Have you been fortunate to experience a holiday
from a religion or culture different than your own?
If so, tell us about it! If not, which would you choose to experience?
When I read this week's questions. I felt like "Oh, I have to do this one". Therefore, I can't wait to answer this right away. Luckily for myself, I had a great year to experience a new culture in a great country. And, this is New Zealand, a land of clouds. Thanks to this chance, I can experience the Maori culture and western culture at the same time and meets many people from other culture too. Staying there let me have a chance to join of few the holiday there. From Waitangi day (national day) to ANZAC day and Queen's birthday, many different things that I haven't had a chance to experience before.
Source
This is the image of the annual Waitangi Day in New Zealand. I feel the specialty of this country since the Maori culture and western culture keep continuing and developing parallelly. By using Maori language and English in their social media and pubic, any directions. It made me feel so cool, that I was truly experiencing another culture. And one more special thing that I felt about New Zealand, the anniversary day of each place. For me, it's very new information, because in my country we just celebrate in the same day.
Source
Waitangi Day became the national day of New Zealand, because of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840, which is often referred to as the founding document of the nation. And it was the first was first celebrated in 1934.
Currently, the anniversary is observed annually on 6 February, and the day is recognized as a public holiday. Ceremonies commemorate the signing of the treaty at Waitangi and elsewhere. Many events will be held on this day or in front of the Maori community house with their traditional activities. There have been protests by Maori activists, and the commemoration has occasionally been the subject of controversy in history.
Source
However, I still haven't had a chance to see them sail on a giant boat on Waitangi Day. As I know it's also a traditional activity on Waitangi day. But it's so sorry that I haven't had a chance to witness it.
And there is another part of Maori culture that I'm really impressed with, the New Zealand greenstone is made into the significant icons according to Maori culture with their own meanings. And they are seen as a gift to give your friends, family... And my friend - Lynn said that that item cannot be bought by yourself, it is supposed to someone buy it for you. What new information to me!
Source
I'm so grateful for having a chance to experience New Zealand in 1 year and see this beautiful country through my eyes. Not only uncounted amazing sightseeings but also meeting friendly people and exploring the culture here.
Here is my entry for Ladies of Hive Contest #60. Thank you for the great questions this week by @thekittygirl. I would like to invite @thu172, @dora 381 and @lynnnguyen to join me in this contest.
Thank you for reading my post.