Columbus Day vs Indigenous Peoples' Day: difference and history of the holiday
15 october 2024 в 01:13
October is a month of celebrations, from Halloween to Hispanic Heritage Month. One unique holiday, celebrated every second Monday, is Columbus Day. Although the date may vary, it has also been referred to as Indigenous Peoples' Day. This federal holiday is recognized by many states and government institutions, leading to the closure of some of them.
«I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities», - President Joe Biden stated in a proclamation on the White House website. He added, «I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who have contributed to the formation of this nation».
Hollywood Life magazine gathered information on the difference between the two names for October 14, 2024.
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in America, the «New World», - in 1492. Born in Genoa, Italy, Columbus made four transatlantic voyages from Spain on ships — the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, according to history. The Library of Congress notes that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established Columbus Day as a federal holiday.
Indigenous Peoples' Day, also observed on October 12, reflects the violence against Indigenous peoples by Columbus. In 2023, President Biden acknowledged this in a proclamation: «But throughout our nation’s history, Indigenous peoples have faced violence and destruction that tested their limits. For generations, our nation’s shameful policies included the removal of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands; forcing them to assimilate; and prohibiting the use of their own languages, the transmission of ancient traditions, and the conduct of sacred ceremonies. Countless lives were lost, precious lands were taken, and their way of life was forever altered». He added, «Today, Indigenous peoples are symbols of resilience, strength, and perseverance, as well as a source of incredible contributions. Indigenous peoples and tribal nations continue to practice their cultures, remember their heritage, and pass down their history from generation to generation».
Columbus Day is nationally recognized, leading to the closure of many businesses, including banks, post offices, and government institutions
«I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities», - President Joe Biden stated in a proclamation on the White House website. He added, «I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who have contributed to the formation of this nation».
Hollywood Life magazine gathered information on the difference between the two names for October 14, 2024.
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in America, the «New World», - in 1492. Born in Genoa, Italy, Columbus made four transatlantic voyages from Spain on ships — the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, according to history. The Library of Congress notes that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established Columbus Day as a federal holiday.
Indigenous Peoples' Day, also observed on October 12, reflects the violence against Indigenous peoples by Columbus. In 2023, President Biden acknowledged this in a proclamation: «But throughout our nation’s history, Indigenous peoples have faced violence and destruction that tested their limits. For generations, our nation’s shameful policies included the removal of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands; forcing them to assimilate; and prohibiting the use of their own languages, the transmission of ancient traditions, and the conduct of sacred ceremonies. Countless lives were lost, precious lands were taken, and their way of life was forever altered». He added, «Today, Indigenous peoples are symbols of resilience, strength, and perseverance, as well as a source of incredible contributions. Indigenous peoples and tribal nations continue to practice their cultures, remember their heritage, and pass down their history from generation to generation».
Columbus Day is nationally recognized, leading to the closure of many businesses, including banks, post offices, and government institutions
© Puhova Marina
