You may have been witness to some pretty spectacular fireworks last weekend, but what were they all about? Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long, and May Long Weekend, is a Canadian holiday held on the Monday preceding the 25th May. Celebrated across the country, Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday and a distinctly Canadian observance.
The holiday originated as a celebration to honor Queen Victoria, who ruled Great Britain and Ireland for the majority of the 19th century. Victoria Day was officially declared a Canadian federal holiday in 1901 - the year of Queen Victoria's death but has been observed in Canada since 1845.
The holiday was originally celebrated on the 24th May, Queen Victoria's birthday. But an amendment to the law in 1952 established that Victoria Day be observed on the Monday preceding the 25th May. When Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, Victoria Day became her official birthday in Canada, even though her actual birthday is the 21st April.
After this weekend, it’s a fairly safe bet that there will be no more frost until the fall, so now is the time to get out in the garden and start planting! This is also the time of year when people start to open up their cottages for the summer season. So, if you’re looking for something new to spruce up the cottage, or you just want a bit of colour and greenery around to freshen up the house or the office, give us a call on (416) 236 8273 or visit us at oleander.ca and we’ll be happy to help you out! And, in case you were wondering, Queen Victoria’s favourite flower was the humble violet.