Okay…I know in the last post I implied it was a bit strange (willy-nilly even) the way Australians decide when their seasons start, but I was willing to let it go after a bit of a chuckle. After all, they say to-mah-to and I say to-may-to, so we’re obviously coming from different viewpoints at times.
But to-may-to, to-mah-to, po-tay-to, po-tah-to is quite a world of difference from Queen-we-know-it-isn’t-your-birthday-today-but-we’ve-decided-
we-need-a-long-weekend-in-June-so-we’ll-just-say-it-is.
Let me introduce to you to our Queen.
Quite fetching in her younger days wouldn’t you say?
Well, this Queen’s birthday is April 21st. Today is June 11th, the celebrated holiday in Australia called ‘The Queen’s Birthday.’
Now, being bright little whipper-snappers, you’re probably thinking, as I did, “oh, they’re probably referring to another Queen.” A comment which, while making fabulous sense, is entirely unfounded. They are celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, nearly two months after the fact.
Perhaps they got confused by the time change??
Maybe we can blame it on hemispheric disassociation?!
Whatever the reason, if I were the Queen (what do you mean if…?) I’d be all, “off with their heads” over this particular lunacy.
Actually, Canada kind of does the same thing, too. Queen Victoria’s birthday is May 24th, but Victoria day this year was the 21st, the Monday before. It’s not two months, but Victoria day is also intended to honour the current monarch, so we’re kind of in the same boat.
I don’t know Australian history, but maybe the holiday was created when George V or Edward VIII were reigning? Both were born in June.
Anyway, hi Crystal! Sounds like you’re having fun!