An old parade photo trotted out to celebrate the day.
In 1845 the parliament of Canada declared May 24th to be the official birthday of the reigning monarch, Queen Victoria. It was renamed Victoria Day at her death but continued to be celebrated as the reigning monarch's official birthday. In 1952 with perhaps more practicality than sentimentality the day was switched to the last Monday before the 25th of May. Within my lifetime, despite the patriotic firework displays that one used to see, what the Victoria Day weekend really celebrates is the beginning of summer. Gardens are planted, cottages opened along with campgrounds, historic sites, public parks and so on. I'm not sure how many Canadians today have at least a foggy idea of where Victoria Day got its name but how can you argue with a holiday to celebrate the start of summer after a Canadian winter?
A hearty Happy Birthday to HM and let the summer begin!
Ah, but did you have much Winter to endure this year? Or was it as lacklustre as ours here in the States? Still, Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
It was a Shiny winter! Not too cold, just enough snow. ((Can you tell that its been decades since I've been on my crosscountry skis? ) Now comes the time of fresh from the garden veggies. Bring it on!
ReplyDeleteI finally got a chance to sit down and relax. Busy all weekend helping the in-laws. Love the traditional look of your parade!
ReplyDeleteJeff
The Queen - Gawd bless 'er!
ReplyDeleteHope that you had a splendid Victoria Day, Ross. The sun has finally come out in great Britain too.
ReplyDeleteKind regards, Chris
Thanks Chris, I did. Hope you enjoy the sunshine.
ReplyDelete