Harmony Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
FEATURED
Today is Harmony Day, a day for us to celebrate cultural diversity and encourage inclusivity. It is a celebration of our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds through respect and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Today is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As we celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity, it is also important to focus on combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises.
We asked our volunteers about their thoughts on cultural harmony and connection. Here's what they had to say:
What does cultural harmony mean to you?
“Cultural harmony, for me as an Italian Australian, represents the beautiful blend of my heritage and the diverse culture of Australia. It’s about embracing our differences while celebrating our shared values, which fosters a sense of belonging and community. This harmony plays an important role in encouraging positive mental health and happiness, as it allows us to connect with others, share our stories, and learn from one another and unite. When we come together, respecting and valuing each other's backgrounds, it creates a supportive environment that nurtures our well-being and encourages us to thrive as individuals and as a community.”
“To me, cultural harmony is about being open-minded and embracing the diversity of different cultures. It’s not just about coexistence but about genuinely valuing and celebrating those differences. One of the ways I feel most connected to different cultures is through food, I love trying dishes from around the world. Whether it's through different restaurants or attempting them at home, food is such an immersive way to understand and appreciate culture.”
“I believe cultural harmony means a society that all people of different backgrounds are respected and valued. I think embracing diversity is really important because it allows to learn from each other and celebrate how unique we all are. I don’t believe that it’s about simply coexisting with everyone. It’s about learning and understanding and making sure everyone in the world has a sense of belonging.”
“Everyone appreciating the beauty of each other's culture (language, music, myth, ritual....)”
How would you encourage others to connect with culture?
“I’d suggest organising fun activities that are related to the persons cultural such as cooking classes or cultural festivals. I think utilising social media to share stories with each other and to learn from each other would promote cultural harmony and create connections. I think having more open discussions about cultural heritage and what this means to each of us could help young people appreciate their culture more. Making these connections engaging and accessible would be really beneficial for young people to feel confident in their cultural identity.”
"I’d encourage young people to start by talking to their family members, asking questions about their history, traditions, and personal stories. Being curious and open can lead to a deeper appreciation of your own cultural background. Taking classes related to your culture is another great way to connect. For example, I recently took up Greek dancing, and it's been such a rewarding experience—not only have I learned a new skill and a fun way to stay active, but I also feel a much stronger connection to my heritage.
If your culture has a language of its own learning it through classes, apps like Duolingo, or conversations with native speakers can be an amazing way to engage. And if you enjoy cooking, learning traditional recipes from family members or online can be both meaningful and delicious!
For connecting with cultures outside your own exploring their food by going to restaurants or trying to cook their dishes at home is a great way to start. Additionally, learning a new language, even just a few phrases, can also be a great way to connect. If you want to learn more - reading news articles, watching YouTube videos, or exploring documentaries on different cultural histories can be a fantastic way to broaden your understanding."
“I think this could be as simple as introducing cultural traditions, story and history. This could be done through food, dance or music. Young people can learn through festivals, language, and events. Open conversation is also important because it opens doors to curiosity, respect and pride within their own culture but also other people’s.”
“Through arts and music, because I think art in general has no boundaries everyone can feel a part of a person's identity (including culture) through art.”
If you're interested in reading more, you could check out this Harmony Week discussion for some suggestions on celebrating cultures and responding to racism.
Some more resources from ReachOut
