State of Berengarthia
| State of Berengarthia | |
| Motto Eternal Harmony | |
| Asayo haseryo xiang (Lit. "Fragrance of United Harmony") | |
| Capital city | Chengqian (Established 30 April 2021) |
|---|---|
| Largest city | Chengqian |
| Official language | English |
| Demonym | Berengarthian |
| Government | Absolute Monarchy |
| Empress | Vacant |
| Imperial Consort(s) | Vacant |
| Legislature | The Imperial Grand Assembly |
| Formation | 8 February 2021 |
| • Promulgation of the constitution | In Progress |
| Area | 20 meters squared |
| Population | 2 |
| Currency | Tan (De facto), USD (in use) |
The State of Berengarthia is a micronation located in Arizona, founded by Toby Blanchard in February 2021, but officially proclaimed on 8 February. It seceded from another micronation, the Consolidated Commonwealth of Caronali.
Etymology
The name "Berengarthia" came from a Cunard Ocean Liner, the RMS Berengaria. This liner was massive and grand, and Toby Blanchard hoped his nation would be like the Berengaria.
History
Founding
Founder Toby Blanchard was originally apart of another micronation (where he even served as head of the executive branch of government), and was for three years before growing tired with the way the Prime Minister had assumed complete control over all aspects of government, which went against the national constitution. On 8 February 2021, Blanchard secretly wrote a declaration of independence, establishing what he called a "healthy matriarchy, where all women are created equal and all men are respected". He gave himself the title of "Male Regent".
Empress Kenzo
An anonymous person joined Berengarthia shortly after the founding, and Blanchard made her Empress. They married in February, although it was mainly a decorational union. Blanchard encouraged the Empress to take additional imperial consorts (as concubinage is legal in Berengarthia), and so the Empress took four imperial consorts at once. Blanchard didn't approve of the choices, and after endless and incessant arguing the Empress left the nation and Blanchard deposed her. He later officially divorced her in April, making the argument that he could do so as they had no state-issued Certificate of Marriage.
The Dead Month
The Regent was inactive during March, and is referred to as "The Dead Month".
Abolishing the Clan System
On 23 April 2021, the Clan System was abolished by the Regent, and all citizens were to be referred to by their given or martial surnames, instead of the clan they were placed in by the state.
Duchess Fang Reforms
Toby Blanchard changed his title from Male Regent to Duchess Regent Fang (Fang meaning "First" or "Primary" in Berengar). He abolished the Matriarchy, realizing it would be difficult to draw in citizens if the nation discriminated against half the potential newcomers. Men and women were given equal rights, but officials and the rest of the court were given more privileges than the common people.
Society
Social Classes
There are three general social classes in Berengar Society that have been newly established from the Duchess Fang Reforms of 24 July 2021. The highest and most privileged class was the Royal Family, a class that is to be handpicked by the Regent. The family consists of the Empress, Emperor, the Imperial Concubines, Heirs, and actual blood relatives of the Empress.
Below the Royal Family would be the Nobility, consisting of four levels: Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barons. None of these titles are given actual land or control over land because of their titles, but are simply honorifics that are paired up with a government position. Both men and women can hold these positions-if a woman holds one of these positions their title will not be changed from Duke to Duchess, or the Baron to Baroness. Their title will remain Duke or Baron. The legal spouses of these Courtiers will be called Duchess, Marchioness, Countess, and Baroness, regardless of gender.
The lowest social class makes up of the common people-those who are not holders of rank and do not hold much political power.
The classes are not hereditary or rigid-anyone can move up and down the hierarchy. The Empress is legally allowed to expel citizens from the Royal Family, for example.
Culture
Berengarthia is greatly inspired by East Asia, specifically China, Japan, and the Koreas. Most of culture-building has gone to clothing, specifically men's clothing. The Berengar word signifying feminine garments is "yo", while the word signifying more masculine garments is "yeche". A more feminine cosutme consists of "somyo", "chomyo", "samayo" "riyo", and "eigayo". The "somyo" is a floor length skirt that reaches just below the breast. A white band which is treated as a piece of underwear is wrapped around the breast, called a "samayo". A Short cape that doesn't usually reach past the shoulder blades called the "chomyo" covers the samayo. Usually at least two "eigayo" are worn under the somyo as underwear garments. "Eiga" literally means "person of quality", and the more "eigayo" a Courtier wears under their somyo, the more of a status symbol their outfit is. "Riyo" is a largely unused but accepted garment that can be worn in public. It is a veil that covers the head, and that can be as short as the shoulder blades or can reach down to the floor and form a train. Sometimes riyo can cover a one's entire face, or can leave it completely exposed. It is illegal for Court Officials, Royal Heirs, and official family heads to wear "riyo".
Berengar cuisine is not centered and official, and it is largely a potluck of all sorts of foods.
External links
Berengarthian Citizenship Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DgIyzWYJdCdQL1qZaIQPZjyPQsLfw84PhR0W4uD-GFA/edit