Scientific conference for students at Faculty level
“Exploring British and American Cultures”
Group of authors from class D.10.20.02
- Đào Thị Thùy Dung/ MSV: 2152200518
- Phạm Thị Như Quỳnh/ MSV: 2152200672
- Phạm Hồng Ánh/ MSV: 2152200077
“Cultural Exchange Through National Holidays:
St Patrick’s Day in UK and Thanksgiving in US”
The significance of cultural exchange within the framework of British holidays is a captivating exploration into the collective identity and shared traditions that bind diverse communities. In the realm of cultural celebrations, St Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving Day stand as distinctive pillars, representing the rich tapestry of British cultures. These holidays, while rooted in historical events, have evolved into vibrant expressions of identity, tradition, and community spirit. The enduring nature of these celebrations underscores their timeless resonance, acting as repositories of cultural heritage passed down through generations. These festivities, rooted in history and folklore, represent more than mere observances; they are dynamic expressions of collective identity, evolving over time while preserving the essence of cultural values. The impact of these celebrations on cultural identity is profound, as they provide a platform for communities to express, share, and preserve their unique customs. Through rituals, symbols, and communal revelry, British holidays become pivotal moments fostering cultural exchange, enriching the understanding of shared histories, and reinforcing the enduring connections that bind individuals within a broader cultural mosaic.
- St Patrick’s Day: A Celebration of Irish Heritage
- Historical Context:
March 17th marks a festive occasion in Northern Ireland, where the Irish community comes together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This day holds profound significance as it commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s most revered patron saints. The festivities are not merely secular; rather, they are deeply intertwined with religious observances, underlining the spiritual essence of the occasion.
- Legends and Symbolism:
There are many legends related to Saint Patrick, including the ability to revive the dead. One of the oldest stories recounts his banishing of venomous snakes from Ireland, symbolizing the metaphor of pagan religions.
The shamrock, employed by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity, has become an enduring symbol of luck for the Irish. During these jubilant celebrations, During these national holidays, people often draw three-leaf clovers on their faces, clothes and objects, symbolizing not only religious beliefs but also a hope for good fortune.
- Modern Celebrations:
- Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland unfolds as a dynamic celebration with a plethora of engaging activities, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry and infectious enthusiasm that characterizes the day. The festivities traditionally commence by dressing in vibrant green attire, individuals engage in paradesparades, winding through the streets of cities and towns. These parades, such as the renowned one in Dublin, feature elaborate floats, marching bands, and community groups showcasing their creativity, embodying the spirit of unity and pride.
Accompanying the visual spectacle is the lively sound of traditional Irish music, where fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns take center stage. This musical celebration extends beyond the parades to include impromptu street performances and organized events, inviting both locals and visitors to participate in the rhythmic jubilation. The distinctive melodies become a unifying force, encapsulating the heart and soul of Irish cultural identity.
- Drinking beer and raising toasts
Community gatherings and social events further enhance the celebratory atmosphere. These events often include traditional Irish cuisine, with communal feasts showcasing the best of local flavors. Storytelling sessions become a captivating part of the festivities, delving into the rich mythology and folklore of Ireland, passing down stories through generations. Irish pubs, known for their convivial ambiance, become focal points for celebrations, with patrons enjoying live music, dance performances, and raising toasts with pints of the iconic Irish stout, Guinness.
- Thanksgiving Day: A celebration in USA
- Historical Context:
Thanksgiving Day, an annual national holiday in the United States celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled from the 1621 harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans, the holiday holds historical significance as a moment of unity and gratitude during challenging times. This historical context has evolved into a national day of thanks celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
- Legends and Symbolism:
Legends surrounding Thanksgiving often focus on the Pilgrims’ journey to the New World in search of religious freedom. The narrative of their struggles, perseverance, and eventual collaboration with the Wampanoag people resonates as a foundational story in American history. The origin of the symbolism of the Thanksgiving turkey, is still controversial with many theories. There is a theory that the Thanksgiving turkey dish is related to the Queen of England.
During the 16th century, a fleet of Spanish warships sank on their way to attack England. While having dinner, Queen Elizabeth received this news. She was so happy that she asked for a roast goose to be served. Some historians believe that the first settlers in America were inspired by this event and roasted a turkey instead of a goose.
Another theory for the choice of turkey for Thanksgiving is that at that time, there were quite a few wild turkeys in North America.
Additionally, the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, symbolizes prosperity and the bountiful harvest that Thanksgiving commemorates.
- Activities
- Thanksgiving Food
Thanksgiving activities are characterized by family gatherings and festive meals. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner typically features a roasted turkey as the centerpiece, accompanied by stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The act of sharing a meal with loved ones underscores the theme of gratitude and togetherness.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. Presented by Macy’s department store since 1924, New York City’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the largest and most famous, attracting some 2 to 3 million spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television audience. It typically features marching bands, performers, elaborate floats conveying various celebrities and giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters.
- US President’s turkey pardon ceremony
The traditional turkey pardoning ceremony takes place every year. Beginning in the mid-20th century and perhaps even earlier, from the misunderstanding of giving a turkey to the US President, the turkey pardon ceremony was born and became a humorous tradition at the White House.
The president of the United States has “pardoned” one or two Thanksgiving turkeys each year, sparing the birds from slaughter and sending them to a farm for retirement. However, even former President Obama was quite confused by this event. “I find it a bit confusing that we do this every year,” Mr. Obama said during the Turkey Pardon Ceremony on November 26. “But I like it because besides all the stress in this office, it’s nice to have a chance to say happy Thanksgiving.”
- Cultural Exchange Through British Holidays
- Symbolic Elements Shared Across Cultures:
St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving Day, though rooted in distinct cultural histories, share symbolic elements that resonate across cultures. Both celebrations emphasize themes of gratitude, unity, and a sense of communal identity. The act of coming together for festive meals is a universal symbol of shared abundance and familial bonds. The centerpiece role of food, particularly a grand feast featuring a turkey on Thanksgiving and traditional Irish fare on St. Patrick’s Day, underscores the cultural significance of communal dining and the expression of gratitude for blessings.
You’ve probably enjoyed, or at least heard of, corned beef and cabbage — a dish traditionally eaten on St. Patrick’s Day, and often served aside potatoes and Irish soda bread. Since this meal is typically only eaten on St. Patrick’s Day, most of us assume it is a traditional Irish dish. But guess what: corned beef and cabbage did not originate from Ireland — and the meal isn’t actually Irish at all.
Corned beef is a cut of meat similar to brisket that has been salt-cured. The term “corned” comes from the usage of large, grained rock salt, called “corns” used in the salting process. Today, salt brines are more popular.
The dish’s popularity took shape during Irish immigration to America. Pork was the preferred meat in Ireland since it was cheap as in Ireland, cattle were expensive, so they weren’t slaughtered for food unless they were old or injured; they were important for milk and dairy production and farming. In contrast, beef was inexpensive in the United States.
When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they often faced discrimination and lived in slums alongside groups like the Jews and Italians. It was at Jewish delis and lunch carts that the Irish experienced corned beef and noticed its similarity to Irish bacon.
They also realized that cabbage was a more readily available vegetable in America than in Ireland, where it was traditionally a fall and winter vegetable. So they combined the corned beef with cabbage to create a hearty, filling meal that was reminiscent of their homeland. So, corned beef and cabbage is really an Irish American version of the conventional bacon and cabbage dinner.
Thanksgiving Day, though rooted in American history, has symbolic elements that resonate with British culture, fostering a sense of shared values and traditions. The spirit of gratitude and the tradition of coming together for a festive meal are universal themes that transcend borders. In the UK, while there isn’t a direct equivalent to Thanksgiving, the concept of expressing thanks and celebrating a harvest festival has deep historical roots. Harvest festivals, like those held in Britain, also center around communal gatherings, feasting, and acknowledging the blessings of the year.
- Impact on Cultural Identity:
The celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving Day hold special places in the cultural identities of the communities and reflect the diverse tapestry of the two countries’ cultures.
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is an Irish cultural phenomenon that has transcended its origins to become a widely embraced festival in the United States. The day is marked by parades, wearing green, and celebrations of Irish heritage. For Irish Americans, St. Patrick’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of their roots, fostering a sense of connection to ancestral traditions and celebrating Ireland’s vibrant cultural contributions woven into the fabric of American society.
On the other hand, Thanksgiving Day, a quintessentially American holiday, plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity. Rooted in historical narratives of the early colonial period, Thanksgiving has evolved into a day of national unity that emphasizes gratitude and togetherness. The cultural significance of Thanksgiving lies in its role as a shared experience that transcends ethnic, religious, and regional differences. Families across the country, regardless of background, come together for a traditional feast, fostering a sense of community identity that reflects the diversity and unity inherent in the American experience.
Both celebrations contribute to the cultural landscape of the United States by providing opportunities for individuals and communities to express and celebrate their unique heritage. St. Patrick’s Day highlights the richness of Irish culture, allowing Irish Americans to proudly cherish their roots and share their traditions with a wider audience. Meanwhile, Thanksgiving Day strengthens our shared American identity, emphasizing the values of gratitude, inclusion, and appreciation of shared history. These celebrations serve as important threads in the complex tapestry of cultural identity, weaving together the narratives of different communities into a cohesive and vibrant whole.
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