Hmmm Why do we celebrate? I of course used my friend google and checked it out….I know it is to honour Queen Victoria and all but if so then why do some provinces not celebrate also? Nova Scotia, Pei and Quebec are not celebrating with us this year…it has changed some over the years….According to National Today this is what it is about……
To Canadians, Victoria Day — the Monday before May 25 — on May 20 this year, signifies the beginning of summer and the arrival of warmer, greener days. But, much like Independence Day in the U.S., Victoria Day has more colonial roots than are usually discussed amidst all the fireworks and jolly gatherings. This day marks the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada’s birth as a country in 1867. It’s a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada, Canada.
HISTORY OF VICTORIA DAY
This celebration of the iconic British queen began in 1845 when the Canadian government announced Victoria’s birthday on May 25 as a national holiday. It wasn’t until after Queen Victoria died in 1901, however, that the holiday was fully solidified in the country as an official holiday. In 1952, Canada redesigned the celebrations for the Monday preceding May 25.
Queen Victoria is significant to the Canadian people because she held the throne in 1867 when they were awarded their independence as an entity of the British Empire. She’s also responsible for labeling Ottawa as the nation’s capital. Up until 1956, the succeeding monarchs’ birthdays would be celebrated either on their true birthdays or also on May 25, Queen Victoria’s. When reigning Queen Elizabeth took her title, Canada named May 25 as her official birthday within the borders of the chilly North American country, though her real day of birth is April 21.
Contrary to what many might think, Victoria Day is not spent learning about the history of the British monarchy, nor is it spent crafting miniature sculptures of Queen Victoria out of clay or paint. This day is all about ringing in the new summer season which, to people who live quite near the North Pole, is a significant occasion.
By the time this holiday rolls around each year, Canadians have been through a long, snowy, gray winter. As the leaves on the trees turn green and the chill gives way to balmy breezes, Canadians strip to their swimsuits and go for their first swims, hold sports tournaments, and enjoy refreshing summer feasts.
Now I agree with all that stuff and we are out and about especially in B.C. to celebrate getting warm…parades planting in the garden etc…lol I know it was easier of me to just print that part that I found online…above…but who could already explain it better….True we are having a few people at the lake and a ball tourney hahaha…I guess they are right to some extent…I could not really find out why some of the provinces do not join us…I am guessing if we change the holiday name they will…just being stubborn I would bet…none of us are known for that riiiiight?? lol Anyway get out there Y’all and have an amazing weekend!!