Columbus Day – A Day of Mourning

On the 2nd Monday in October, we celebrate Christopher Columbus Day in the USA. He is heralded as one of the most important explorer’s in history. “1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue” is the phrase. The textbooks laud him as the first person to sail to find the new world. The public schools press this so all the students can be good citizens and celebrate the day Columbus came here.

However, not all celebrate this day. For some, it is a day of mourning. For others, it is a reminder of a brutal time in their country of origin’s history. For the Native Americans, they lost their land, their lives, their freedom and ability to move around with nature. For others such as those from the Philippines, it is a reminder of the history lessons of how the Spanish “discovered” their islands and ruled over them often brutally for 333 years. Some of the greatest atrocities were committed by the priests.

For the background history of Christopher Columbus and the times influencing his journey’s, I would recommend reading up on it here. Also, no matter what perspective you are reading this from, this is not to be used as a critique against Christianity. A key detail often overlooked is the measure of a “Christian” is how much their lives are in line with the example of the kind, loving and peaceful Jesus the Nazarene or Jesus Christ. One of the hallmark traits of the goal of emulating Christ is following of the Ten Commandments. The actions of many during the empire expansion times of England, France and Spain can easily be shown to going counter to the basic tenets of Christianity & the Ten Commandments. These silly things are do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, and do not covet.

Another crucial detail to factor in is Christopher Columbus was not the first man to discover the land that came to be known as the Americas & the Caribbean. Neither were the Vikings or ships from Asia. Native Americans, Aztec, Incas, and more were already here. This was their land, their gold, their lives. However, I will let you determine for yourself if Columbus should be revered or the day mourned. The next quotes will be taken from Columbus’s journal. Put yourself in the place of the Caribbean natives, the Native Americans, and all from South America as you read the below. Emphasis mine.

Thursday, 11 October 1492 –

“The Admiral called upon the two Captains, and the rest of the crew who landed, as also to Rodrigo de Escovedo notary of the fleet, and Rodrigo Sanchez, of Segovia, to bear witness that he before all others took possession (as in fact he did) of that island for the King and Queen his sovereigns, making the requisite declarations, which are more at large set down here in writing.”

“Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: "As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force,”

“It appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion. They very quickly learn such words as are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I intend at my return to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language.”

Sunday, 14 October - “I do not, however, see the necessity of fortifying the place, as the people here are simple in war-like matters, as your Highnesses will see by those seven which I have ordered to be taken and carried to Spain in order to learn our language and return, unless your Highnesses should choose to have them all transported to Castile, or held captive in the island.”

“We set sail about ten o'clock, with the wind southeast and stood southerly for the island I mentioned above, which is a very large one, and where according to the account of the natives on board, there is much gold, the inhabitants wearing it in bracelets upon their arms, legs, and necks, as well as in their ears and at their noses.”

Tuesday, 16 October – “This is a very large island, and I have resolved to coast it about, for as I understand, in, or near the island, there is a mine of gold.”

Friday, 19 October – “But in truth, should I meet with gold or spices in great quantity, I shall remain till I collect as much as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.”

I encourage you the reader to read the entirety of the two included links and think about the information contained within from the viewpoint of those who lived here first. Then ponder the question – Is Columbus Day a day of celebration or a day of mourning?