The Facts of Harmony Day

Harmony Day is a celebration of Australian cultural diversity which held on every year 21 March began since 1999, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a day of cultural respect for everyone who lives in Australia. Since 1999, there have been more than 70,000 Harmony Day events held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’. The main meaning of the Day is to engage people to come together and participate in the society and local activities. It focuses on community participation, inclusiveness, celebrating diversity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Official Colour: Orange

Orange is selected to be the official colour to represent Harmony Day because orange means social communication and meaningful conversations. In addition, orange signifies the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. There is a tradition that Australians are encouraged to wear something orange and/or the distinctive orange ribbon to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

21 March is also International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It also celebrate a series of events and activities worldwide on March 21 each year. The purpose of the Day is order to remind people of racial discrimination's negative consequences and to encourage people to remember their responsibility and legal duty to combat racial discrimination. On the Day, people usually run some activities and events like a webcast from the UN headquarters, and some events aim to assist young people to voice their ideas, find a right way to fight racial discrimination. Moreover, some essays, photo projects and published articles have been uploaded to against racial discrimination.

Posted by Wenhua Tian 
                   Mi Yuan