Australia Day
Today is Australia Day (or ‘Invasion Day’ depending on what side of the political fence you’re sitting). It is the day that Australians celebrate the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and the country being taken into the warm bosom of the British Empire.
In Australia it’s a public holiday, and in the UK it provides an excuse for particular types of pubs to offer promotions on Fosters lager. But essentially, Australia Day is one of those days where I don’t know what to do or even what I’m meant to do, regardless of whether I agree with the sentiment or not.
We always celebrate Burns Night in our household because even if it’s just eating haggis and cracking open the whisky, we know what we’re supposed to do. Similarly, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and even Guy Fawkes Night have their own set of easy to follow rituals and prescribed emotions. I know more about what I should do on Hannukah than on Australia Day.
So it goes largely uncelebrated round our way. Perhaps I should invent something for us to do – probably involving beer, lamingtons, fireworks, cricket and overuse of the word ‘mate’… sigh…
January 26th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
My wife is Canadian, and Canada Day is equally perplexing. All Canadians living in London can go to the High Commission to pick up a free glass of beer – although when I tagged along with her once to see if a beverage was in the offing, I was served by an angry looking lady who quarter-filled my cup and slammed it down in front of me defianty, almost as if she was daring me to challenge her decision. If I had, “You’re not Canadian, are you?” would unquestionably have been her reply. (I doubt my retort that I could probably become Canadian if I wanted to would have held much water either).
They had the Dave Howard Singers play there on Canada Day once as “up and coming Canadian talent”, and it scared the shit out of everyone. I’ve got them up on my blog somewhere if you want to hear exactly why… Now THAT would have been good, a man with an Acetone keyboard strapped to a wheelchair screaming and going beserk. Australia should follow their lead and involve TISM in their celebrations in some way.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Ahh, it’s strangely reassuring to hear this. I think Australians have always had an affinity with Canadians (big country, wilderness vs sophisticated urbanity, tall poppy syndrome, suspicion of Americans, love of Degrassi High and You Can’t Do That On TV etc. etc.) so its nice to hear that Canada Day is a bit awkward too. Maybe it comes from not wanting to be as reticent as England nor as gung-ho patriotic as the States.
Just looked at the Australian High Commission website to see if they were following Canada’s lead on the free beer front. No would appear to be the answer.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I think inventing you own stuff is the way forward all the other days (whispers including the religious ones) are made up most “traditions” are 10 minutes old at best.
why not knock a green and yellow cocktail called the Bradman or summat look at how people have tradtional eurovisons parties after a few years.
alternatively like myself and st georges day just drink the commerative beers and not worry too much.
As to haggis I buy mine tommorow when they are cheaper ( i like freaking people at work with them!)although shall have a dram tonight and listen to the blue nile and big country
January 27th, 2009 at 9:53 am
A green and yellow cocktail could be an option BLTP. It might look disgusting but it would be one way of using up the advocaat.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Have an Anzac biscuit. Or a Cherry Ripe or my favourite, Violet Crumble, and reflect on home.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Cherry Ripes are my favourite. I have fridge full of them – a very thoughtful birthday gift from my brother. Never liked Violet Crumbles that much I’m afraid. There is too much crumble, not enough chocolate!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
what’s a cherry ripe is it like a jammy dodger?
January 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I had never heard of this holiday before. Thanks for filling us Americans in on it.
January 27th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
BLTP, a cherry ripe is a chocolate bar, rather than a biscuit. It’s dark chocolate with a cherry, coconut, chocolatey mash inside. Recommended!
Keith, think of Australia Day as being like a failed Independence Day – a national day of celebration without the independence or much celebration!
January 27th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Wow, I LOVE the sound of the Cherry Ripe. Sounds like the long lamented Cabana bar, that used to be sold over here. I don’t remember tasting one while in Australia, though – darn. I did eat possum though.
Happy Vague Holiday, anyway.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Well, if I ever set up a chocolate bar export/import business I’ll be calling on you lot first.
Think I’ll skip the possum though. Possum???!!!!
January 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Tasted like chicken. Sort of.