Alex Clarke's Blog

National Holidays-where and why did they originate?

alexclarke94 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:58:19 +0000

National holidays:
They originated in America to celebrate the achievements, births, deaths and works of the famous. Originally national holidays were reserved for presidents or very significant people, but now they seem to be created for anybody and anything. Also, new forms of national holiday have developed, those such as Halloween/ Father’s/Mother’s/Grandma-pa/Valentine’s day etc, the list goes on, however, these do not really celebrate much, they are just corporate gimmicks to ‘bring in some money!’ We only celebrate these things because we think that we have to. Since when did your parents expect cards or gifts on random days of the year?

What were the fist real national holidays?
In its home land of America, the national holiday began life as a celebration of the historically important, such as their forefathers who discovered and founded the country. The most famous holiday celebrating this idea is ‘Thanksgiving.’ This began in 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and Native Americans sat down to share an Autumn harvest meal. This has become a symbol of cooperation between the new English invaders and the Native Americans. I believe that this is a perfectly acceptable form of the national holiday to celebrate because it has helped the country develop and prosper.

Another national holiday which i believe to be justified is ‘President’s Day.’ This is celebrated on Washington’s birthday, it celebrates current and former presidents due to all the work that they do for the country. A day off is all they ask and it is not to much to celebrate great heroes of their country.

I think that when a national holiday is deserved then it is justified, but when it is created to produce a market that will then need to be filled until the holiday is dropped I believe it is unacceptable.

Why has a new generation of holidays formed?
This ‘new generation’ is formed of all those holidays which celebrate a corporate creation. They all started for a simple reason, the lull between national holidays, and the money loss associated, needed to be filled. For example, Valentine’s day, this holiday slots perfectly between Christmas and Easter, how convenient! The main problem I have found with this variation of a national holiday is that everybody is forced into buying unnecessary gifts, otherwise they seem selfish. Genuine National holidays need no gifts because they do not celebrate friends or family or indeed anybody who can receive a gift.

What is the main issue with the new generation of national holiday

Simply they can not be stopped! Once a holiday has been created, advertised and people begin to celebrate it, they are stuck in a downward spiral because they cannot stop buying gifts Also a huge number of zed holidays are being created meaning we are constantly buying gifts for no justified reason.

Overall
Overall, we could stop celebrating these holidays but, well… ‘Son’s Day’ wouldn’t go amiss would it?

The holidays in existence so far (mainly in America).
New year
Martin Luther King Jr day
Groundhog day
Valentine’s day
President’s day
Saint Patrick’s day
Easter
Earth day
Mother’s day
Grandfather’s day
Flag day
Grandmother’s day
Father’s day
Independence day
Labor day
Cloubus day
Election day
Veteran’s day
Thanksgiving
Christmas

Alex Clarke.

Holiday Inspiration

alexclarke94 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:17:32 +0000

I thought that i would compile a few images that take the normal forms of a holiday to some new heights. I hope you enjoy.

1) The Skiing Holiday :

"Pingu eat your heart out!"

2) The Sunbathing Holiday :

"Who let the dogs out?"

3) The Cruise :

"Look, just because i need glasses!"

4) The Water Sports Holiday :

"OWWWWWWWWW !"

5) The Theme Park Holiday :

"Weeeeeee! ... Where are the brakesssss?"

6) The Site-seeing Holiday :

"Hey Ma, I can see the house from up here!"

7) The Action Adventure Holiday :

"Don't take pictures! Help Me!"

8 ) The Camping Holiday :

9) The Caravanning Holiday :

"I think we got quite a good pitch, don't you?"

10) The Tourist Holiday :

"Pucka-up!"

I hope you enjoyed my take on the stereotypical forms of holidays, where ever you go have fun!

Alex Clarke.

Holiday activities – gone wrong!

alexclarke94 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:31 +0000

We all seem to do the same stereotypical things when on holiday, so i have compiled a few funny videos that remind us of nearly all holidays and no doubt one of our friends or family. The top 5 activities on holiday seem to be the same every year but then again it is a change from the day to day, 9 to 5, so here are a few funny clips, hope you enjoy !

5) Walking, a very primitive idea, but some how on holiday it seems to become a thrilling family activity. Until the inevitable happens;

4) The Swimming pool, “Watch me jump in Dad!” we all go in the pool on holiday, trying to cool down now that we are in the hot weather we Brits cry out for whilst at home! A great family activity and even a young German boy is joining in the fun at the local pool;

3) Soaking up the culture, we all go to little markets or local shops on holiday so that we can appreciate and get a feel for the local area. But what about the animals, do they go to the markets for culture? Oh wait;

2) Playing sport is a great holiday activity, a chance for parent s and kids to play any sport available and in usually good weather. One of the best holiday sports has to be football as Benny Hill will demonstrate;

AND FINALLY… the moment you’ve been waiting for…

1) NOTHING, Yep, try and deny it if you wish, but everybody knows that the best part of a holiday is the part in which you lay next to the pool or outside your hotel/tent and just relax and soak up the well deserved sunny weather. “Yes! Finally relaxing, wait what is happening AHHH!”

Well what ever you do this summer holiday, make sure you have fun, but try and be more successful than this lot.

Alex Clarke.

New Blog.

alexclarke94 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:49:42 +0000

Hello, just writing for a work experience week, so here goes!!!!