The May Long weekend – what does that mean to you? A day off, a chance to get away from the city, relaxing reading a book on the beach, doing a Triathlon, having a BBQ’s on the patio or beach...? The list is endless and I know a lot of people look forward to this May long weekend as it signifies the start of summer. Good weather, good friends and good times.
However, have we ever taken a moment to realize why we have this May Long weekend?
Well the reason is to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Birthday. She ruled the United Kingdom for 63 years (the longest reign to this day) and her era in commonly referred to as the Victoria Era. Her era represented significant social, economic and technological progress in England, and she was the ruler during the height of the Industrial Revolution. She made the United Kingdom become a global power of its time, with improvements to the industrial, political, scientific and military sections of the UK.
Queen Victoria’s monarchy symbolizes not only one of political stature but also her emphasis on mortality and family values. She created the concept of the “family monarchy” in which normal people could relate to. She had nine children, with eight out of her nine children married into European royal families. She had 42 grandchildren and was given the name of the “grandmother of Europe”, evidentially, bringing all of Europe together.
Queen Victoria is one of the most commemorated British monarchs, with several places being named after her, including our very own provincial capital, two Australian states (Queensland and Victoria) and Victoria Falls in Africa. All over the world there are numerous statues erected to honor her and her reign as queen.
So even though you may celebrate Victoria Day with the excitement of the cold winter months behind us and the hot summer months ahead, take a moment to truly realize why we have a May Long Weekend. How Queen Victoria was such a significant figure in our history and helped paved the way for where we are today.
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