Australians celebrate their country just like Americans do. In the United States, common traditions include celebrating Independence Day, singing the National Anthem in front of the American flag and eating dinner together with family. In Australia, traditions can look a little different. For example, Australians have both an Old Parliament House and a New Parliament House, which are government buildings similar to the White House. If you stand on the steps of the New Parliament House, you can see the Old Parliament House in the distance. These buildings were designed this way to remind the Australian government of the growth of democracy.
One of my favorite Australian traditions I have experienced during my time here is the “Nutbush.” The Nutbush is a popular line dance where everyone knows the steps and performs the same moves together. Kids your age learn how to dance the Nutbush in school, and even moms, dads, teachers and grandparents know the dance too.
This tradition became popular in Australia in the early 1970s. While Americans were dancing to disco music during that time, Australians were dancing the Nutbush. Today, people in Australia still dance the Nutbush at parties, weddings, school recess and other fun events.
