July 1st is the official celebration of Canada's existence since 1867. It used to be called Dominion Day, but is now Canada Day. As far as we read in our little culture book, it's basically celebrated in a manner similar to the U.S. Independence Day (4th of July): barbecue, get-togethers, fireworks.
The only obvious difference I can figure, aside from the calendar date, is that Canada wasn't formed by a revolution or war. I guess North Americans--whether they are Canadian or U.S. citizens--are similar in several national celebration habits. However, as patriotic as Americans are and have become even more so since 9/11, Canadians have always been quite patriotic. When I went on an outreach to British Columbia in 2001 there were maple leaf symbols everywhere. Even the McDonald's used the maple leaf in place of the apostrophe between the "d" and "s" on their sign!!
We were only able to take note of this holiday and did nothing further to celebrate it this year, not even wishing our Canadian friends here a "Happy Canada Day!". But I will say that I didn't buy any 4th of July decorations, since Lord willing, we will be in Canada by next summer!
The only obvious difference I can figure, aside from the calendar date, is that Canada wasn't formed by a revolution or war. I guess North Americans--whether they are Canadian or U.S. citizens--are similar in several national celebration habits. However, as patriotic as Americans are and have become even more so since 9/11, Canadians have always been quite patriotic. When I went on an outreach to British Columbia in 2001 there were maple leaf symbols everywhere. Even the McDonald's used the maple leaf in place of the apostrophe between the "d" and "s" on their sign!!
We were only able to take note of this holiday and did nothing further to celebrate it this year, not even wishing our Canadian friends here a "Happy Canada Day!". But I will say that I didn't buy any 4th of July decorations, since Lord willing, we will be in Canada by next summer!
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