Safe and Happy Memorial Day - Facts About Victoria Day

To all my American friends I wish for you a very safe and happy Memorial Day. I hope that whatever you'll be doing whether with family and/or friends that its a good one.

Really dumb but last weekend we had our long weekend. I didn't post about it beforehand but I was able to visit a few blogging friends. I might have told you that it was our long weekend - Memorial Day. Nobody batted an eye. On my drive to the cottage in NY state a sign about May 31st and Memorial Day made me think that Canada and the States don't have that same holiday. I was real con-fused because in fact it was our Victoria Day weekend. *lol* but when I wrote to you about my weekend I blurted out whatever without thinking it seems.

Our Victoria Day is the celebration of Queen Victoria's Birthday on the 24th of May. When she passed away in 1901 it became known as "Empire Day" when the sovereign's birthday was celebrated. Queen Elizabeth II although her birthday is April 21st now officially celebrates it on May 24th.

In Canada we refer to it as the "May 2-4" weekend because it falls on "May 24" and also because we call a case of 24 beer "a 2-4" and it is a popular weekend drink (therefore that weekend also). Firecracker Day is another name for the weekend that was started in Ontario - my province.

The Victoria Day weekend is known as the start of spring in that the risk of frost will be over and its time to start planting. It is the weekend that people start heading to their cottages on the weekend to open it for the season and outdoor restaurants, tour guides, parks etc. open.

So how did I ever think to tell you all it was our "Memorial Day"? Much influence I guess...*s*... I'm heading back tomorrow for your Memorial Weekend.



Thats a bit of facts if you didn't already know. At the cottage last weekend we bought the traditional "Million Bells" flower hanger for the front door. Here is it. Pretty.

Have a wonderful weekend.... Judi xoxo