October 10th: Beyond Columbus Day

Introduction

Do you know what holiday is celebrated on October 10th? While some may assume that this day is only recognized as Columbus Day, there are actually a variety of holidays and observances celebrated on this day. Knowing what holiday is celebrated on October 10th is important for understanding and respecting the history and culture behind each celebration. In this article, we will explore the different holidays celebrated on October 10th and provide insights into their history, significance, and controversies.

October 10th: A Day of Celebration – Exploring the Different Holidays Celebrated on this Day

Although Columbus Day may be the most well-known holiday celebrated on October 10th, it is not the only one. This day is also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day, Maldives Fishermen’s Day, Taiwan’s National Day, and Fiji Day. Each of these holidays has its own unique history and cultural significance.

Indigenous Peoples Day, for example, is a holiday that celebrates the contributions and achievements of Native Americans. It is also a day to acknowledge the injustices and atrocities that many Native Americans have experienced throughout history. Maldives Fishermen’s Day, on the other hand, is a celebration of fishermen and their role in Maldivian society. Taiwan’s National Day is a celebration of the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, while Fiji Day is a celebration of Fiji’s independence from British colonial rule which happened on October 10th, 1970.

What is Columbus Day and How is it Celebrated?

Columbus Day continues to be a controversial holiday in the United States due to the history of colonization and mistreatment of Indigenous people associated with Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year.

In many places, Columbus Day is celebrated with parades, public events, and the display of models of Columbus’s ships. Some cities have Columbus Day pageants or recitations of his voyage throughout the Americas. Still, many others acknowledge the legacy of Columbus, which included the genocide of Indigenous peoples, by advocating for Indigenous Peoples Day as an alternative.

Beyond Columbus Day – Alternative Holidays and Observances to Celebrate on October 10th

Many people choose to celebrate alternative holidays on October 10th that do not have the same colonial baggage as Columbus Day. One of the most popular alternatives is Indigenous Peoples Day. This provides an opportunity to learn about and honor the native cultures that existed in the Americas before colonization. In different ways, it is a chance to advocate for their rights, as well as celebrate their current existence, traditions, and contributions to modern society.

Other alternatives include celebrating Maldives Fishermen’s Day, Taiwan’s National Day, or Fiji Day which are unique to their respective countries. You may choose to celebrate one of these holidays based on your ethnicity or personal connections to these countries. Finally, some people choose to observe a holiday outside of their own cultural or national boundaries on this day as a way to broaden their understanding of the world.

Why Some States Don’t Celebrate Columbus Day?

The Columbus Day holiday has drawn criticism over the years, leading to an increasing number of people wanted to celebrate “Indigenous Peoples Day” instead. Nonetheless, multiple states have pledged not to celebrate Columbus Day, choosing instead to observe “Indigenous Peoples Day” or another holiday. While perceptions of Columbus Day differ widely, and some consider it a celebration of Italian-American culture, supporters note that it remains a popular holiday in America.

Several states, including Alaska and Vermont, have chosen not to observe Columbus Day for fear of promoting a holiday that celebrates colonialism, cultural exploitation, and what many view as the genocide of Indigenous peoples. Instead, they have opted to celebrate other holidays on October 10th, such as Alaska Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Discoverers’ Day.

The Origins of Thanksgiving: A History that Dates Back to October 10th, 1621

Thanksgiving doesn’t always fall on the same day each year, but, believe it or not, it has its roots in a harvest feast that took place on October 10th, 1621. The first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts with the native Wampanoag people and the English settlers, who were known as Pilgrims. Each year, this holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, precisely because of its origin story in 1621.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States that is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and parades. It serves as a time to express gratitude for all things one has received in life. Thanksgiving has a complicated history too, but this brief overview shows the significance that October 10th has to this quintessentially American holiday.

Conclusion

There are many holidays and observances celebrated on October 10th, each one with its own unique history, significance, and controversies. Whether you celebrate Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Maldives Fishermen’s Day, Taiwan’s National Day, Fiji Day, or Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to acknowledge the history behind each of these holidays and the values that they represent. By recognizing alternative holidays like Indigenous Peoples Day and Maldives Fishermen’s Day, we can broaden our understanding of the world and diverse cultures that make up our global community. Ultimately, celebrating October 10th should be about finding a way to honor these values while making the day meaningful to ourselves and those around us.

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