Happy Victoria Day!

For those of us in the US, we'll have to be content celebrating International Jazz Day and National Escargot Day today on May 24th, but for those in England, Canada and other former British colonies and territories, they get a more glamorous holiday today: Victoria Day!

Although the holiday also is intended to celebrate the birthday of the current monarch, the day is named for Queen Victoria. In case you're bad with your history like I am, Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years - wow! - and was the longest reigning monarch of England's history. You've heard of the "Victorian Era" right? Well, that's her.

Some areas will have parades and fireworks to celebrate, and this holiday is also considered the unofficial beginning of the summer season as well. (Guess that's kind of like how in the US a lot of pools will open on Memorial Day because it's finally warm enough.)

The woman seems impressive. She was schooled in German, English, Italian, Greek and French, arithmetic, music and her favorite subject, history. When she was informed that she would one day be Queen, she replied, "I will be good." That's confidence. Oddly enough, since she was royalty, she had to be the one to propose to her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She is quoted as saying about him, "…dear Albert… He is so sensible, so kind, and so good, and so amiable too. He has besides, the most pleasing and delightful exterior and appearance you can possibly see." They were married when she was 20 (they married in February, she turned 21 that May). History seems to reflect that they had a happy marriage. (Which seems to be rare considering how many others had mistresses and illegitimate children...)

Victoria became Queen at the age of 18 - very impressive considering how many 18-year-olds today can't support themselves let alone run a country! She endured 3 assassination attempts, and had nine children. Like I said, pretty impressive.

So, wherever you are celebrating May 24th, and whatever you are celebrating today, have a great Saturday!

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