Canada Day

History of Canada Day

Canada Day celebrates that day in history when the British North America Act (Now called the Constitution Act of 1867) was put into place. This was an important end to a long struggle to get Canada recognized as a separate country from its British parents.

Three colonies were bound together to create what is now recognized as one of the best countries in the world to live in. For a long time it had some issues with its currency not performing well on the world stage, but recently it has risen to prominence and held its own amongst first world countries.

Somehow in keeping with Canada’s reputation for humility, the country didn’t make a big deal out of this event over the next few years.

In fact, it took until 1917 before any official celebration of the event was held, and it took a full 10 years for another to be held.

In fact, it wasn’t until 1946 that what was then known as ‘Dominion Day’ even became known as Canada Day, and then until 1958, almost a hundred years later, until they started celebrating it yearly with government sanctioned events.

Canada has to be the only country in the world that essentially won its independence from its mother country and then went on not to be bothered with making a big deal about it. Honestly, it’s a rather stark contrast to its neighbor to the south.

How to Celebrate Canada Day

For most of the world the best way to celebrate Canada Day is to research the history of this rather remarkable country.

They have a fair amount of pride in themselves as a country, but don’t resent or rale against the country that is still technically their sovereign.

Canada Day is even celebrated in the UK, with large gatherings in Trafalgar Square to celebrate this country’s formation. Canada is an amazing country, and Canada Day is your day to learn more about it!

Of course, if research isn’t your thing, you can always bring a slice of the friendliest country on earth to your home. Get ready to practice your best accents because these ideas will have you saying, “what’s that all aboot?!”

Decorate In traditional colors

Canada’s colors are, of course, red and white. So, lovers of the Great White North can find anything that fits the scheme and incorporate it into their home’s design. The great thing about celebrating Canada Day this way (if you’re not Canadian) is that you don’t have to answer awkward questions.

No that’s not a Canadian flag in your front garden – you’re just digging primary colors at the moment!

Have a Canadian cookout

Cookouts aren’t only synonymous with Canada, but Canada is part of North America, so it counts.

Even better, the Canadians have an eclectic mix of foods, some that Americans love (hello maple syrup) and others that aren’t as familiar. This makes for an insanely interesting BBQ with fat-lined bacon on the menu.

The sides are pretty novel, too. Who’s for ketchup- and dill pickle-flavoured chips? No? Okay, well there’s plenty of poutine, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars to go around!

Play Canadian-inspired games

Yes, that means getting physical and replicating some of the Great One’s signature moves. Gretzky hasn’t got anything on you!

Variations of hockey aren’t the only sports played in Canada, so don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the NHL. Alternatives include searching for maple trees, making a canoe (and testing whether it floats), and reciting “O Canada.”

Hint – Robert Stanley Weir’s English version has four verses. Bonus points go to anybody who knows them without using Google.