by Phoenix, HSM team writer

Never has there been so much uncertainty over the fate of Home’s future; consider it a reminder to take every opportunity to celebrate with friends in Home. Celebrate the freedom this virtual platform has afforded many of its users. Here, we have the freedom to be who we are; and for some, Home is only place in which they can do that.

In America we celebrate our day of independence with fireworks on the Fourth of July. Did you know France has something fairly similar? Bastille Day — le quatorze juillet.

Bastille Day is a French national holiday; it celebrates the fall of the Bastille — the infamous prison — as well as the Fête de la Fédération: the unification of France. 

The basics of this holiday are rooted in the same kind of change that was sought by our own country in a time of complete royal rule under the British monarchy. The fight to have representation for every man and equality for the people under the law of the land was the aim. In May of 1789, King Louis XVI held the Estates-General to hear grievances from the people. The people were represented by the deputies of the Third Estate. These men decided to break with the formal National Assembly, and on June 20 they took an oath to stand together until a constitution had been drawn up giving them the rights they sought. Soon, members of the other estates joined this group who had taken the Tennis Court Oath, so named for the place where it was taken.

On July 14, the people rose up, storming the Bastille in an effort to secure arms and ammunition. The Bastille had been a political prison, holding some people without appeal. Though heavily guarded, the gates of the Bastille were opened to the mobs of people. Fighting continued in the following weeks, until — on August 26 — France saw the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen created.

Bastille Day was celebrated the next year (1790), and has grown in pomp and popularity every year since. In many ways, the celebrations resembles our own 4^th of July. Parades and fireworks, parties and celebrating with friends.

It is perhaps a cliche that the average American knows little of international history (or even their own; were it not for the French, the American Revolution would have been soundly defeated by the vastly superior British forces), but even if that cliche is rooted in truth, one of the next big AAA games that a lot of people are going to be playing is the upcoming Assassin’s Creed: Unity, which is set precisely during the onset of the French Revolution.

In Home, why not join the French in celebration on July 14^th? Throw a party, or join one. Home has the perfect space for these celebrations: Granzella’s City of Flowers Paris personal estate is ideal for this. Light up the night sky with fireworks from Lockwood, and watch as they burst with the French pride of independence over the Eiffel Tower, there in the distance.

If you are one of the many that has found your voice and independence in Home, celebrate it. Take to the virtual streets and enjoy the freedom you have.

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2 Responses to “La Fête Nationale in Home”

1. Dr_Do-Little says:

   July 12, 2014 at 12:04 am

   Of course for me “La fête Nationale” is june 24th. St-Jean Baptiste. Québec national day. We celebrate it with fireworks and HUGE bonfire.
   As for the 14th. ALLEZ LES BLEU!!” and that’s what I will be listening too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekoxIb85rww

   And btw… VIVE LE QUÉBEC LiiiiiiIBRE!!!”

   Reply
2. Phoenix says:

   July 16, 2014 at 12:43 pm

   Cool!!!

   Reply