
But the sea not only provides food, it also lavishes splendour and ornament. Black and white pearls sparkle on the necks of courtly ladies, and intricately carved coral takes pride of place on temple altars. Sympruosia reigns over these treasures and, with her fleet, has conquered much more than markets: in the past, she struck down Phasyneum on the black waters of war, before the kingdoms were united by the Empire . There's an old proverb...
Sympruosians have no blood in their veins, only salt water
Symbolism
In the songs of the people, it is said that the Egg of Wonders holds the promise of a world free from shadows. For the Sympruosians, peoples of salt and tides, a thousand-year-old pact with Aenigma, the Mother Ocean, teaches them that the Egg is not of stone or flesh, but a divine conch, a titanic shell sleeping beneath the abyss, cradled by the currents of the world. And when the prophetic dawn comes, the conch will open, and from its pearly heart will emerge the Radiant Child. He will be the pure incarnation of light, incarnated on Bellyem, dressed in gold and azure. He will guide the living to the Divine Wonders, that blessed realm where darkness has never set foot, where the brightness of day never fades. So owning seashells is a way of bringing a piece of God close to you, offering him a place to take shelter and showing your devotion.
Traditions and Customs
Sympruosia jewellery is renowned for its elegance and refinement. Noble ladies wear them to enhance their beauty. Embellished with pearls, their pearly brilliance is a real eye-catcher. The men of Sympruosia, known for their coquetry, also like to wear them to show off their financial power. However, beware of clumsy hands, as they break easily.
Sympruosians enjoy oysters, mussels and scallops almost every day. So they collect their shells to cover their roofs. In the same way, churches are lined with shells from wall to ceiling, allowing light rays to reflect and illuminate the interior. Bathed in light, it is said that prayers are better heard and answered.
In Sympruosia, seashells permeate daily life like the waves gnaw at stone, invading the rituals and superstitions of the local people. Smooth, pearly sea-ears are tied to the cradles of newborn babies as talismans to protect them from toothache. Pregnant women are advised to eat oysters, because in them grows a life as precious as a wild pearl.
In the homes of the wealthiest, the great nautilus shells are displayed in a thousand forms : carved into reliquaries for the nobility where they store their jewellery. In more humble homes, garlands made by children and parents piercing together the treasures brought back from the shore, tying them together with a simple thread.
Men full of tenderness use seashells as a vessel of their love. The admirer offers his beloved the most beautiful shell he can find. If his sweetheart places a hidden parchment in the shell confessing her feelings, then their love is shared. But if the shell is emptied, all that remains for the unfortunate man is the taste of salt.
However, not all shells carry the promise of affection. The sea urchin is left on an enemy's doorstep to signify his malice and hostility. Anyone who finds one on their doorstep knows that a threat is being made directly to them, whether out of revenge or personal justice. The foam of the waves always brings to the shore the faults of the past. It is considered cowardly behaviour.
I love the idea of roofs being tiled with shells. And also urchins being a threat. Great article. I really felt the culture shining through.
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