The 4th of July is America’s National day, it is called Independence Day for the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was signed on that day (July 4, 1776). I had to look it up, I’m not that acquainted with American history!
But I would like to talk about the tradition of the National Day. The concept itself is interesting, the main idea is to have one day where you celebrate your nation, yet it is never a random and innocent day! The national Day is like a country’s birthday, that is to say, someone picked a date they felt coincide with the Birth of the Nation. Which means the choice is usually political, even though its meaning will fade as time goes by this date always has a conscious or unconscious meaning.
The US picked the signature of one of its founding text making the country more than Independent from Great Britain, it made the US a well working independent and unified country.
In Australia, the National Day is called Australia Day, it happens on January 26, unlike the US it actually shows the strong bond between Australia and Great Britain. Australia day commemorates the arrival of the first British fleet in Australia.
Then there’s France, actually first interesting detail, in French we don’t say “National day” we say “fête nationale” (ie “National Celebration/Party”). Other interesting detail, People outside of France call it “Bastille Day” but in France we only refer to it as “14 juillet” (14th of July). But indeed the 14th of July commemorates the “prise de la Bastille” (the Bastille taken over ), the Bastille was a massive Medieval fort looking prison, and when we say taken over we mean destruction! It symbolizes 2 things, first the “people” (that is to say the non-Royal) destroying a symbol of oppression and the army joining “the people” (that is to say no longer taking order from the “Royal” who were supposed to represent God’s will on earth).
This year I have had the opportunity to celebrate Australia day in Australia and the 4th of July in America. They have in common the Barbecue (called “barbi” in Australian), gathering around friends and family grilling some meat drinking beer. American cities also organize all sorts of street fairs and Parades. But the most important tradition on the 4th of July is definitely the fireworks! To me it felt like the 4th of July was a good balance between gathering with people you know and enjoying outdoor activities with everybody.
In France you don’t gather friends and family “for” the 14th of July, and you surely won’t call anyone to say “Happy 14th of July”. You will probably hang out with friends and family, but not because it’s the 14th of July but more likely because it’s a day off. The highlight of the French National Day is the military parade. A typical “14th of July” will be, if you’re young, probably a picnic with your friends if you’re older the TV on with the military parade and a great big lunch. Then in the evening, probably go to the “bal des pompiers” (Firemen’s ball) I did it once and I swore never to do it again, and of course enjoy some fireworks.
Finally there is one thing all countries have in common… the deep relation between the national day and the flag. I think we should just call National Day “flag day”. And actually there is one thing France and America have in common, the blue, red and white! But it’s way easier to draw a French flag!
I enjoyed my first 4th of July, I accompanied Heather to Sonoma where some of her friends were having a get together. What I enjoyed most was the general atmosphere, it felt like everyone was just cheering and feeling happy and proud to be American. Although this year it was a bit tinted with the economic down turn as some towns decided to organize fireworks the day before to avoid extra labor costs!
Glow stick fun!
Sonoma Fireworks
Golden Gate Bridge By Night!!!
