Happy Columbus Day

Today is the second Monday in October and the day that we celebrate the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus.  But, was Columbus the first to really discover America on his voyage in 1492? 

Hawaii and South Dakota do not celebrate Columbus’ “discovery” today.  Hawaii celebrates what it has named “Discovery Day” instead as a commemoration of the Polynesian discovers of the islands.  And South Dakota has a State holiday today designated as “Native American  Day” to recognize the native Americans that were here before Columbus.

And yesterday, October 9^th, was Leif Erikson Day.  A now familiar idea is that the Vikings were the true European explorers that “discovered” this New World.  Leif Erikson Day is an official day of observance in seven states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Colorado, Washington and California).

Personally, I think the first people probably came across the Bering Land Bridge that once connected Alaska and Siberia – although that theory is now being challenged because some think it became flooded over much earlier than previously thought.

But no matter – today is a holiday from work for some and that’s always to be celebrated!  So let’s raise a toast to all of the Explorers that dare to travel to exotic lands – may their discoveries always be fruitful and may Man always stretch to find new Frontiers …

This is my nautical fabric to make up a quilt to honor Explorers who traveled by sea.  I'll work up something soon!