By Alex Berger
The old gentleman was on his deathbed. He had difficulty breathing and he beckoned his daughter to him. “Veronica, darling,” the old man whispered, “I smell Mama’s apple strudel baking in the kitchen. I long for my lips to taste her sweet apple strudel one last time. Please go in and tell Mama to cut me a piece and bring it back quickly before it is too late.”
Veronica raced into the kitchen and returned with a Fig Newton. “Veronica,” he gasped, “this is not apple strudel. I want Mama’s apple strudel.”
“Papa,” Veronica replied, “Mama said that she is saving the apple strudel for after the funeral.”
I threw that joke in to get your attention. Now that I have it, pay strict attention and I will tell you how July became the month of “independence days.” But first, some July history. Did you know that July was named in honor of that salad-loving Roman emperor, Julius Caesar?
And, are you aware that in medieval times, England had two names for July? One was “Maedmonath,” or “Meadow Month,” when farmers turned their cattle out to feed in the meadows. The other, “Hegmonath,” or “Hay Mont,” was when farmers harvested hay to feed their cattle during the winter. I would add a third name, “Monath Monath,” which was the time when farmers sold their cattle to McDonald’s and Burger King.
July embraces many independence days. First, there is Canada’s national holiday of Dominion Day, which is celebrated on July 1. Canada was once a colony of Great Britain, but with the passage of time, sections of the country were allowed to join together to form their own government. On July 1, 1867, Britain approved the union and Canada became an independent country.
Since Canada’s birth falls on July 1, very close to July 4, the peoples of Windsor, Canada, and its sister city, Detroit, situated opposite each other on the Detroit River, join hands annually for a week-long celebration of togetherness. The event is called the International Freedom Festival.
Then there is “Tax Freedom Day,” which came and went on May 7. If you don’t remember, it was the day when the average American earned enough money to pay his/her aggregate tax bill for the year.
And now comes more good news. “Cost of Government Day” will arrive on July 3. It is the day when the average American will earn enough money to pay not only the direct tax impositions, but also his/her total spending to other government bodies for borrowed funds and the hidden costs of regulatory impositions. It is a fitting prelude to America’s Independence Day on July 4.
So, let’s rejoice as we finally gain independence from the overall tab imposed on us by our federal, state and local governments. Hallelujah! Our Day of Independence on July 4 will be covered in next week’s column.
The next story has nothing to do with days of independence. In fact, it is a random, isolated, unconnected bit of information that I think is fascinating and I wish to share with you. For three days, July 13 to July 15, Buddhists in Japan remember their dead. This observance is called the Festival of Bon (Lanterns).
During this celebration, spirits of the dead supposedly return to the living. Houses and graveyards are cleaned, and people buy food, incense and decorations at special Bon markets.
A lighted lantern at the door welcomes the spirits. Then the family goes to the cemetery, where they place food and the lanterns on the graves and invite the spirits to join them. On the last day, rice balls are put out for the spirits to eat on their return journey.
When I die, I would be most appreciative if someone placed a lighted lantern and a few fresh Italian cannoli (the ones with the green dots over the cream) on my tombstone. My smile would last forever.
Another important celebration not dealing with Independence Day occurs during the second weekend in July. Scottish clans from all over the United States and Canada gather ‘round Grandfather Mountain near Linville, N.C. to indulge in “Highland Games.” Music and dancing, as well as track and field events, are held. Contests of strength such as tossing the caber (similar to a short telephone pole and as long as 20 feet and weighing as many as 150 pounds) are heaved.
Men and women in colorful kilts perform the sword dance, the Scottish Reel and the Highland Fling. And the mountains echo with the wail of bagpipes and the thunder of drums. You can differentiate between Scottish clans by their last names and their tartans — the plaid design on their clothes.
France observes its national independence day on July 14, Bastille Day, or “Fete Nationale.” This day means as much in France as July 4 does in this country. On July 14, 1789, a ragged mob, on its way to the bastille (prison), swept through the streets looking for justice. It was the beginning of the French Revolution and independence for France.
Not to be outdone, South America celebrates on July 24 the birthday of Simon Bolivar (“El Liberador”), the George Washington of South America. Gen. Bolivar fought for the freedom of the Spanish colonies in South America and won independence for Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Finally, on July 25, Puerto Ricans will also celebrate a “Constitution Day.” For more than 400 years, the island lived under Spanish rule. But following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spain gave up Puerto Rico to the United States. Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution on July 25, 1952, becoming a free commonwealth.
There you have it, my enlightening independence days lesson for July. So, peoples of the world, enjoy July to the fullest, for it comes around but once a year.
Reach columnist Alex Berger by e-mail at timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 140.
