Harmony Day🌝
- Qian Li
- Sep 4, 2020
- 2 min read
🌝Harmony Day, which is on 21 March each year, aims at celebrating Australia's cultural diversity.
As an Australian Government program that began in 1999, Harmony Day passes on the message that 'Everyone Belongs', which emphases the inclusiveness of Australian culture. Nearly half (49%) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was, and since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia. The migrants have brought the culture and tradition from their home country to Australia, which consisted of important parts for cultural diversity. In addition, the indigenous culture has an important role in Australia culture.
Various activities, including teas, fairs, concerts and sporting events, are carried out to celebrate harmony day. As the photo showed, some community houses organised community engagement events.
The official colour for the day is orange, and people wear orange clothes or ribbons on the day. Traditionally, orange demonstrates communication and meaningful conversations. In addition, orange relates to freedom of ideas and mutual respect. On the day or during Harmony Week, Australians can choose to wear something orange to show the support for cultural diversity and inclusion.
In addition, Harmony Day shares the same date with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On 1960, March 23rd, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in South Africa and in 1979, the General Assembly chose 21 March to illustrate the support for people struggling against racism and racial discrimination. Racism and racial discrimination are key barriers to inclusion and cultural diversity, thus, these two days have some internal connection.
Thus, Harmony Day celebrates inclusion and cultural diversity in Australia, and there are many community events happening during Harmony Week or on Harmony Day. Why not take some time and celebrate the diversity with the community?
I would like to also share this quote from the internet, which is a great explanation for what harmony means:
Harmony Day is when everyone comes together and live in peace.Â
Accept that you're living in such a wealthy country and that Australia is such a multicultural country
Respect other people and treat your family and friends nicely
Music, peace and melody brings everyone together
Orange is the colour you wear on Harmony Day
Never disrespect your parents or friends
Your personality shows how you are and how you respect other people
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