Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 22, 1875

Overview

R.’s birthday unfolded with early greetings from the children, Venetian glass, a second round of congratulations, and a solemn home celebration with illuminated balloons and the Huldigungsmarsch. In the evening Wahnfried was lit up with fireworks, Strauss waltzes, and a children’s torch procession, leaving R. touched and happy while the diarist remained characteristically tearful.

Content

Saturday, May 22:

Very early in the morning the children wishing many happy returns, Venetian glass, if the glass breaks, good fortune will persist; at 11 o’clock a second round of greetings. Faith, Love, Hope (Fidi, Loldi, Eva), 62 illuminated balloons set alight in the hall, with it the “Huldigungsmarsch.” R. tells me I have given him everything, taken care of him like a mother, the children very earnest and solemn, they speak their verses nicely; Eva very moved. In the evening Wahnfried illuminated, fireworks, accompanied by Strauss waltzes and children’s torchlight procession; everything turns out well, the weather favorable, R. cheerful and touched. I invariably melancholy, as always on festive occasions. May Heaven bless him! Many telegrams, among others from the King.