Victoria day is Canada’s oldest public holiday, dating back to at least 1845. Originally used to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was known as the “mother of Confederation”. It was a public holiday devised to bring together the English and French Canadians at a time when loyalty to the crown was seen as a key trait that distinguished Canada from the United States. It was held on the Queen’s official birthday, May 24th,…
A tradition of “Mothering Sunday” began in the 16th Century, in the United Kingdom, as a religious holiday. When workers and servants were given a Sunday off in Lent to return home and visit their ‘mother’ church or parish. This gave people a very rare chance to reconnect with their family and loved ones and over the centuries took on a tradition of honouring mothers; with people collecting wildflowers on their journeys home to leave…
I love being outside. I love the countryside I live in, the wild spaces in our national parks and the variety of landscapes that make up Canada. My wife and I love traveling and exploring the wonders of the world, experiencing the differences and relishing the animals and plants that thrive in the places we visit. How lucky are we that Earth is such a vibrant, fascinating and abundant planet? I believe we are very…
Longer days, warmer weather, blossom flowering, leaves shooting, nature blooming; it’s all around us, a fresh energy, an awakening. Nature has woken from its winter slumber and is powering ahead with growth, new life and a fresh start. How inspirational is that? Out of the dark and cold of winter, the long nights and the feelings of hibernation; nature just springs right back into life. No matter how old the tree, how established the flower,…
I love the diversity of cultures in Canada; the vibrancy and richness that this brings to life. As travel has become easier and communication across the globe instantaneous, it has become easier to embrace celebrations and influences from around the world and, of course, easier for people to move around and settle elsewhere; bringing with them their traditions and festivities. One such celebration is the Hindu festival of Holi. Originating in India, with literary documentation…
