✦ When it comes to authentic connection across cultures, not even language can get in the way!
We are proud to say that Harmony Day, celebrated worldwide now on 21st March, actually originated in Australia in 1999 to celebrate unity and diversity. It coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an urgent reminder of the need to eliminate racism and racial discrimination.
A land of diversity
Australia stands out as a nation made up of a rich diversity of cultures. The world's oldest continuing culture is right here, where our First Nations people have been caring for the country for more than 60,000 years and contributing to our sense of national identity. It is their cultures and histories that are the foundation of multiculturalism in Australia.
"50 years ago, multiculturalism became official Australian government policy, with the goal of making this a land of equal opportunity for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin." - Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs in his Harmony Day 2024 message
Australia's multiculturalism policy continues to build toward this ideal today. It is worth mentioning that this year is when Australia celebrates 75 years of Australian citizenship. Since 1949, Australia has welcomed more than six million new citizens, and now more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was.
Harmony Day in Port Macquarie
According to Britannica, the population of Australia consists of more than 270 ethnic groups. In Port Macquarie, we celebrated Harmony Day with a Harmony Lunch where each person brought food from their country. Gastronomy is a universal love language and speaks to one of our most basic and essential needs. The sharing of meals has always been one of the most powerful ways to connect with one another, and it's amazing how people from different walks of life come together through food.
We're so proud of all the cultures we've brought together in Port Macquarie!
At Brilliant-Online's 3rd birthday bash this year on board Port AdVenture Cruises' the Rhythmboat, we brought together businesses, friends and family from all walks of life to celebrate! Read about it here.
Lost in translation... or not!
Ray is an 85-year-old Australian who has a beautiful story to share. He met Michiko, a 61-year-old Japanese lady through her daughter Erica, who was working on a farm next to where Ray lives. Neither could speak each other's language and while there's Google Translate to help with the conversation, it also brought about some unexpected misunderstandings! Perhaps this is where gestures and body language help to smooth out the bumps in the road. Michiko hopes to be able to obtain a visa to stay in Australia for a longer period, because despite being lost in translation, both Ray and Michiko have found happiness through their friendship.
That is just one story out of so many others that have proven that authentic connections can triumph over barriers. With over 55,000 Harmony Day events to date since the beginning of Harmony Day, one could say that more than ever, given the challenges the world has been facing all this time, people are even more aware of the need for harmony, respect and appreciation of the diversity around us.
Harmony Day, in essence, is a consciousness we carry with us every day and always. It is in finding comfort in our similarities and inspiring curiosity and appreciation in our differences that allow us all to continue to evolve and lead the way for future generations towards a more peaceful and harmonious environment.
Do you have a Brilliant Harmony Day experience to share? Tell us about it!
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