Independence Days Around the World

Reporter Jiyu, Park

The upcoming 15^th of August is Korea’s National Independence Day, celebrating the day when the Korean Peninsula was freed from Japanese domination as Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces in 1945. But as all of us know, Korea is not only country that has its own independence day. Various countries around world have their independence days, celebrating the day a country under domination of another country became independent, or has separated from another country for reasons such religious differences. A lot of people celebrate important values as patriotism, freedom, and democracy on this day.

In respect to the upcoming Gwangbokjeol(광복절), I’d like to introduce the background history of each Independence Day, and how people celebrate this special holiday in different countries. Please be noted that the countries I mentioned here were randomly selected without any specific criterion.

1. North America – United States of America

The Independence Day I’d introduce representing North America is that of the U.S. America’s Independence Day is on July 4 every year. It is the anniversary of the date the United States became a country. Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

The United States used to be made up of 13 colonies ruled by Great Britain. The colonists became angry when the British taxed them to help pay for a war with France. In order to be free in making their own decisions, they began fighting with the British in 1775. That was the start of the American Revolution, or the Revolutionary War. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted on the independence, and two days later its members approved the Declaration of Independence which is a symbol of America’s independence as well as the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

From 1776, Americans celebrated the birth of independence with music, speeches, parades, and public readings of the Declaration. Artillery salutes, a key feature of the earliest independence celebrations, went out of fashion as cannons fell out of use in the late 19^th century. But there’s one tradition that hasn’t gone out of style: fireworks. Today, more than 14,000 fireworks go off across the nation every July 4^th. The largest of these is the Macy’s 4th of July spectacular in New York City, attended by roughly two million people.

▲ Macy's fourth of July fireworks [www.nbc.com] 저작권 문제 없음

Also, a lot of people spend time outdoors with their family by having parties, backyard barbecues, going to the beach, parades, and so on. They like to dress up in red, white, and blue which are the national colors of America. Patriotic songs are also important on Independence Day. Two favorites are “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

2. South America – Mexico

For South America, I’d introduce Mexico’s Independence Day, which is September 16. Long before 1810, the Spanish started fighting against the native tribes in Mexico, since the Aztecs were taken over by Spain. The Spanish termed the Mexican land as “New Spain” and many of the native people were forced to slavery. This enslavement went on for about three decades. As America declared its independence in the 18^th century, followed by Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in 1808, the creole patriots began seeking for independence.

On September 16^th, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo is believed to have given the speech known as “El Grito De Dolores”, or the “Cry of Dolores”. Hidalgo was one of the nation’s leaders during the War of Independence in Mexico, and his speech motivated people to revolt against the Spanish regime. Hidalgo’s army fought against the Spanish soldiers in the fight for independence, but he was captured and executed on July 30, 1811. Mexico's independence was not declared until September 28, 1821 after 11 years of war against Spain.

The Independence Day is one of the most important holidays in Mexico. The celebration begins at 11 p.m. on September 15 when the president goes to the National Palace and rings the historic liberty bell. Then he gives the "El Grito," shouting "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico." The crowd, assembled below the balcony in the plaza, echoes back and sings the national anthem.

▲ Mexico's National Plaza on the night before Independence Day [www.globein.com] 저작권 문제 없음

On September 16, there are rodeos, bullfights, parades, parties, and traditional Mexican dances. Flags, flowers and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – are seen in public areas in cities and towns. Whistles and horns are blown and confetti is thrown to celebrate the day. The climax of the celebration occurs at Zócalo, the main plaza in Mexico City. Throughout the month of September called Mes de la Patria (month of our nation), restaurants serve traditional Mexican dishes.

3. Asia – India

India’s Independence Day is also on August 15^{th ,}just like South Korea. India became an independent nation since August 15, 1947, so a holiday is held annually to celebrate this event. The struggle for India's Independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny, stimulated by an Indian soldier named Mangal Padney. The revolt was stimulated mainly because ofcartridges that were greased with cow and pig fat, which was considered unholy for the Hindu soldiers who had to tear up the packing with their teeth in order to use it. Despite his bravery, Sepoy Mutiny ended with Britan’s victory.

In the 20th century, the dissatisfaction towards the British Government began to take a concrete shape. After the famous Dandi March in 1930, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, launched the Quit India Movement. After two world wars, Britan found it difficult to manage India due to economic problems as well as non-violent protests and extremist activities happening on a daily basis.

Finally, Louis Mountbatten, the last British Governor-General of India, declared that the British will leave India on June 3^rd, 1947. India gained its liberty and became a free country on August 15, 1947 after 200 years of British colonialism. It was then that the free India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech at the Red Fort, which had been the headquarters of the British Indian Army.

Since then, on August 15, Indians celebrate the Independence Day. Major government buildings are illuminated, movies about India’s freedom are shown on TV, and flag hoisting ceremonies are held. Broadcast, print and online media may have special contests, programs, and articles to promote the day. India's prime minister unfurls India's flag and gives a speech at the Red Fort.

Many people spend the day with family members or close friends. Throughout the country, a tradition of flying kites has emerged and has actually become quite competitive and very popular. Countless kites of various styles, sizes and shades decorate the skies and fields of India to symbolize the nation’s freedom.

▲ India's kite flying tradition on Independence Day [kiteflyersindia.blogspot.com] 저작권 문제 없음

4. Europe – Poland

Poland celebrates their Independence Day on November 11^th every year in celebration of having regained its independence on November 11, 1918, after 123 years of partitions by Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia. The Regency Government appointed Józef Pilsudski as commander in chief over the Polish forces and 3 days later he was given complete civil control. He formed a new centralized government on November 21. He issued key measures including a public declaration of agricultural reforms, and brought in more favorable conditions for the workers and called for parliamentary elections. November 11 was announced a national holiday in 1937. However, it was removed as an official holiday from 1939 to 1989. The holiday was restored in 1989 and has since been a national public holiday.

Since then, National Independence Day has again become a day of festive celebrations. The Poles celebrate with parades, festivals, and outfits of red and white. Ceremonious gatherings and parades are held in Polish towns and cities, including at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw, which is the major event. A change of guards also occurs near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the capital city, and many churches celebrate Independence Day with a Catholic mass burial. Those watching the military parades wave flags, put on red and white hats with "Poland" written on them and paint flags on children’s faces.

Many Poles also spend this time participating in active events. Commemoration runs, such as the Warsaw's Independence Run are being organized, attracting several thousand runners, Nordic walkers, wheelchair athletes and rollerblade enthusiasts. Many houses, buses, and trams display the country’s flag on this day.

▲ Warsaw's Independence Run [twitter.com] 저작권 문제 없음

5. Africa – South Africa

Though South Africa achieved independence from Britain on May 31, 1910, Freedom Day is the official Independence Day of South Africa. Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections that were held in South Africa on April 27, 1994. Since the arrival of the British in 1652, the natives of South Africa had to suffer under the white domination as the victims of racism and apartheid. The right to equal opportunities was denied to the indigenous people of South Africa when apartheid was legalized.

However, things began to change in South Africa after people started making efforts to free the country from such racism. After a non-racial constitution was eventually agreed upon and adopted in 1993, On April 27^th, 1994, South Africans were finally able to vote in the first democratic election in the country. And Nelson Mandela was elected as the President of South Africa on May 10^th in the same year.

Considering the sufferings of the past, Freedom Day is significant to South Africa as it symbolizes the end of three hundred years of colonialism and segregation, as well as the establishment of a new democratic government and a new state based on their own constitution.

Freedom Day is celebrated with a great enthusiasm by all the South Africans. Lots of social events occur throughout the country, such as exhibitions of special artworks that commemorate the day, or different kinds of sports matches. People pay tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives to gain liberation for South Africa, and some will participate in the marches with the country’s flag in their hands.

▲ South Africa's Freedom Day celebrations [sudafricaysusfiestas.blogspot.com] 저작권 문제 없음

And for Australia, January 26^th is known as “Australia Day”, which commemorates the landing of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788, which was the first British settlement. Australia Day is a national public holiday and is known to be the country's biggest day of celebration with various festivities as fireworks, ferry races, surfing races and so on.

▲ Surfing races on Australia Day [nomadsworld.com] 저작권 문제 없음

However, Australia was not even called Australia at that time. It was New South Wales and was a part of the British Empire. Australia gained its independence as a country in 1931, and the day Australian states became completely independent was March 3^rd, 1986. But Australians do not typically celebrate their independence on a single day because it is quite ambiguous.

However, New Zealand does have an Independence Day. Officially, February 6th is observed as the Independence Day through New Zealand and is commemorated as 'Waitangi Day', named after the place the Treaty of Waitangi took place. The struggle for freedom in New Zealand had been continued for a long time, and it achieved a new dimension on September 26, 1907 with the grant of 'Dominion' status by the government of United Kingdom. In following years, the country witnessed many political upheavals, until in 1953 when the 'Dominion' status was officially replaced with "Realm of New Zealand". Accordingly, in 1967, the first New Zealand-born Governor-General was appointed, thereby paving the way for establishment of independent governance run by the people of New Zealand.

In South Korea, we usually hoist up our national flag, Taegeukgi(태극기) in our houses, visit some memorial places such as the Independence Hall in Cheonan, and spend time with family members. But since the past few years, I have actually recognized that a lot of people think of the Independence Day as a simple holiday for just taking a rest, rather than an important day to remember the meaning of it.

▲ South Korea's Independence Day celebrations [m.kyeonggi.com] 저작권 문제 없음

The word ‘Gwangbokjeol’ is made up of Chinese characters. Gwang means light, and bok means returning. Therefore, Gwangbokjeol means ‘the day the light came back to our country’. I hope Koreans remember the struggles of our ancestors who sacrificed themselves in order to retrieve our light back on this special day, just like everyone around the world does in celebration of their own Independence Days.

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