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Heritage Day vs. Braai Day

I know I’m not the most organised person in the world, but I’m not terrible. I remember my mother’s birthday and stuff so I can’t be that bad, right? Which brings me to the conclusion that I must be subconsciously trying to punish myself for transgressions I’ve committed in my youth.

Why am I being so dramatic? Well because Heritage Day is now the FOURTH bladdy public holiday that has snuck up on me this year. 

So once again, while everyone else has taken Monday off and made plans for lazy long weekends and exotic getaways, Idiot Child here will be sitting at home watching paint dry.

In an effort to combat Missed Public Holiday Induced Depression, or MPHID as I like to call it because it’s shorter and I made it up, I’ve decided to really sit and think about the Heritage vs. Braai Day issue.

First, some history for those of you who are too lazy to Google: In KZN, the 24th of September was celebrated as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the eponymous Zulu king.  Later, Heritage Day grew from that to give all South Africans a day where they could observe and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.

I think that idea is just lovely, so I was among the peeved when this day was hijacked as Braai Day.

But then I started thinking: Celebrating my cultural heritage would be really tricky as I have no idea what it is. Voortrekkers? Hell no. Volkspele? You mean archaic dancing to ripped off German folk songs? Not so much. Stealing land and denying people the right to vote? You see where I’m going here.

So, as far as cultural practices go, throwing foodstuffs onto a fire on a nice day is by far the most inoffensive and enjoyable of the lot. And the kicker? All South African cultures like to braai. Shisa Nyama, barbeque, braai – call it what you will, it’s something most of us have in common. I’ve heard that even English people braai these days, albeit with briquettes or, yes folks, gas.

So I’m going to get myself invited to one of these gatherings on Tuesday, and enjoy being part of such a diverse society that blesses us with so much beauty (and public holidays).

What will you be doing? And do tell me, what element of your heritage will you be celebrating?

Oh, and will someone please remind me about Christmas in time so I don’t forget that one too? 
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