Day off for Independence Day in Papua New Guinea

When did the Day off for Independence Day in Papua New Guinea start?

The first recorded date of Day off for Independence Day in Papua New Guinea being celebrated on September 15 was in the year 1975.

About Day off for Independence Day in Papua New Guinea Holiday

Today is a special day for the citizens of Papua New Guinea as they celebrate the country's Independence Day. The people of Papua New Guinea commemorate this day by proudly flying the PNG Flag and wearing traditional clothing. On this very day, forty-three years ago, the nation declared their independence from the United Kingdom.

It is a day for the citizens of the nation to come together and remember the hardships and achievements of their collective journey as a nation of diverse culture and beliefs. On this special day, it is customary for citizens to join in festivities such as parades, musical performances, and traditional dances. This celebration of freedom and independence is a time to enjoy the individual and collective diversity of the nation and enjoy the different aspects of its culture and history.

Independence Day in Papua New Guinea is a day of national pride and joy. It marks the time when the nation fell in love with its sovereignty and declared its freedom from the United Kingdom. On this day, Papua New Guineans take a day off from their daily work and responsibilities so that they may enjoy the day to celebrate and honor the nation’s independence. So, let us come together and honor the nation’s independence and enjoy the festivities of the day!

Day Off For Independence Day in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, an island country located in the Pacific Ocean, celebrates its Independence Day on September 16. Established in 1975 after the country gained independence from Australia, it is celebrated to commemorate the day Papua New Guinea became a self-governing nation.

History and Origin

Papua New Guinea was colonized by Germany in 1884 and subsequently annexed by Australia in 1906 before gaining its independence. The country held its first parliamentary election in 1964 which formed the Legislative Assembly and then wrote a new constitution in 1973 followed by the proclamation of the country’s independence on 16th September, 1975. The first Prime Minister, Michael Somare, declared a public holiday on the day of independence and since then, it is a sign of proud and patriotic celebration.

In preparation for independence, the parliament met to discuss a national anthem, a flag and a formal declaration of independence. A nationwide district-by-district referendum was held throughout the then-Australian regulated territory to decide upon a flag and an anthem, as well as to select a National Parliament. Finally, in May 1975, a flag was selected, a song was decided upon and the new parliament was appointed.

Significance and Meaning

Independence Day is seen as a spiritual and cultural celebration for the nation and its people. It is a reminder of the efforts and sacrifices of the country’s independence heroes, those who have fought for the nation’s freedom and continue to work to preserve its identity.

The celebration of independence in Papua New Guinea is not solely centered on national pride, but also aims to bring diverse cultures of the nation from every corner of the country under one roof. It is a day to recognize and appreciate each other’s cultural and language heritage.

Traditions and Celebrations

Independence Day celebrations in Papua New Guinea span different regions and bring communities together. Government celebrations are held in the capital city of Port Moresby every year. The day begins with the national flag being hoisted and the national anthem, O Arise All You Sons, being sung.

People participate in the festivities by wearing traditional clothes, such as the bilas for men and grass skirts for women, with flowers in their hair. Following, a large parade is held with marching bands, cultural dance troupes, military parades, floats and traditional weapons. Other activities include musical concerts, plays, and traditional sports competition.

In addition to the country-wide government celebrations, local festivities will usually include singing and dancing, feasting with family and friends, and traditional activities, such as traditional painting and wood carving. Churches hold special services, and schools hold various activities and competitions related to the day.

Geographical Spread

Independence Day is observed and enjoyed throughout Papua New Guinea and is celebrated especially in the capital city of Port Moresby and in the provinces of the country. The provinces include Eastern Highlands Province, Enga Province, New Ireland Province, East Sepik Province, Gulf Province, Manus Province, Morobe Province, Milne Bay Province, Highlands Region, Southern Region, Momase Region, National Capital Region, and West New Britain Province.

Though the celebrations cannot be considered the same in different parts of the country, most people, in practice, exhibit celebrating the day as an expression of their local identity and pride.

Since 1977, there have been regular observances of the cultural and native values of Papua New Guinea, where cultural festivals are held to encourage national unity and strengthen cultural ties between different provinces.

Modern Day Observations

Independence Day celebrations in Papua New Guinea have been modernized over the years. Technology is being utilized to spread the day’s message and its memory. Social media plays a major role, with many people organizing events, posting tweets, and availing the offered discounts at stores.

Cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Papua New Guinea, put on exhibitions and open their doors to the public showcasing art from both before and after the nation’s independence. Television, radio, and other media outlets broadcast religiosity, stories, interviews and programs about independence day, helping to inform the public.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The national language of Papua New Guinea is English, but 872 other languages are also spoken throughout the country.
• Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse nation in the world, with a wide range of languages, dialects and accents.
• The country is home to some of the world’s oldest and most diverse cultures, with many different ethnic groups inhabiting it.
• The Independence Constitution of Papua New Guinea was largely written and adopted in English.
• The national anthem of Papua New Guinea, O Arise All You Sons, is thought to be based on a traditional freedom song of a from the country’s Wosera-Gawes culture.
• Independence Day celebrations include a lively street festival with people dressing in traditional costumes and performing dances from all the different tribes in the nation.
• The Papua New Guinea Flag has three elements: the upper black stripe stands for the indigenous people, the red symbolizes the blood shed for freedom, and the bird of paradise stands for the nation’s unity.
• The currency of Papua New Guinea is the kina.
• The annual budget for Independence Day celebrations in Papua New Guinea is over K100 million.
• The official flower of Papua New Guinea is Hibiscus Splendens.
• The official bird of the country is the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise.

Holiday Wishes

1. Happy Independence Day! Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful celebration!
2. May the independence and liberty of your nation fill your heart with joy and happiness. Happy Independence Day!
3. May today be a day of joy and freedom for all the people of Papua New Guinea.
4. Wishing you a day of joy, pride and glory on this Independence Day.
5. May the courage and spirit of our freedom fighters continue to inspire us all! Happy Independence Day!

Holiday Messages

1. As we celebrate the independence of our nation, let us remember all those who have worked to make this day possible.
2. Today, we express our admiration to those who have devoted themselves to the cause of freedom.
3. May we use the spirit of freedom to inspire us to build a brighter future.
4. Let us embrace the spirit of this day and celebrate the special bond of our nation.
5. May the bond of our nation grow stronger with each passing year!

Holiday Quotes

1. “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” – Mahatma Gandhi
2. “Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance.” – Woodrow Wilson
3. “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
4. “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
5. “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

Other Popular Holiday Info

On Independence Day, the president and other members of the government greet the public and launch projects dedicated to the nation’s growth and development. Schools distribute flags, organize activities, and hold classes and debates to raise awareness about the importance of the holiday and the history of the country’s fight for freedom.

The holiday carries a symbolic and religious sentiment and recognition of the importance of freedom. People celebrate it to honor the freedom of the nation and the individuals. It is a mind-set of ensuring freedom and justice rise above all. The day is also a reminder of the duties and responsibilities of people to protect their independence and freedom.

Independence Day for Papua New Guinea is a reminder of the great contributions and sacrifices of our heroes and a day to honor our unique identity and history. It honors the legacy of the country and its people, and reaffirms the joys and importance of freedom in the life of every Papua New Guinean.

Happy Independence Day!