Celebrate is a word few people currently attach to the culturally-challenged Columbus Day. It’s not the 1492 date that’s changed, but how we remember and reconsider it.
And America isn’t the only country with such a contentious historic holiday. Australia’s national holiday, Australia Day, is attacked each year because it memorializes the uninvited arrival of European settlers on indigenous lands. In New Zealand, Waitangi Day recognizes the signing of the country’s founding papers – but again, in a time period marred by struggle between colonizer and native.
So maybe, as Alexandra Petri points out in the Washington Post, we shouldn’t be asking how do we celebrate, but how can we celebrate Columbus Day and other politically sensitive international events. Wherever you are, remember that there’s more than one way to show respect for a country’s traditions.
- Visit a museum or library. Both public places may organize special exhibits for the occasion, offering the latest and most currently acceptable story of the original event. These tend to provide a detailed background of the festivities, as well as their varying sides of public opinion.
- Read something. A historical fiction novel, a special newspaper inset or an online article; find something that delves deeper into the myths and facts of the holiday. Even if it’s a children’s book, flip a few pages and educate yourself.
- Attend an official event. Parades and memorial services are two common ways for public officials and organizations to mark the day. After you’re done participating, why not look for a anti-holiday parade or service, and experience multiple versions of the celebration.
- Make traditional food. Show appreciation for the country itself by taking to the kitchen with a traditional recipe or two. Whether it’s a dish connected to the holiday or a national specialty, your willingness to cook it may give you a small taste – both literally and figuratively – of the nation.
- Fly the flag(s). Buying and displaying the national flag, and any other cultural symbols or indigenous emblems, can show others that you respect the multi-faceted holiday. While it’s important to be aware of any political danger that such a display may invoke (especially if you’re in a foreign country), its the gesture of unbiased respect that counts.
- Get outdoors. Embrace national pride in a less obvious way by doing something in the natural landscape. A picnic, a hike, a day trip to the beach: get out and explore your surrounds. While you may miss any official events for the day, you’ll still be celebrating.
- Travel to a different city for the festivities. Know of another town renowned for its holiday entertainment? Visiting this place not only highlights the spirit of the event, but it allows you to travel and see how other people handle the festivities. Plus, you get a field trip in the process.
However you choose to spend the day, avoid being judgmental and look for the common ground between differing sides.
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits:
Columbus Day Italian Heritage Parade – Team at Carnaval.com Studios, Wikimedia
Kevin Rudd speaking at Australia Day – Bidgee, Wikimedia
Annual Maori protest, Waitangi Day – Charlie Brewer, Flickr