It's not often that two major anniversaries fall in one month. However, the people of Britain, other Commonwealth countries, and places around the world had a double cause to celebrate in February 2012. The famous English novelist Charles Dickens lived during the reign of Queen Victoria, but in 2012, he is sharing a celebration with the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The British royal family and people around the world celebrated the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on February 6th. February 12th marks two hundred years since the birth of famous English novelist, Charles Dickens. With special events around the world, the month will be a memorable time for many people.
Celebrations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Most of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations will come in June, according to a BBC report on the event. However, February 6th marked sixty years since the death of her father, King George VI, and the beginning of her reign. The only other monarch to reach such an important milestone was Queen Victoria, whose reign spanned much of the nineteenth century. This year, Accession Day included gun salutes at the Tower of London, Hyde Park, and Edinburgh, as well as visits to a school and town hall in Norfolk. The participants will likely remember the event for years to come.
International Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
People around the world are finding unique ways of celebrating the Jubilee. In Britain, a set of stamps with official portraits of the Queen will help remind people of the event every time they mail letters, and even governments outside Britain are celebrating. The Canadian government is also marking the event. According to the official website of the Governor General of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal will honor Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their communities or who have helped enhance Canada's reputation from their homes in other countries. The award will honor both the queen's contributions to Canadian life and history and the achievements of Canadians in helping to make their world better.
Charles Dickens, Victorian Society, and the Modern World
Improving society might not have been uppermost in Charls Dickens' mind as he wrote his novels, but portraying poverty and the inequities of life became one of his best-known skills. As the BBC article on the Dickens celebrations states, the famous author's ability to create memorable stories with vivid characters who remain relevant even now. In the days leading up to his birthday on February 12th, people have been holding readings of his works, as well as an international readathon and many other events. Although Dickens is not alive to share the experience, the many people who continue to enjoy his books can help celebrate the two hundred years that have passed since his birth.
February 2012 is only the beginning of the celebrations for these two famous people. Throughout the year and beyond, many people around the world will continue to consider the impact a queen and a novelist can have on their societies.
Sources:
BBC News Entertainment and Arts. "World Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Dickens' Birth."
BBC News UK. "Diamond Jubilee: Queen Celebrating 60-Year Reign."
The Governor General of Canada. "Diamond Jubilee Medal."
Susan Huebert - My name is Susan Huebert, and I'm a writer and editor from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I've always enjoyed words, and I graduated with a Bachelor ...
