Despite the abhorrent nature of colonialism, the British introduced a few customs that are still heartily observed throughout their former colonies in the Caribbean. And public holidays certainly fall within this cherished tradition.
Curiously, unlike Americans, the British evidently saw no need to glorify their holidays with patriotic or reverential titles like President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day or Thanksgiving Day. Instead, they just referred to almost all of them as Bank Holidays (no doubt in honor of Britain’s great mercantile heritage).
That’s why the “Easter Monday” holiday seems so puzzling. After all, it has a reverential title but no discernible relevance to Jesus Christ (like Good Friday: He was crucified; and Easter Sunday: He arose!). Perhaps even the British had qualms about appending a “bank holiday” to this very religious occasion. Indeed, Easter Monday seems as appropriate a title for sneaking in another bank holiday here as calling the day after Christmas “Boxing Day” for an additional holiday there as well.
Here’s a glimpse of my home in The Bahamas. I invite you to come revel in our holiday spirit anytime here too….(I know, life is good!)
Of course, with beaches like these, one might wonder why the British did not conjure up many more innocuous excuses for bank holidays….
Easter Monday
Vicky says
Hmmmm, thanks Anthony
Those beaches do look inviting. I think I’ll book a vacation to TurkCaicos right now!
Michelle says
Hi Anthony
The beaches are beautiful but I think you are the best draw for your islands. You’re the reason my girlfriends and I are planning to go to Exumas next month.
Franklin says
Hi Anthony
I’ve been a loyal reader of your blog for over 6 months now and you’re so brilliant that I always felt too intimidated to write a comment. But I could not let this post pass without comment.
If I did not read your articles condemning preachers for boycotting gay cruises and your goverment for banning Brokeback Mountain, I would think that your invitation was to everyone except gays and lesbians. I saw the way Bohemians heckeled and protested against Rosie’s gay family cruise. It was so bad that Rosie was too upset to leave the boat. So I don’t care how beautiful your beaches are, who would want to deal with that kind of homophobia and ignorance on vacation.
Anonymous says
Those beaches look unreal. Are they really that beautiful?
I agree with Franklin. I don’t see how a country that relies on tourism can be so homophobic. My goodness even Chritian conservative George Bush is hosting gays and lesbians at the White House.
Rebecca says
Take me away!!!