| "This is a very special tea. This is golden jasmine tea, and it only comes from one place in the whole world — Jasmine Island." |
| — Iroh.[1] |
Jasmine Island is an independent island located to the north of the South Pole, to the west of the Earth Kingdom, and to the southeast of the Fire Nation. It is a remote location, and is part of no chain or archipelago. The island is principally known as the home of the golden jasmine flower, which is traditionally brewed with the tea plant to make a wonderfully aromatic and delectable brew.[2]
The island has an ethnically diverse population. While many Jasmine Islanders are nonbenders, children born on the island have been known to exhibit earthbending, firebending, and waterbending.[3] Locals are also known for their strong sense of community and hospitality.[4]
History[]
Founding story[]
While much of the island's early history has become myth, the founding story is shared by islanders. The first humans to come to the island left behind a home that grew too dangerous for them, which is either put down to the rise of a warlord, or growing suspicious of their own neighbors. The people left in three ships, but a storm tossed their ships about and hid the stars from them. It is then said that a golden light drew them to Jasmine Island, with the island's unique flowers gleaming brightly and welcoming their landing.
A great deer fox spirit is then said to have risen up from the golden jasmine to greet them. The deer fox, as spirit of the golden jasmine flowers, then supposedly told them they were welcome to live on the island as long as they abided by the three great truths of beauty, community, and hospitality. These truths then formed the basis of Jasmine Islanders' culture and worldview.[4]
The original homeland of the first Jasmine Islanders is lost to history. The Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, North, and South Pole have all been proposed, as well as tales of coming from a more exotic land, or even departing from the back of the last lion turtle.[4] The varying accounts may lie in the fact that Jasmine Island later developed a very ethnically diverse population, with many later inhabitants also being descended from visitors who came to stay on the island.[3]
Early history[]
For much of its history, Jasmine Island was eager to welcome travelers whose ships could lead them there. It was mostly sailors from the Southern Water Tribe who had charts to lead them to the island so they could rest and resupply.[2] Historic trade with the Southern Water Tribe has been put down as a likely reason the island has a slight tendency for waterbenders over earthbenders and firebenders.[3] It seems likely that the tea plant itself was imported from abroad in the early history of Jasmine Island, since they were often grown in highly cultivated terrace farms, and did not exist outside of them.[5]
Locals were content to trade golden jasmine, as well as their ornate teapots and teacups. Over time, golden jasmine tea became a rare delicacy in the four nations, and demand led islanders to trade greater and greater quantities of the plants needed for the drink.[2] Meanwhile, the Council of Elders would develop as the ruling body to make decisions for the island, although for most of its history, the majority of issues they dealt with were essentially uncontroversial.[5]
Over time, the island's tea-makers would adopt different roles according to the division of labor, and workers split into three families. The Qi family grew the golden jasmine flowers, the Jin family would tend to the tea plants, while the Fu family dried and cut the other plants to produce brewed teas.[6] Over time, these three families amassed the most wealth, and it was something of a political tradition to see them serving on the council. However, the Fu, Jin, and Qi used their wealth to give back to other people on the island,[7] knowing there was no point in trying to control all the island's produce on a close-knit island with such a strong sense of community.[8]
Expansion of trade and Fifth Nation raid[]
- See also: Fifth Nation raid on Jasmine Island
In the 3rd century BG, Jasmine Island became increasingly prosperous.
During the early 3rd century BG, traders began to realize just how valuable the golden jasmine flower was, and interaction with the island increasingly became about commerce. As merchants, such as Chidaw, brought more and more goods to the island, locals increased their production of tea production to keep up the balance of trade. While true industrialization would not come to the island for centuries, Jasmine Island's relationship with the rest of the world was certainly changed, as outsiders took a greater economic interest in the island. There was also pressure for the islanders to adopt new agricultural methods that could see them increase productivity.[9]
Islanders began to see a greater number of official envoys coming to represent the interests of the four nations. The island's culture was not sure how to respond to the newcomers at first, since their desires did not align with the more traditional expectation of mutually reciprocated hospitality.[9] When outsiders insisted to make deals with the islanders, most of them deferred to the council to make a decision. This added to a growing trend of the council taking on more and more responsibilities. The ruling body was expected to now deal with questions such as investing in an improved port, or to levy tariffs in order to have the island save resources for the future.[5][10]
Meanwhile, conflicts from the rest of the world began to seriously affect Jasmine Island. In one instance, the Earth Kingdom tracked down a purported daofei named Wong Chi, who they believed had started a new life on the island. In another, a continental warlord named Chiyoko asked the islanders to pay a tax to her, or she would blockade the island.[10] However, the largest threat to the island came when a protector named Mirlon sold out to a renewed Fifth Nation and betrayed the island. Tagaka hoped to use the tea fields and trade on the island in order to rebuild the Fifth Nation's wealth, and use it as a stepping stone to resurrect her pirate nation. Her new second-in-command, Erchtei, took the conquest more personally, and pictured himself as becoming governor of Jasmine Island on behalf of the Fifth Nation.[11]
A group of locals and protectors banded together in an attempt to defend the island from the Fifth Nation.[12] At the same time, Hei-Ran was sent to the island, taking on a mission solely to rescue Tei Eesoni, an inventor who had been kidnapped by the Fifth Nation.[11] The defenders and Hei-Ran eventually teamed up[13] before defeating the pirates and bringing them to justice.[14] After the Fifth Nation attack, Avatar Kyoshi created a treaty between Jasmine Island at the Earth Kingdom, which ensured that the island would be protected by a defense outpost, while retaining its independence.[15][16]
Securing independence[]
Over the next two centuries, trade continued to flourish, and Jasmine Island's population expanded, while also growing wealthier. After Kyoshi's passing, ambitious leaders of the four nations began to consider how they might benefit from the wealth of Jasmine Island. Some figures hoped to create their own golden jasmine trade by smuggling out the plant and cultivating it themselves, though it was found that no-one had the means to do this. Nevertheless, the world powers increasingly viewed Jasmine Island as a point of strategic importance. Nations sought for a way to obtain exclusive rights to the profits the island could help generate for them.[15]
The Earth Kingdom Army's outpost on Jasmine Island was drawn into a conspiracy during the era of Roku.
The Earth Kingdom sought to use its outpost to increase its power, although its leaders were well aware that Kyoshi's treaty gave them no rights to control the island. While the Earth Kingdom sought to find its way to expand the power of its garrison, other nations believed that they could use Earth Kingdom aggression as a pretext to combat overexpansion, before using it to secure the island for themselves.[15] The Fire Nation also directly took an interest in the island, with Captain Kenshin offering young, able-bodied islanders the chance to serve in the military and receive an excellent education.[17]
Amid international conflict, the leaders of Jasmine Island grew ever more aware of the danger to their home, and did everything they could to keep the island unaligned, attempting to play off the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes off against one another.[15] Complex geopolitics also led to the internal politics of the island becoming more heated, with certain council candidates championing the interests of certain nations. Meanwhile, society continued to change, with Qi Togu offering to buy a swath of land, breaking from the island's tradition of communal ownership.[17]
Eventually, the Earth Kingdom began to make bolder moves. The bureaucrat Emerald, who assumed all duties relating to the terms of the protectorate treaty, began to move in more Earth Kingdom merchants and shippers to muscle in on the island's commerce, and brought in Earth Kingdom citizens to build houses on the island and live in its unpopulated areas.[18] He worked secure a loyalist as councilmember and obtained blackmail on another, hoping they would soon ratify a new treaty subjugating Jasmine Island to the Earth Kingdom.[19] While he had no official permission from the Earth Kingdom to try to annex the island, he believed that he would soon be rewarded richly for claiming a lucrative new province for the Earth Kingdom.
The Guiding Wind, led by Khandro and Zeisan, helped to rally the islanders to secure their independence.
With Councilmember Tsenten fearing that the island would soon be annexed, he called in his allies in the Guiding Wind to help out. While Guiding Wind monks Fengying and Sakuru managed to find Emerald's plans, they were soon captured. Word was soon sent to their order's leaders, and Monk Khandro and Princess Zeisan soon arrived, trying to negotiate with the council to free Fengying and Sakuru.[18] While Khandro tried to enter negotiations with Emerald and the council, Zeisan discreetly met with a group of protectors, hoping they could help her free the two monks from the Earth Kingdom outpost.[20] While Emerald would eventually learn of the assault of the outpost,[21] the magistrate would eventually be ousted from the island entirely with the Guiding Wind's help, and Jasmine Island remained independent.[17]
Hundred Year War and the Devastation[]
- Main article: The Devastation
As the Hundred Year War began, any remaining Earth Kingdom presence on the island was quickly withdrawn, with the nation quickly focusing on defending its own borders. Trade soon dried up, with the rest of the world in conflict with the Fire Nation. Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe merchants no longer chose to sail to an island that could be attacked by the Fire Nation at any minute. However, the Fire Nation itself often did not care to seize the island, concentrating on more critical targets such as Ba Sing Se. The fall in trade also made the island far less economically valuable as a potential holding. Some independent Fire Nation merchants did still visit, but many islanders felt discomfort trading with them.
The island stayed out of the war for the most part, save for some individuals who volunteered to fight overseas. Locals often managed to cut deals to keep trouble away, and avoided becoming the center of attention. However, by 90 AG, the Fire Nation's Admiral Yueya, who claimed descent from Erchtei, believing the Fire Nation to be on the verge of a total victory, thought it was the ideal time to exact her family's vengeance, and burn Jasmine Island to the ground.[22]
Much of Jasmine Island suffered heavy damage during the murderous Fire Nation invasion later dubbed "the Devastation".
Under Yueya's orders, her second-in-command, Captain Zhao, launched an amphibious assault on the island with a team of elite firebenders. Zhao and his subordinates planted explosive barrels in the market square, toppling the Monument to Peace and letting the statue fall down onto the council chambers. Local protectors fought to hold off the assault, while seeking to get Councilmember Yuming to safety.[23] The local protectors eventually met up with Prince Lu Ten, who was serving under Yueya. Lu Ten explained that he had developed significant doubts about attacking the island, and that he wanted to persuade the general to stop her assault on the island and to depart.[24] Eventually, Yueya was routed from Jasmine Island. Returning to meet with the protectors and locals, Lu Ten participated in a tea ceremony, promising to do everything in his power to ensure that Jasmine Island would be left alone.[25]
In the wake of Yueya's attack, the islanders only just managed to cultivate enough fields to survive. Meanwhile, some golden jasmine cultivators did all they could to keep growing the plant, hoping to trade it for supplies. Even though the war made the island more isolationist, it still managed to remain hospitable, and several islanders welcomed refugee ships carrying other survivors of Fire Nation attacks. Nevertheless, there was worry about welcoming other outsiders if there was a fear their presence might attract the Fire Nation back to Jasmine Island.[26]
Rebuilding the island[]
After several years, the islanders managed to rebuild homes and cultivate a local food supply, while also starting to plant tea and golden jasmine once more. Trade began to pick up once again, with the war's end meaning that traders began to view the island as a safe hub. Outsiders had money to spend on pre-war comforts like the golden jasmine flower, which was viewed as a symbol that the world was being set right once again.[27] Fire Lord Zuko offered aid, though the islanders often turned away his ships in fear until Zuko himself came to the island. Meanwhile, companies such as the Jing Hua Tea Consortium took a new interest in the island, with the company's chief officer, Yuka, even offering to buy the entire island.[28]
Council elections had been suspended since "the Devastation", but after a period of recovery, all members decided to stand down so that new councilmembers could be chosen. However, this move would open up new divisions in society. Older islanders generally wanted to restore the status quo, but others questioned if the traditional systems were fit for purpose in the new world.[27] Revisionists and renewalists generally tended to think of what could be done to improve the system in a new age. Meanwhile, a small but dedicated revolutionary group began to emerge after Xai Bau visited the island. Revolutionaries called for the complete abolition of the council, while also tending to champion isolationist policies.[28]
During his time on the island, Xai Bau influenced the views of some anarchists, although others with radical and revolutionary beliefs came to be disgusted by the traveling philosopher.[29][30] Eventually, anarchists would form the Autumn Leaves, hoping to disband the council and instead have decisions made directly from worker-controlled fields, offices, and dockyards.[29] Meanwhile, as the election drew closer, traditionalists formed the Antiquarian faction, championing a return to tradition and advocating for trade and diplomatic relations only with the Southern Water Tribe. The Risen Wave were the group advocating for sanctioning of the Fire Islands until they received reparations for the Devastation, while also wanting to bolster the ranks of the protectors. The Climbing Vine, the most internally unified faction, wanted relations with all nations, but viewed the existing treaties as unfair and outdated products of imperialism. They were also the most willing faction to form an alliance with another faction.[29]
Amid election season, Grand Lotus Iroh and Master Piandao arrived, hoping they would find Xai Bau and learn more about disturbing rumors that were circulating. At the same time, the Air Acolytes hoped to restore the Monument to Peace. Election day, meanwhile, would be interrupted by news someone had stolen a bag of seeds from the golden jasmine harvest, sparking worries that somewhere outside Jasmine Island would be able to cultivate the flower.[31] The thief was caught,[30] and the council was eventually restored, but expanded to have five members instead of three, with term limits put in place alongside a new voting system.[32]
Further industrialization[]
By the 170s AG, Jasmine Island was subject to accelerated modernization.
With the island fully recovering from the Devastation, golden jasmine tea snapped back as a luxury commodity across the world. Jasmine Island reaped substantial profits, and the council invested their community-owned yuan into further improving the island.[32] Production was heavily enhanced with the use of modern tools and technology, and some tea harvesters and cultivators even tried out using mecha to help improve their labor.[33]
By the 170s AG, the islanders reached a level of prosperity never seen before.[32] It was common to see multi-story homes, though in general, the island was considered relatively quaint by visitors from a large, industrialized city. A tourist industry sprang up, and the island built an array of hotels and inns for visitors.[32] The rapid technological changes also deeply affected the culture on the island. Jasmine Island welcomed more newcomers than ever, and it became characterized by a bounty of new cultural practices. Meanwhile, many young islanders chose to emigrate to pursue their dreams, and few of them came back for more than a brief visit. Several islanders also manifested airbending abilities after Harmonic Convergence, and all of them chose to leave to join the new Air Nation.[33]
Several corporate entities also took an interest in the island, most of these being based abroad. None of them held a monopoly or exclusive agreement with the island, but they bifurcated the industry that once united an island. The very few businesses based in Jasmine Island found it hard to negotiate business overseas from a remote island, and found they had to tie themselves to larger companies even if they wanted to operate with the three truths of the golden deer fox.[33] Companies began to compete for exclusive rights to sell mecha to the islanders, or to build infrastructure projects such as radio towers and airship ports.[34]
Mining companies would come to see Jasmine Island as far more valuable for its platinum deposits than its golden jasmine flower. Companies offered the island enough money to make everyone rich. To some, this outweighed the risk that the island's plants could be damaged by excavations. Nevertheless, the council put off making a decision on how to deal with the industrialists. Kunchen, owner of Republic City-based K-N Mining, decided to take matters into his own hands, and set up a drilling team to quietly mine and export platinum. These mining activities created air-filled voids in solid stone, causing instability to the island. The once-stable island began to suffer more and more apparent earthquakes. Kunchen's corrupt geologists tried to pressure the island into officially selling mining rights by stressing that a major seismic event was inevitable regardless of their actions.[32]
While Chief Tonraq came to negotiate a new trading alliance, a sinkhole started to emerge at the Golden Leaf Tea-Packing Plant.[35][36] A response team organized specialist protectors helped get workers to safety. They were also aided by Toph Beifong, who had come to the island in an attempt to pay homage to Iroh and Lu Ten before returning to the Foggy Swamp.[35][36] Toph and the protector team eventually ran into Tonraq and the councilmembers, who were shocked to realize the extent of Kunchen's illicit drilling.[37]
Geography[]
The island is distant from other landmasses. Even while standing at the island's tallest peak, it is impossible to spot any other landmass in the blue seas off the coast.[2]
The island itself is dominated by towering mountains, which are cut through by deep river valleys and jasmine-filled estuaries.[38] Fresh water from the mountains is key to a large variety of vegetation being able to survive on the island.[3]
There is barely any flat land on the island, with the few exceptions often being the result of earthbending or back-breaking labor.[3] The island's tall, rocky mountains and cliff faces ultimately mean that it is a place difficult to traverse.[2] Most permanent dwellings are built at lower altitudes, though there are several huts high up for tea growers and harvesters to work.[3]
While relatively small, Jasmine Island is large enough to accommodate its own ecosystem. The division between altitudes allows for the island to have a series of climes, which helps accommodate the growing of both tea and golden jasmine on the same island. The island has plenty of birds, and its waters are full of fish and mollusks. There is less diversity in terrestrial animals, and the island is best known for the deer fox. Meadow voles, wooly-pigs, and puma goats are also all found on Jasmine Island.[3]
The island generally has very tame weather. There are storms, but they are often good for the island, as they send water down the rivers, streams, and crevices. Harsh storms are rare, and hurricanes are rarer. There are also no instances of earthquakes, apart from stories of spirits getting angry when Jasmine Islanders acted poorly in ages past.[3]
Resources[]
Jasmine Island is known for its unique golden jasmine flower, as well as its cultivation of tea. Besides these two chief resources, there are also scattered trees and a few groves across the island that help provide the island with enough wood they need to build new structures without depleting the resource, as long as the islanders did not try to build too quickly. As for other building materials, islanders gather clay from estuaries, and stone from the mountains. Traditionally, clay and stone was mostly stockpiled for specific building projects, and did not rely on them as a primary building material.
Fish is a staple food on the island, as well as local nuts and berries. There is some meat from keeping livestock, but most animals are brought in from overseas. Meanwhile, the island's terrain does not suit growing much grain. Some earthbenders have helped create fields to help the island grow crops, but the resource is far from ample.
In general, the islanders had enough to be comfortably self-sufficient before the rise of industrialization. However, the island came to rely on outside trade more and more as tea and golden jasmine became cash crops.
Aside from the golden jasmine flower, the island's most sought-after natural resource is platinum. This was often simply used to make jewelry, but attracted increased attention from outside companies once platinum was known as a material that metalbending was impervious to.[5]
Locations[]
Council Hall[]
Originally a common place for the people of the island, it eventually became a place for council to govern Jasmine Island, where they would make announcements and meet. While a large building, it is not very ornate or complex, the most notable feature is the pillars which the Golden Jasmine grows around. Even though it was damaged during the Hundred Year War, it quickly began reconstruction afterwards.[39]
Market Square[]
The large flat central marketplace of the island with all roads and paths eventually connecting to it. It functions as a cultural center for the island with communities gathering for festivals, celebrations and bartering. People sell all kinds of things; trinkets, food, tools, and most commonly, tea, functioning on an independent currency separately from Yuan. After the Devastation, it became less busy and full of life, with fewer shops and people frequenting it.[39]
Port & Bay[]
The port was the original settlement of the island. Originally starting as a small and crude pier, it constantly grew even through the Devastation. It remains one of the best ways to get to the island without Sky Bison. The entire city is built around this port, and as it advances further into trade for its economy, it becomes an increasingly important part of the island. By the port is a rock formation jutting out into the water, it is said that this is where the deer fox spirits appeared to the islanders, while there is no official name for it, most islanders refer to it as Deer-Fox Rock.[39]
Waterfall[]
Where the eastern river flows over a sheer cliff, there is a beautiful waterfall which continues the river into the sea. Around the waterfall is a lush area fills with trees that is often visited by animals and humans alike for the natural beauty. While some people have tried to take advantage of the waterfall for industry, none have succeeded, the idea is also opposed by a large majority of the islanders.[39]
Bleaching Summits & Moon Peak[]
The Bleaching Summits are a cluster of the islands tallest mountains. The islanders have built many paths to reach the summits, often sun-bleaching their clothes on these mountains, giving them their name. This is also the reason for Jasmine Island's common white garb. The highest of the Bleaching Summits is Moon Peak, which is visible from most places on the island. The eastern river's source starts at the mountain, collecting meltwater from the snow capped peak.[39]
Deer-Fox Glade[]
In a clearing north of the eastern river is Deer-Fox Glade, it is one of the few places to spot the elusive deer foxes that are held sacred to the island, amongst other animals.[39]
Government[]
Government system: Unitary parliamentary legislature
Head of government: Council of Elders
The Council of Elders is traditionally chosen by all islanders who have reached their tenth birthday. The Council originally possessed three seats, with the tenure of each being three years long. However, the tenure of each councilmember was staggered. This meant that that a council seat was up for reelection every year, on the summer solstice. Any Jasmine Islander two decades old can declare that they want to run for a seat.
Election day is organized by a series of elders, none of which are councilmembers or candidates. Every islander is then expected to cast a voting chit into a teapot for the candidate of their choice. In the case of a tie, the tea pots of the candidates with the lowest votes are removed, and islanders are asked to vote again.
Traditionally, voting was seen as a way to bring the community together. However, ever since the other nations began to grow involved in the island's affairs, candidates for councilmembers began to campaign on contentious issues.[6] After the Devastation, islanders became divided as to the best path forward for Jasmine Island. It was eventually decided that the council would be restored, but that it would be expanded to five members, and that term limits would be implemented alongside a reformed voting system.[32]
Culture[]
The people of Jasmine Island hold to the three great truths of beauty, community, and hospitality. They believe beauty lies in the cultivation of all things, and that locals should cultivate themselves and their own hearts alongside the flora and fauna of the island.[4] In later eras, more people believed in such "cultivation" in a more metaphorical sense, since fewer people worked directly in relation to the natural world. People began to consider that good works, kindness, and wisdom could constitute such "cultivation".[39]
Community is believed to be built on life, love, and hope. This means they are obliged to share with others as long as they are able, and are expected to never let squabbles divide them.[4] However, this did become threatened by the widening class divide during the industrial era.[39]
The truth of hospitality means that a home is only made by inviting and welcoming others into it, and so they are expected to welcome those from outside with open and peaceful hearts. This did not extend to invaders or attackers, but they did their best to welcome everyone who approached the island in good faith. This tenet was viewed as the one the island had maintained the most throughout the ages.[39]
Tea culture[]
Tea is a centerpiece to life on Jasmine Island. Tea drinking is present in every celebration, from birthdays to funerals.[4] Every household and every individual tea-maker has their own special recipe, which they tend to adjust over time.[2] The serving of tea is also particularly important, and even houses that are not wealthy possess well-maintained tea sets.[4] To Jasmine Islanders, tea is a source of enormous pride, and a master tea-maker is seen as the equivalent to a master craftsman, artist, or musician in other cultures.[6]
There are a variety of tea ceremonies on the island. These ceremonies are usually not gravely serious, but are special ways to prepare tea depending on special occasions, and different ways of serving it depending with whom the tea is being shared with. Each of these also has strong variation between households and individuals, since everyone on the island has strong opinions about tea. Newcomers are also expected to have their own tea set and their own way of making tea soon after they arrive on Jasmine Island.[40]
After the Devastation, some people came to believe tea should be more about commerce and exportation than views of boiling temperature and pour-over time. Nevertheless, there remain those on Jasmine Island who have helped keep the tea culture strong, and many tea ceremonies still take place on the island.[40]
Fashion, art, and architecture[]
A local firebender in traditional white-golden islander clothing.
Most recent arrivals tend to dress in the style of their homeland, reflecting the diverse heritage of Jasmine Island. Nevertheless, the dominant colors of Jasmine Island are still gold and white, reflecting the importance of the golden jasmine flower. Most of the golden dye comes directly from the flowers on the island. The signature white cloth is harder to obtain, as many textiles used by the islanders are off-white. Fabric makers therefore sun-bleach the cloth by stretching it out over the snow on the mountains. By the 170s AG, chemical bleaching was increasingly used by Jasmine Islanders.[40]
Platinum is prominent in jewelry, due to the abundance of the precious metal on the island. This is casually used in accessories. Pearls are the most precious stone. Jewelry often consists of simple bands of precious metal being worn as a bracelet or necklace, or hung from the earrings or nose.[40]
By the beginnings of Jasmine Island's modern history, most art and architecture focused on painting using golden dye and pale clay to keep a consistent gold and white color scheme. Pots, cups, and buildings are all painted white.[40]
After trade increased, islanders also had more time to dedicate themselves to making intricate woodcarvings. Stone carving, meanwhile, is usually only reserved for the statues of deceased islanders.[40]
Festivals[]
Islanders celebrate a festival during the 100s AG.
The Three Families Festival celebrates the Qi, Jin, and Fu families giving back to the community. The wealthy families use their supplies and labor to get everything set up so they can feed everyone on the island and brew the best teas.
The summer solstice sees the islanders parade, play music, dance, and drink plenty of tea. This celebration is more about the election of a councilmember, with the parade ending in tandem when the results are announced.
Golden Deer Fox Day celebrates the arrival of the first Jasmine Islanders. A few lucky teenagers are selected to dress up in golden deer fox costumes. Children are then expected to chase down the foxes and recite the three great truths to them, and are rewarded with candy if they get this correct. The day is about celebrating the island's history and its principles.
First Brew is a new year festival. A highly esteemed master of tea is chosen to make the first tea of the year. This is highly challenging, as the master needs to make enough to serve everyone who wants a cup, and all servings must be equally delicious. It is also quite common for people to complain about their tea from First Brew, even if it also unites the island's community.[7]
Funerary practices[]
The dead of Jasmine Island are usually released into the sea. Loved ones then tend to carve a small statue from the island's rock, only a foot or two high at most. Mourners are supposed to capture the image of the departed in a way that captures a vision of what the late islander meant to someone's life. These statues are never moved once placed, not even if their identity has been forgotten. Loved ones often act as if the statue is the loved one, and often talk to stones about what has happened. Seeing someone talking to a statue is considered beautiful by locals.[8]
Property rights[]
Jasmine Island has had a very communal way of viewing property.[8] Their belief in hospitality means they think it natural that no-one should truly own the island.[4] While they believed in personal property, they believed this, at most, extended to someone's own house, that they had worked to build, or the house that they had been bequeathed by another person.[8]
Islanders traditionally have a complex barter system. However, this is viewed more as an exchange of gifts than anything else. Islanders cared just as much as giving away possessions they did not need as much as they cared about obtaining new belongings. It is considered to be in poor taste for one person to accrue too much wealth while another person has so little. The barter system also allows people to offer their labor to others with the hope of earning a specific item from them.
Most islanders have a small stash of yuan to trade with off-island visitors. However, most of the island's yuan reserves is controlled directly by the council. They are expected to communally trade jasmine tea and yuan, and then invest the wealth back into the communities.
The increase in trade over the island's history did change the island's culture, and some islanders became interested in accruing more personal wealth for themselves. Even as trade died down during the Hundred Year War, the island's culture had been changed enough that there was more of an emphasis on earning and spending money.[8]
Protectors[]
- Main article: Jasmine Island protectors
Jasmine Island has no formal military, but there has been a tradition of islanders training as fighters to keep the island safe. These dedicated protectors often take on other roles, and in the island's quietest periods of history, most of them retired early and focused on tea-making. However, in ages of warlords, pirates, and spirit dangers, Jasmine Islanders have had to revive or strengthen their protectors as an institution. The protectors do not have a clear-cut command structure, but in general, there are figures that islanders can turn to if there is a threat.[6]
By the 170s AG, the island's protectors began to take on emergency response roles. Their duties expanded to cover fire response, defense, law enforcement and health emergency response. They looked to other public services in the rest of the four nations, and some protectors even proposed they follow the model of the Republic City Police.[32]