Happy Canada Day!
Today is all about celebrating the birth of a fairly large country north of the United States of America.
Home of Justin Trudeau, Crispy Crunch, Justin Bieber, police on horseback and that great 90s TV show – Due South.
So grab your maple syrup, life-size cardboard cutout of Ryan Gosling or Avril Lavigne (delete as appropriate) and bring a cup of Tim Hortons coffee to the great nation of Canada.
When is Canada Day?
Today! Canada Day takes place on July 1 every year.
What is Canada Day about?
Canada Day is the date when the nation of Canada was born.
In 1867, three provinces — Scotia, New Brunswick, and the province of Canada — were officially transformed into one huge country under the Constitution.
Of course, the “Canada Province” did not survive and was instead split into Ontario and Quebec, with the entire country being called Canada.
Despite being established as a country under the Constitution, Canada did not gain full independence from the British Empire until 1982. Yes, 1982.
That happened when the Constitution was repatriated, although the Queen remains the monarch and head of state in the country.
OKAY. Then what is Dominion Day?
Dominion Day was a holiday established on July 1, 1879, to celebrate being Canadian.
However, it didn’t really catch on until around 1917 (the 50th anniversary of the Constitution) because many people in Canada still identified as British citizens.
The Canadian parliament tried to rename Dominion Day, but it didn’t really work out because no one could agree on what it should be called instead.
Over time – especially around the 100th anniversary of the Constitution in 1967 – the day came to be called “Canada Day.” This was made official in 1982, so Canada now has a bit of both.
How do people celebrate Canada Day?
There are dozens of parades in Canadian towns and cities with crowds waving flags.
The Canadian mounties are also in force, performing a ‘musical ride’ with equestrian practice.
Of course there are also fireworks and parties, but also sporting events, singing and dancing.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was looking forward to “celebrating everything we stand for instead of admitting what we are against” on July 1.
Is there a song?
There is definitely… and it’s called ‘O Canada’. There is also the national anthem. Both are below.
1) Or Canada!
Our home and country of birth!
true patriotic love
in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts
we see you get up
The True North strong and free!
from near and far,
Or Canada,
we are waiting for you.
God save our land
glorious and free!
Or Canada,
we are waiting for you.
Or Canada,
we are waiting for you.
2) Or Canada! Our home and country of birth!
True patriotic love in all your sons.
With glowing hearts we see you rise,
The True North, strong and free!
And stand guard, O Canada,
We are waiting for you.
omission
O Canada, glorious and free!
We’re on watch, we’re on watch for you.
O Canada, we are waiting for you!
Oh Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
Great prairie spread and regal rivers flow.
How dear to us your broad domain,
From east to west sea,
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!
omission
O Canada, glorious and free! etc.
Oh Canada! Under your radiant skies
May tough sons and kind girls arise,
To keep you stable through the years
From east to west sea,
Our own beloved homeland!
Our true north, strong and free!
omission
O Canada, glorious and free! etc.
Ruler supreme, who hears humble prayer,
Keep our dominion within your loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in You
Lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the better day,
We are always on our guard.
MORE: Eurovision Canada will actually take place in 2023, but fans are very confused
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