While the writers of the b5media Lifestyles Channel may be scattered about globally, one thing we all have in common is a celebration of fireworks.  Whether it’s the U.S. and our Fourth of July – or a very different kind of holiday in Perth – we all know the unique smell that penetrates the air and the sense of freedom the mere sound of them instill.  There is truly something so divine about a celebration of fireworks – they do create some of the most treasured memories.
Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework …read more

June 6 is Queensland Day in Australia. The holiday marks the anniversary of the day that Queen Victoria signed the letters patent in 1859 that created a separate state of Queensland from New South Wales.
An official holiday since 1981, Queensland Day is celebrated with parades, cook-outs, and by honoring the achievements of Queenlanders during the past year.
(map © martynam/cc license)

February 6 is Waitangi Day in New Zealand, a national holiday that commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on that date in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi made New Zealand part of the British Empire and gave the native Maori rights of British citizens including the right to vote and own land. (Like most treaties of that era, this one was upheld by some; ignored by others, a fact that some Maori residents protest to this day.)
Waitangi Day is marked by a 21-gun salute, the raising of the British colors, and a reenactment of the treaty signing …read more

January 26 is Australia Day, the national holiday of the “Land Down Under.” The day, which commemorates the first European colony in Australia begun in 1788, is marked with fireworks, parades, ferry races, and family gatherings.
Australia Day is also when the Australian Prime Minister announces the annual “Australian of the Year” award. This year’s winner is country singer, Lee Kernaghan. Past winners have included opera singer, Dame Joan Sutherland; cricketer, Steve Waugh; and tennis player, Evonne Goolagong.
Happy Australia Day to all of our friends “Down Under.”
(image provided courtesy of australiaday.gov.au)