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Get ready to celebrate our unity in diversity on Commonwealth Day this March 11! This remarkable celebration dates back to 1898 when it was known as Empire Day. Rebranded as Commonwealth Day in the 1950s, this global observance unites 54 member nations in celebration of their shared histories, future aspirations, and of course, the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that span continents. On this special day, we honor our common values, shared language, and the mutual respect and understanding that define the essence of the Commonwealth. Immerse yourself in the festivities and dive into a world of vibrant diversity!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Empire Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>Empire Day, the precursor to Commonwealth Day, was first celebrated to honor the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1902</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Empire Day Widely Recognized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of Empire Day spread throughout the members of the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Transition to Commonwealth Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Empire Day was renamed and rebranded as Commonwealth Day to reflect the changing relationship among member nations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Set Date for Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Commonwealth Day was officially moved to the second Monday in March each year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Commonwealth Day Themes</div><div class='timeline-text'>To emphasize the unity and shared values, the observance of Commonwealth Day began to be centered around specific themes each year.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Discover commonwealth literature</h3><p class='facts-text'>On Commonwealth Day, explore the rich literary heritage of the member countries. Read classics or discover new voices from around the globe. From the poetry of Derek Walcott of St. Lucia to the novels of India’s R.K Narayan.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook and share commonwealth cuisines</h3><p class='facts-text'>Delight your taste buds with cuisines from the diverse member countries. You could organize a potluck with friends where each one brings a dish representing different nations of the Commonwealth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Document a virtual tour</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create a virtual tour of several Commonwealth nations by researching each country's unique culture, history, and landmarks. Share this virtual journey with friends and family and learn about the world together.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a multicultural fashion show</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize a fashion show that celebrates the traditional clothing of Commonwealth nations. Participants can research and present outfits from various cultures, promoting diversity and unity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Start a commonwealth day discussion group</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create a discussion group to talk about current events, history, and cultural topics related to Commonwealth countries. This would be a great way to learn about and celebrate the diversity that exists within the Commonwealth.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Showcases the diversity and unity of Commonwealth nations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Commonwealth Day is a time for people across all 54 member nations to come together to celebrate their unity and shared values. It's also a spectacular showcase of the incredible cultural, historical and ethnic diversity within the Commonwealth. The day honors not only what makes us unique, but also what brings us together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes understanding and shared learning</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through initiatives such as literature exploration, commonwealth cuisines, virtual tours, and discussion groups, Commonwealth Day provides opportunities for individuals to learn more about the different nations and their rich histories. By understanding each other better, we can create more endearing and tolerant global societies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages participation and involvement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Commonwealth Day encourages proactive participation and collaboration. Through organizing multicultural fashion shows or setting up food festivals, people play an active part in the celebrations. By actively engaging in these activities, people can experience first-hand the spirit of togetherness and unity that the Commonwealth represents.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The term 'Commonwealth' has roots in an old English phrase</h3><p class='facts-content'>Derived from the old English phrase 'common weal', the term 'Commonwealth' signifies public welfare or common good, a concept that lies at the heart of Commonwealth Day celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Queen delivers a special message on Commonwealth Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, Queen Elizabeth II, as the Head of the Commonwealth, delivers a special address which is broadcast throughout all member nations, underlining the unity and shared purposes of this global family.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Commonwealth Day has a unique symbol — The Commonwealth Flag</h3><p class='facts-content'>On this day, the blue and yellow Commonwealth flag is flown, representing the unity of the member countries. The symbol in the center of the flag is a golden globe, surrounded by 34 spears, one for each of the original member countries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Commonwealth Day's themes are as diverse as its members</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, a unique theme is selected for the observance of Commonwealth Day. From "A New Generation" in 2000 to "Delivering a Common Future" in 2020, these themes reflect the goals, aspirations, and spirit of the Commonwealth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many of Commonwealth's members have their own national Commonwealth Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though celebrated together on the same day globally, certain member nations also dedicate another day of the year as their national Commonwealth Day to further foster understanding and appreciation of the Commonwealth's values at a local level.</p></div></div>
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