Monday, October 11, 2010

Happy Columbus Day!

@StockPhoto.com/Nikada


I hope all my butterflies are enjoying a wonderful holiday weekend! I hope that most of you have the day off today, but for those that don't, thank you for your service!

Columbus Day, which is observed annually on the second Monday of October, originated as a celebration of Italian-American heritage and was first held in San Francisco in 1869. The first state-wide celebration was held in Colorado in 1907. In 1937, Columbus Day become a holiday across the United States. Since 1971, it has been celebrated on the second Monday in October. The date on which Columbus arrived in the Americas is also celebrated as the 'Día de la Raza' in Latin America and some Latino communities in the USA. However, it is a controversial holiday in some countries and has been re-named in others.

It is considered controversial because the settlement of Europeans in the Americas led to the deaths of a very large number of native people. Which has been argued was a direct result of Columbus' actions. It is clear that the arrival of the European settlers led to the demise of a large amount of the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It has also been argued that Columbus should not be honored for discovering the United States, as he only went as far as some islands in the Caribbean and never got as far as mainland America.

Today also holds special meaning for me because October 11th is also 'Mama Butterfly's' birthday! Happy Birthday Mom!

Instead of getting wrapped up in the controversy, maybe you could spend today finding some 'un-chartered' territory in your own backyard by visiting a restaurant or gallery in your own neighborhood you've never visited!

How are you celebrating Columbus Day? Special Church Services? A parade? However you choose to spend it, I hope you have a great time!


˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

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