BJU Press Blog

Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Around the World

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celebrating independence with fireworks
Are you ready to celebrate the Fourth of July? Most families across the nation share similar traditions for this holiday. Who doesn’t have fond memories of family picnics and then waiting for nightfall to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display? Celebrating independence is a key element of our American culture. But America isn’t the only nation that celebrates its independence. Have you ever wondered how other nations celebrate their independence? Here are some Independence Day traditions from other nations.

Celebrating Independence in Mexico

Mexico’s united cry of Viva Mexico makes the nation stand out. Though many Americans are familiar with the text of our Declaration of Independence, those words never became a part of our traditions. The story of Mexico’s independence shows just how powerful such a declaration can be. In the little town of Dolores on September 16, 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell to summon the town. With a speech, he called the people to war. His speech sparked the war for independence against Spanish rule. The exact words of his speech are lost to time, but it’s now known as El Grito de Dolores—the Cry of Dolores. Today, El Grito officially begins Independence Day celebrations. The Mexican president reenacts El Grito, ringing a bell at the National Palace and reciting a version of Hidalgo’s words. At the end, crowds erupt in unison with ¡Viva México!

Learn more about Mexican Independence Day traditions!

Celebrating Independence in Malaysia

Like many other nations, Malaysia celebrates its independence with parades and fireworks, but it takes a different approach to the themes of its celebrations. As a nation made up of several different people groups, Malaysia can’t depend on similar ideologies to create unity in its people. Instead, it sets a new theme to focus on each year for its Hari Merdeka—Independence Day—on August 31. These themes often focus on Malaysia as a nation or on unifying values. Past themes have been “Because of You, Malaysia” (2000–2006), “Good Values Make a Successful Society” (1997), and “Together Towards Vision” (1993).

Celebrating Independence in Finland

We all know the story of Paul Revere’s ride and the significance of one or two lanterns, but in Finland, two candles in a window mean something entirely different. Before gaining independence, Finland was  part of the Russian Empire. Even though the nation had its own government, it still suffered great oppression under the Russians. Traditionally, the people would place two candles in their windows as a silent protest against the empire.

However, the candles got a new meaning during World War I. Many young Finnish men traveled to Germany to volunteer for the German army. There, they would be trained as elite infantrymen called jägers. Since the journey from Finland to Germany was dangerous under Russian rule, families would offer the soldiers-to-be food and shelter by placing two candles in their windows. Even though the jägers weren’t able to return home until after Finland gained its independence on December 6, 1917, these expert soldiers made great contributions during the Finnish Civil War and later defended their country against the Soviet Union in 1939. Today, many of the Finish people still place candles in their windows in honor of those brave soldiers.

Learn more about the history of the jägers!

Do you know of any other Independence Day traditions from around the world?

The First Fourth

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How do you make the Fourth of July come alive for your students? Try letting them experience the exciting events of the first Independence Day through the journal entries of fictional character David Thackeray, the fourteen-year-old son of a Philadelphia storekeeper.

July 2, 1776

All of Philadelphia is in a fervor of nervous anticipation. The Continental Congress has been in session these many months, and we have yet to hear the outcome of their decision. While many colonists still speak of making peace with England, my father says the king made that impossible by declaring us—England’s sons and daughters—enemies. But the people who come into my father’s shop say that even now the men of Congress are deciding the colonies’ future. “Nay,” my father tells them, “our future is in the hands of the Almighty God, and no king or colonial leaders will change that.” I am glad to think the king cannot control us, but I will confess that I am more than a little scared of his troops!

July 4, 1776

It is decided. The colonies have chosen to seek independence no matter what they lose in the attempt. I heard the town crier in the city square near my father’s shop: the Declaration of Independence will be read for all to hear in four days’ time. For now, the excitement of the people congratulating each other in the streets is enough to cause my father to shake his head in wonder. “You would think they are joyful to bear arms against those who have been their brothers!” Father’s eyes grow weary when he speaks of the war, but my friends and I love to watch the minutemen practice on the village green. We cannot wait until we are allowed to enlist! Mother gets quite irritated when I come home covered in the black smoke of gunpowder, but the smell excites me more than even that of her best fresh bread.

July 8, 1776

Father closed the shop early so that he and I might hear the reading of the great Declaration in the town square this even. The square was packed with people from all over the city. Men talked among themselves—some waving their arms wildly—as they shared news trickling in from all over the colonies: accounts of the patriots’ defeat in Quebec, details of the battle at Sullivan’s Island, and even more recent tales of another British naval defeat at Fort Moultrie.

“Hear ye, hear ye!” began the town crier. “By order of the Continental Congress, I hereby proclaim this Declaration of Independence in the hearing of all present, that the country of England may witness the Colonies’ firm determination to stand against all unjust attempts to claim authority over their God-given rights and free will.” I never knew a crowd of so many people could become so suddenly, absolutely silent and still. “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. . . .”* The crier’s voice rang out over our heads and seemed to penetrate my very heart.

The list of the colonists’ grievances against England and her king were long, but never will I forget the words that followed: “We, therefore . . . solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States . . . . And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”* When the crier finished, there was the faintest pause as the enormity of this Declaration sank in. Then the crowd erupted in a roar of cheering.

The future lies in a cloudy haze before our colonies, but to the bottom of my heart I am certain of this: I will know no other home than my United States of America.

*quotation from Declaration of Independence

Read the entire Declaration of Independence

View a Timeline of the American Revolutionary War