Quick Facts: The Great 1930 Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia
RastaFari TV Network presents Quick Facts about the Great 1930 Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia.
Historical Moment: On November 2, 1930, at St. George’s Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, becoming Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of Judah, King of Kings, and Elect of God.
Changed Protocol: Empress Menen of Ethiopia, a trailblazer in her own right, shattered tradition and reshaped history during her coronation alongside her husband, Emperor Haile Selassie I. In a bold departure from the norm, where empresses typically had to wait for 30 days after their husbands’ coronation, Emperor Haile Selassie ordered our beloved Empress Menen to stand side by side with the Emperor, defying conventions and setting a new standard of equality and partnership in the Ethiopian monarchy.
International Representation: The ceremony was attended by representatives from 12 countries, highlighting its global significance.
Elaborate Preparations: Streets were asphalted, electric lights installed, and arches erected for the event. Special fencing and hiding structures were constructed, and the police and Imperial Bodyguard received new uniforms.
Family and Nobility: Many relatives of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen journeyed to Addis Ababa for the grand occasion. Armenian court photographers captured the event and the royal family.
Coronation Rituals: The Emperor’s and Empress’s coronation was a five-hour ceremony. Both were anointed with sacred oil during the event, and the Emperor received symbolic items, including a gold sword and imperial scepter.
Emperor’s Pledge: Emperor Haile Selassie vowed to uphold the Ethiopian Orthodox faith, administer laws for Ethiopia’s betterment, maintain Ethiopia’s integrity, and establish schools for spiritual and material welfare.
Empress’s Coronation: Empress Menen was presented with a diamond-encrusted ring and donned red and gold coronation robes. She received a crown, and the Archbishop prayed for her reign to be characterized by knowledge, wisdom, sympathy, and goodness.
Royal Tour: The newly crowned Emperor and Empress toured St. George’s Church, escorted by bishops, priests, dignitaries, and children, receiving blessings and ululations from the multitude.
International Dignitaries: The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries from Africa, England, Italy, France, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.
Empress’s Grace: Despite being over five months pregnant with her last son, Empress Menen actively participated in the lengthy coronation events, earning admiration for her grace and loveliness.
