Sailing the Ocean Blue

We have all heard it. “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue”. It is engrained in our minds from a very early age. And rather catchy I must add. It certainly comes to me easier than geometry equations. I never was one for math. With the upcoming holiday I thought I would do a little research on Columbus Day and find out why it is that only banks get the day off.

What is the deal with that? So apparently Columbus and his discovery is important enough to have his very own dedicated day. Okay. I get that. But why is it only important enough for banks to be closed. It isnt like Christmas or Easter when the entire country shuts down. It isn’t even like Valentines Day when everyone gets a guaranteed night out. There isn’t any free flowing champagne like New Years Eve. So, what is it? What makes Columbus Day? And even more important..what are WE supposed to do on Columbus Day? I didn’t have a clue, so I went in search of some information. Since I finished with term papers long ago I will pass on the “Columbus Day Cliff Notes” that I compiled for you.

1. The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day took place in New York City (of course, where else would you party?) On October 12th in 1792.

2. In 1892, the 400th celebration of Columbus Day, the Pledge of Allegiance written by Francis Bellamy was recited publicly for the first time.

3. Colorado was the first state to recognize the holiday, in 1905.

4. In 1937 President Roosevelt proclaimed October 12th Columbus Day.

5. And in 1971 President Nixon declared the second Monday of October as the national holiday.

(All above information per www.history.com)

Well, now I have some tidbit information, but I still don’t have a clue as to what I am supposed to do for Columbus Day. I grew up in Austin, Texas. I miss it dearly and still to this day no matter how far north I get, I still consider Texas my home. Always will be. What can I say, Don’t Mess With Texas. Growing up in Texas I was introduced to a rich diversity of culture. I grew up eating pescado tacos, wearing authentic embroidered dresses, and dancing to salsa music. While I still do all of the before mentioned things, people now look at me like I am nuts. Apparently, embroidered mexican dresses aren’t seen very often in the hills of Tennessee and Virginia. For me, Columbus Day is a celebration of foundation. Digging deep into a rich history that reminds us all we came from somewhere other than where we are. The deepest, richest history I can personally remember is my upbringing in Texas. So for this featured blog I have compiled a list of sellers that have caught my eye with authentic representations of the cultural diversity I experienced as a child.

To read more please visit:

http://www.alleykatsstore.com