Celebrating 4Th Of July: India's Take On American Freedom

The 4th of July is a significant day in American history, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is a day when Americans celebrate their independence and the founding of the United States of America. But what about Indian Americans or the people of India? Does India celebrate the 4th of July?

The answer is nuanced and varies among individuals and communities. While India as a country does not officially commemorate the 4th of July, the U.S. Embassy of India in New Delhi marks the occasion with celebrations, including food, music, dance, and a symbolic drill performed by Marines.

For Indian Americans, the 4th of July can be a complex holiday due to the historical treatment of Native Americans and the history of immigration and citizenship laws in the U.S. Some Indian Americans choose to reflect on their place in American history and show solidarity with other underrepresented groups. Others may gather for cultural ceremonies and celebrations, especially in tribal communities.

Ultimately, the 4th of July prompts Indian Americans to contemplate their relationship with the United States and what it means to be American.

The US Embassy of India celebrates the 4th of July in New Delhi

On the eve of the 246th Independence Day of the United States of America, the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to India, Patricia Lacina, addressed the assembly of dignitaries. In her speech, she highlighted the values that shaped the founding of the United States, including equality, self-governance, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. She also acknowledged the 75 years of official diplomatic relations between the United States and India.

The Indian foreign secretary, Vinay Kwatra, also addressed the gathering, marking the significance of the occasion for both countries. The Roosevelt House, the venue for the celebrations, featured a large monitor displaying highlights from 75 years of US-India relations. The evening celebrated the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations and honoured their shared history.

American Indian tribal gatherings often take place on or near the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a complicated time for American Indians, who have a complex relationship with American independence. The Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal", but also labels Native Americans as "merciless Indian Savages".

In the 1880s, the US government developed the Religious Crimes Code, which prohibited American Indian ceremonial life. This banned dances and feasts, disrupted religious practices, and destroyed or confiscated sacred objects. It was enforced on reservations under threat of imprisonment and the withholding of rations.

In response to this suppression, some tribes saw the 4th of July as an opportunity to continue their important ceremonies. Reservations were allowed to conduct ceremonies on Independence Day as a way to encourage patriotism and a celebration of American ideals.

This is why many American Indian tribal gatherings take place on or near the 4th of July. Over time, these cultural ceremonies became tribal homecomings, where veterans were welcomed home as modern-day warriors. The Navajo Tribe of Arizona and the Pawnee of Oklahoma, for example, use the 4th of July to honour their tribal veterans.

However, not all American Indians celebrate the 4th of July. Some see it as a reminder of the negative consequences of colonisation and the loss of culture and land. Others simply get together with family for cookouts, like many non-Native American citizens.

American Indians' complicated relationship with the 4th of July

The relationship between American Indians and the Fourth of July is a complicated one. While some tribes hold ceremonies and celebrations on or near Independence Day, others refuse to acknowledge the holiday, citing a history of oppression and broken treaties.

The Declaration of Independence, which includes the famous statement that "all men are created equal", also refers to Native Americans as "merciless Indian Savages". From the beginning, U.S. government policy contributed to the loss of Native American culture and land. In the 1880s, the U.S. government developed the Religious Crimes Code, which prohibited American Indian ceremonial life. Enforced on reservations, the code banned Indian dances and feasts, disrupted religious practices, and destroyed or confiscated sacred objects, under threat of imprisonment and the withholding of treaty rations. For 50 years, Indian spiritual ceremonies were held in secret or ceased to exist.

In response to this policy of cultural and religious suppression, some tribes saw the Fourth of July as an opportunity to continue their own important ceremonies. Indian superintendents and agents justified allowing reservations to conduct ceremonies, saying it was a way for Indians to learn patriotism and to celebrate the country's ideals. This is why a disproportionate number of American Indian tribal gatherings take place on or near the Fourth of July. Over time, these cultural ceremonies became tribal homecomings, and American Indian veterans in particular were welcomed home as modern-day followers of warrior traditions. The Navajo Tribe of Arizona and Pawnee of Oklahoma, for example, use the Fourth of July to honour their tribal veterans.

However, many Native Americans choose not to celebrate the Fourth of July because of the negative consequences to Indian people throughout history. One person from Dallas, Texas, explains: "Now, being First Nations people, I have never celebrated the 4th. It is a reminder of what has happened to our people. White history portrays this land as nothing till they discovered it." Another, from Shawnee, Oklahoma, says: "I do not celebrate Independence Day, simply because the Declaration of Independence labels my people 'our enemies, the merciless savages of our frontiers.' You notice the colonists were already calling the frontiers 'ours' when the land was not theirs."

The US Independence Day is a time of reflection for Indian Americans

For many Native Americans, the 4th of July serves as a reminder of the loss of culture, land, and life that came with the expansion of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, which states that "all men are created equal," also includes language that refers to Indigenous people as "merciless Indian Savages." This contradiction reflects the complex and often violent history of US-Indigenous relations.

In the 1880s, the US government implemented the Religious Crimes Code, a set of regulations that prohibited American Indian ceremonial life. These regulations banned traditional dances, feasts, and religious practices, and led to the destruction or confiscation of sacred objects. As a result, some tribes began holding their cultural ceremonies on or around the 4th of July, as a way to continue their traditions under the guise of celebrating American independence. Over time, these gatherings became opportunities for tribal homecomings and the honouring of tribal veterans.

Today, some Native Americans continue to use the 4th of July as an opportunity to gather with their communities and celebrate their culture. For others, it is a day of mourning or a reminder of the historical injustices inflicted on their people. Some choose to spend the day with family, while others engage in acts of service or work to uphold their traditions and values.

Indian Americans have played a significant role in the history of the United States, including serving in the military and contributing to the diversity and richness of American culture. As Governor Kathy Hochul of New York stated, "Indian Americans have made incredible contributions to our civic life." Indian Americans have excelled in various fields, including government, science, business, art, and cuisine.

In conclusion, the 4th of July is a day of reflection for Indian Americans, who hold a range of perspectives on the holiday. For some, it is a time to celebrate freedom and patriotism, while for others, it is a reminder of historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and cultural preservation.

Indian Americans' mixed feelings about celebrating the 4th of July

Indian Americans have mixed feelings about celebrating the 4th of July. While some choose to celebrate, others abstain, and many approach the day with a sense of ambivalence and reflection.

The 4th of July is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which states that "all men are created equal". However, this statement is at odds with the treatment of Native Americans throughout US history, who have faced cultural and religious suppression, loss of land, and a decrease in population size. The Declaration of Independence also labels Native Americans as "merciless Indian Savages".

In response to policies prohibiting their ceremonial life, some Native American tribes began holding their important ceremonies on or around the 4th of July. Over time, these gatherings became tribal homecomings, and a chance to honour tribal veterans. The Navajo Tribe of Arizona and the Pawnee of Oklahoma, for example, use the 4th of July to pay tribute to their tribal veterans, singing tribal flag songs and veterans' songs.

For Indian Americans, the 4th of July can be an opportunity to reflect on their place in US history and show solidarity with other historically underrepresented groups. The holiday presents a dilemma: is it right to celebrate when the historical discrepancies are so apparent, and when the promises of liberty and equality have not been fulfilled for all?

Indian Americans have a complex relationship with the 4th of July due to the country's history of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. While some choose to celebrate, others use the day for reflection and to strengthen their sense of community.

Frequently asked questions