Bastille Day is a celebration of rememberance and recoginition of the freedom that was attained after the storming of the Bastille. In 1789, the French citizens could no longer live under the oppressive rule of the kings and queens of France, especially under King Louis XVI. The defeat of the Bastille, a French prison, marked the beginning of the French Revolution, which was evenutally won by the people. This ended the absolute monarchy of France. Americans can relate to this event because it has had the same effects as the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4th. By signing that document, the United States declared it's right for freedom from the British monarchy. After the American Revolution, the United States was free from the oppressive rule from across the ocean. Both countries have celebrations based on the events that shaped their nations government and history, and Bastille day is the celebration for the French.
Every July 14th, citizens of France celebrate their national holiday throughout the country, but the is an especially large concentration of citizens in the nation's capital, Paris. By gathering in Paris and proudly displaying the French flag and colors everywhere, the citizens aquire a sense of solidarity. During the celebration and gathering of people communitas, "a bond uniting people over and above any formal social bonds" is created. "In communitas there is a direct, total confrontation of human identities which is rather more than the casual camaraderie of ordinary social life." (Turne & Turner 1982). Each year the country congregates and remembers the past that has led to a change in their government. On this day everyone is just a citizen of France celebratiing with his or her fellow citizens, nothing else matters, not even social status. Bastille Day is a holiday where people focus on the common bond they all have, their pride in France, and they do not focus on the differences between one another. They remember with honor the event of the storming of the Bastille, which resulted in the power placed in the hands of the citizens. This great feat is an important event in their nation's history and is treated as such.
During this celebration, people line the main street in Paris, called the Champs Elysées and watch the parade. This parade is not just of floats and bands, but consists of differents branches of the military, dressed in full uniform, marching down the street. The use of the military in the parade serves to help remember why people are celebrating. It is because the French people fought to change the injustice in their government and were successful. This adds to the pridepeople feel in their country. In figure 3, this can be seen, along with a large amount of French flags decorating the street. Along with the parade, "La Marseillaise" is often sung. This is a song of the revolution and was composed by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle on April 25, 1792. (Weber 1991) Part of the song lyrics are:
Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé.
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé.
(Arise, children of the nation!
Our day of glory is here.
For against us we see raised
Tyranny's bloody banner!)
This celebration commemorates the past, when France was under an absolute monarchy, but it also reminds people that they have the power to change their nation. Bastille Day acts as a unification of the citizens of France and creates a sense of solidarity. Despite what is going on in the country, every July 14th the celebration occurs and everyone remembers what their nation stands for. It helps to join everyone to celebrate in a common event. The people come from all over France, from different cities and areas to celebrate their national holiday together. They are one people. Through coming together and working with each other, they were able to accomplish their goal of ending the reign of Louis XVI.