When recent immigrants arrive in Canada and go through the process of becoming permanent residents through taking the Canadian citizenship test, there are a large number of tasks and challenges that await them, some of which may be more enjoyable and simple than others. From establishing a new home to finding employment and getting used to local life, there are many potential difficulties in store for new Canadians, though there are also plenty of ways in which new citizens can discover the country and its people in a positive and exciting way. Learning about new traditions is a central component of becoming a Canadian, and recent immigrants are sure to find that their friends and neighbors are more than happy to help introduce these new traditions and customs and make them a part of the new citizen’s Canadian experience.Many of the traditions currently practiced in Canada have roots in customs and ideas from America, England, and France. Particularly centered around the holiday season, religious rituals for Christmas compose a significant part of the national traditional landscape. Of course, Canada is home to a large number of people from various parts of the world and who have adopted a wide number of religions, and there are correspondingly many holiday traditions hat are celebrated throughout the calendar year by different ethnic and religious groups. Often, Canadians of specific ethnic backgrounds will incorporate local ideas or preferences into their traditions, putting a distinctly Canadian spin on the celebration.
There are also a variety of distinctly Canadian traditions that have been enriching the country and its people for many years. The celebration of Canada Day, for instance, is a major event that takes place each year on July the 1st and commemorates the federation of the British North America provinces. Canadians also celebrate Victoria Day and Remembrance Day, special national holidays that pay tribute to the valiant and famous among Canada’s past generations.
One of the greatest parts about traditions in Canada is their ability to be quickly learned and adapted to personal tastes and ideals, a convenience which has resulted in a great diversity of celebration and ceremony types. Whether approaching the marriage of a friend or loved one, looking forward to the Winter holiday season, or simply searching for a good reason to celebrate, new Canadian citizens are sure to find something interesting and fun to anticipate that speaks volumes about the distinct culture and personality of Canada.
Sometimes, those who establish themselves in a new country, especially when that new country is exotic or far away, can feel torn between their previous place of residence and the country in which they hope to forge a new life, and immigrants in Canada can certainly be faced with this challenge. Through learning about, understanding, and taking part in Canadian traditions, however, new citizens can feel more at home in their new country and gain a greater sense of belonging.
This is an important year for all new and former Canadians. The Queen will be doing her 22nd royal visit for Canadian Day! Many of us will be able to see Canada in the flesh.
What an exciting time!!!!!
Yes!!!! The Queen. Sometimes I wonder how a country can be independent and still have a Queen that has no real power. For the sake of what really?
I would be a little jealous to share my queen with other 51 nations….
Mary Roc
We are a small community of Hindu that celebrate our holidays in pace and understanding. Fortunately we never encountered a repression from the government of fellow citizens. We feel really comfortable in that fact.
Ananda
Ananda. I think there is more than one reason for what you describe.
Canada was forged in the mist of two nations, the French and the Briton. After years of war both citizens had to reach to the understanding and respect of the others believes and costumes. Thats is how Canada was build. We also have a great rate of immigration from almost every country in the world. Canada is more prepared for cultural diversity that other places in the planet.
That is something to be proud of.
I’m not quite sure if you are right CANADIAN69 with the idea of “needing to be proud of being part of a country that is more prepared for cultural diversity”. You may feel I’m being tough but I do feel world’s economy is undergoing such a huge crisis because of people moving from 3rd world countries to 1st world countries looking for a job. If this continues, in a couple of decades I’m totally sure Canada will end up being one more of those countries with lost of poverty and unemployment. We should STOP this right now and help our country!