Columbus Day
Columbus Day is celebrated in some places, mostly in the United States. Named after Christopher Columbus, the day is observed on the second Monday in October each year. Some people enjoy celebrating it, while others don’t, for different reasons. The day is about remembering when Columbus first came to America. Learning more about this holiday and why people have different opinions about it can help us understand its importance.
Who Was Christopher Columbus?
- Born in Italy: Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Italy. He lived near the sea and became interested in sailing. He learned to navigate by studying maps and stars.
- Big Idea: Columbus wanted to find a new way to Asia by sailing west across the ocean. He thought this would be faster than the usual route.
- Seeking Help: Columbus needed support for his journey. Most countries turned him down because they thought it was too risky. Spain’s King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella finally agreed to help by providing three ships.
- Setting Sail: Columbus began his journey on August 3, 1492, with three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. The sailors were nervous, but Columbus encouraged them to keep going.
- Land Spotted: On October 12, 1492, Columbus and his crew spotted land. They believed they had reached Asia, but they were actually on an island near America. This event changed history.
Why Is Columbus Day Celebrated?
- First Celebration: Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1792 in the United States. It marked 300 years since Columbus’s landing in the New World. People wanted to honor his journey and discovery.
- National Holiday: In 1937, Columbus Day became a national holiday in the United States. The government decided to recognize Columbus’s achievements and the role of European explorers in American history.
- Celebrating Exploration: Columbus Day celebrates the spirit of exploration. Columbus’s bravery in sailing across an unknown ocean is remembered as an important part of history.
- Parades and Events: In some places, parades and events are held to celebrate Columbus Day. These include music, dancing, and speeches about Columbus’s accomplishments. Italian culture is also celebrated because Columbus was Italian.
- Italian-American Pride: For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day is a special holiday. It celebrates their heritage and Columbus as a symbol of pride. The day is a chance to remember their roots and their contributions to America.
Why Do Some People Dislike Columbus Day?
- Already Inhabited Land: Some people believe Columbus didn’t truly discover America, as Native Americans were already living there with their own cultures and ways of life.
- Negative Impact: The arrival of Columbus and other explorers led to harm for Native Americans. Diseases were brought by Europeans, and many Native people died. Their lands were taken, and they were forced to work.
- Colonization: Celebrating Columbus Day is seen by some as celebrating colonization, which brought difficult times for Native Americans. Their lands were taken, and their lives changed in ways that were not good.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: In some places, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated instead of Columbus Day. This holiday honors Native Americans, their cultures, and their history.
- Debates: Many people have strong feelings about Columbus Day. Some think it’s important to remember Columbus’s journey, while others believe it’s more important to recognize the impact on Native Americans.
Activities and Traditions on Columbus Day
- School and Business Closures: Some schools and businesses are closed on Columbus Day, but this doesn’t happen everywhere. In some states, the holiday is not observed, so people go about their usual routines.
- Parades: Parades are held in some cities to celebrate Columbus Day. These parades often feature floats, bands, and people dressed in costumes. Italian flags and symbols are shown during these parades.
- Educational Activities: On Columbus Day, some people choose to learn more about history. Historical sites related to Columbus or documentaries about his voyages are visited or watched to better understand the holiday’s significance.
- Cultural Festivals: In some areas, cultural festivals celebrate Italian heritage. These festivals might include Italian food, music, and traditional dances. It’s a way for Italian-Americans to connect with their heritage.
- Honoring Native American Culture: Some people use Columbus Day to honor Native American culture and history. They might attend events or ceremonies focused on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating the contributions and history of Native Americans.
How Columbus Day Has Changed Over Time
- Initial Celebrations: Columbus Day was first celebrated in the 18th century, focusing mainly on Columbus’s achievements. It was a way to recognize his voyage and the impact of European exploration.
- Becoming a Holiday: In 1937, Columbus Day was officially declared a national holiday in the United States. The change aimed to give more recognition to Columbus’s role in history and promote national pride.
- Modern Observations: In recent decades, the way Columbus Day is observed has changed. More people are aware of the negative impact of colonization and choose to focus on different aspects of history.
- Shift to Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Many places have started celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need to honor Native American cultures and histories.
- Current Debates: Today, Columbus Day continues to be a topic of debate. Some support the traditional celebration, while others advocate for a change to better reflect historical truths and diverse perspectives.
Conclusion
Columbus Day means different things to different people. Some celebrate Columbus’s journey, while others focus on the challenges faced by Native Americans after his arrival. Some prefer to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. Understanding different views about this holiday is important, as it helps us learn more about history and its impact on various people.
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